Jack navigated Slip Slidin', his 30-foot sailboat into Douglas harbor on the Ilse of Man. Clouds streaked across the sky as the freshening wind blew in from the Irish Sea. The barometer was dropping and the wind promised to strengthen as it wiped salty spay into the air and stung Jack's nostrils. The sun was just starting its final slide down the western sky to hide behind the island and cast a rose hue across the harbor and the 15 other 30-footers entering the harbor mouth behind Slip Slidin' after the days race. Jack had won this race as he often did. A successful tacking duel on the last windward leg and favorable wind shift had carried Slip Slidin' across the line finish line with the sound of the victory gun.
Work had been frustratingly slow and his personal life stagnating. While the sense of victory permeated his body and he wanted to celebrate, he also wanted to avoid the typical post race party. He wanted to get away, escape, to be anonymous. To avoid the fake greetings of the other sailors as they leered at the young racer chases looking for a piece of action. He wanted to savor this victory alone.
He barrowed the harbormasters Vespa scooter and headed north into Onchan. The sound of the 50cc engine whined as the scooter climbed over the hills. After a short ride, leaving the docks behind him town of Onchan before him. He stopped the Vespa in front of a small pub called the Three Legs of Man which posted a bill outs side advertising live music featuring the band Spezialdienste from Germany. Jack smiled. That sounded more like it. He stepped into the dimly light pub and was greeted by the sound of the band playing a cover of "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)." Jack made his way over to the bar and ordered a pint of Okell's Bitter. Drinking the Bitter, his eyes adjusted to the light and he watch the patrons of the pub dance to the music on the small dance floor in front of the band. Finishing his drink, he drifted toward the band, drawn by the motion of the crowd. The sound of the music filled his head as a new song started. He found himself off the left side of the band. The sound of the beat driving his movements he was not conscious of his dancing and gave little thought to the presence of the people around him. Gradually Jack became aware of someone close to him. He glanced down and saw a beautiful brunette dervish at his side seemingly oblivious to those around her.