Page 4 of Awake in Cheshire Bay
“He’s eating and drinking and staring at his phone.”
“Cute, huh?”
“And that’s about it.” I shifted on my feet and leaned against the bar, staring out into the pub at the dreamy guy. “Not much personality I’m afraid. Good looking guys never did aspire to the level of charm and sophistication.”
Mr. Welsh lifted his eyes off the phone and connected his gaze with me.
Great, he apparently has super-sonic hearing. I turned around and focused out towards the open-air space on the other side of the bar. It was closed for the season, but it was one of the great things about owning my own business since I designed it and it was a hit for tourists and locals alike.
“So, the crew will be there for a bit?”
“I’m guessing. Oh, hey, I got to go. The First Officer is coming in.”
I set my phone down. Was it up to me to inform Mr. Welsh? Or would his crew keep him up to date. I left it for him to deal with.
After I took care of a few managerial tasks, I walked back out into the pub. Mr. Welsh was still there. I flagged Caroline over.
“Has he had anything else to drink?” I worried the way he pounded back the first drink that more had followed.
“Nope. I’ve checked on him multiple times too.”
“Thank you.” It’s not like I was entrusted with his care or anything.
I gave Cedar a quick text to see if she was still at the airport.
There was a problem lifting the wing up. The plane’s still on the runway.
Well, that can’t be good for business.
It’s not. Management is here and they said I could go home, but this is too exciting.
I typed back, giving a side eye to the VIP. If you say so.
Mr. Gorgeous still there?
You’re engaged, you brat, and you’re having a baby.
I know, I know, I know. Still, nothing wrong with a little window shopping.
Take it out on Mitch.
Oh, I plan on it. L8R.
I looked up from my phone and into the wall of Mr. Hunky. “Hello.”
“Hello.” He smirked. “I pay my tab.”
“It’s all good. On the house.”
“No, thank you. I pay my own way.”
That statement rang far too true for me, and it was the foundation on which I stood. “Honestly, sir, it’s already been taken care of. Maybe someday you’ll come back to visit.”
“Never give business for free.”
“Consider it a sample?” I’d long ago learned that sometimes you do need to give away something for free, it’s part of customer acquisition. If they like it, they’re more likely to add on to their order and buy more.
He riffled through his wallet full of bills and handed me a twenty. “Consider a tip?” He held the folded bill in between his fingers.