That was what it took. two beers. One was a waste because it wasn't enough to even feel a buzz. But two... well you wouldn't get drunk but you would get that buzz. If you drank two beers then even that first one was better because the experience of looking forward to the buzz from the 2nd beer would make that first 

beer

give you a buzz. It was like magic.

Yes warm beer. He would have to hide the fact that he had opened another beer from Jane (or Charlene... wht was her name again?) he would need to go to a different room, or better yet, outside and crack the can open. He would pretend to be taking a walk or something.

"I'm going out to circle the block. See you soon" he yelled while he put his hat on.

Outside he held the can low and to the side, right under his hips. He would have to actually cricle the block otherwise he would feel guilty. He was willing to lie about this unaccounted beer but he didn't want to lie about the walk. It was a nice evening. Balmy air. The kind that made his eyes feel different. There were sounds of children playing nearby. He thought of how things used to be. Back then before everyone had to be on the 

apps

and you would just watch them. You would go on strolls like this and watch people and run into them. You would have to talk to them in person rather than through a chat box or a pulsating avatar photo. That was a strange time.

He did enjoy just watching people on the apps. But he also wondered whether he'd be happier if the world had never gone down this path.