The Collected Works of Robby Drinkwalter

The Collected Works of Robby Drinkwalter

McKean County and Other Stories

McKean County - Part Four (of Four)

Then there’s this.

Matt Lang's avatar
Matt Lang
Feb 26, 2022
∙ Paid

Previously: He did not want even one night of his singular life on this earth to end with him sitting at the Eagle until closing time, so he paid his bill and walked out the door.

Part Three

Back to Part One

Matt Lang & Stephanie Taylor Go On a Date

Matt pulled up to Stephanie’s house in his mom’s car. It had been twelve, fifteen years since he’d driven down this street.   The houses looked thirty-percent more ramshackle. More boards on windows, more cars on blocks in driveways, more awnings propped up by two-by-fours. He couldn’t bring himself to get out of the car and admit he was part of this world. He watched while Stephanie came down her front steps carrying a canvas duffle bag. She threw the bag in the back seat where it landed with a thud and a clang.

Hey.

That mouth.

Hey. I thought we could head to Olean, get something to eat.

She sat down, pulled the door closed.

What’s with the bag?

She clicked her seatbelt in place. Nosey much?

Just curious.

Let’s go. I’m up for anything.

This is a reader-supported publication. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Matt Lang
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture