Happy Hour

[lady_bols]

Alex had only intended to come down for a pot of tea and a plate of Garibaldis.  Maybe a book or three.  Instead, she's greeted with a napkin.  'I'm sorry, you want me to what?'  

Another napkin appears, this time, with a strange glyph that implies maternal concern.  'I'm not turning into a hermit.   I just -- it's been a difficult few weeks.'  To say the least.

Another napkin appears, this time, invoking the tried and true: Guilt.  

'Oh all right.  If it's only for a few hours, I suppose I can manage without mucking it up too terribly.  You go on and have a nice nap.  I'll mind the shop.' Another napkin implies gratitude and indicates where the specials board is.

'Right, then.'  Alex looks a little lost as she slips behind the bar.  First things first, an apron.  And then a white cotton towel to drape over her shoulder like a proper barman.  Taking up the chalk and board, she thinks for a long moment and then writes out in a careful, flowing hand:

Specials

Red or White Wine
by the glass or carafe

Boddington's Ale

Scotch whiskey

Pot of Tea or Coffee

She makes herself a pot of tea, and sends one of the rats off for her biscuits.  'Happy hour is up, you wretched hive of scum and villainy.'

It's said with all due affection. 

[ooc: Happy hour is up!  I'm in and out because I'm doing laundry, and I may decamp to a coffee shop later, but have at!  I have to call slow for a bit.  Back later.  Enjoy! Thread hop! Do what you do best, M'ways.  <3]

Comments

[cook_the_rude]

A man in a suit comes up to the bar and looks at the specials.

[lady_bols]

'Afternoon,' Alex chimes, putting her skills to good use. 'Cultured. European, I'm guessing. Do you prefer red or white?'

[cook_the_rude]

"Good afternoon," the man in the suit says. "It depends on the grape and the vintage, naturally."

[lady_bols]

'Well, of course.' Alex spins in place, before locating the wine fridge tucked neatly beneath the bar. 'Yes, here we are.'

'I myself prefer a good French vintage from the Rhône Valley, say a Syrah or a Viognier? She has California wines here, as well. Napa and Sonoma Valleys.'

[cook_the_rude]

"What year is the Rhône Valley Viognier from?" the man in the suit asks.

[the_gene_genie]

'Who're you calling scum?'

Rude.

He takes the stool at the end of the bar - all the better for watching the blokes that turn up. If any of them get a bit familiar, he'll have to have words.

[lady_bols]

'It's a movie quote. And hello to you, too.'

She steps up lightly on the bar and leans over, crooking a finger at him.

'Beer or Scotch?'

[the_gene_genie]

'Both.'

He pulls his lighter from his pocket, and leans over as instructed.

'Hello.'

[lady_bols]

'Coming right up.'

She hooks his tie and pulls him in for a kiss, soft and warm, but quick. Staying close for another breath, she grins at him, and smooths his tie before stepping away to fill his order.

'Something to eat?'

[the_gene_genie]

'Yeah, OK.'

He perches on a stool, and lights a fag.

'Blimey, Bols. I could get used to you bringing me drinks without an argument. It's like Christmas.'

There may be an appraising eye being cast over the bar.

'You could do with a shorter skirt, though. If you really want to play the part.'

[balancingminds]

Charles smiles at her as he sits down at the counter, "A Scotch would be wonderful."

[lady_bols]

She smiles back, wiping her hands on her apron and retrieving another bottle that is not Gene's.

'Coming right up.' Her movements are deft and efficient, and she slides it across to him with a certain amount of pride.

'Let me know if it's not to your liking. She has quite the selection back here.'

[balancingminds]

"She does and I've yet to find a bad one," He takes a sip and lifts it to her with a smirk.

"Very nice. I don't think I've seen you tending before."

[lady_bols]

'It's my very first time behind the bar,' she admits, a little self-conscious.

'But since she didn't give me much of a choice, I don't think she can be too bent if I bollocks it all up. And I've spent enough time in pubs, I think I've got the gist of it.'

[balancingminds]

"She knows her patrons well and you seem to be off to a good start. My name's Charles Xavier,"

With a smile, he pats the counter and then offers Alex his hand.

[redintheledger]

"I'll take a cup of coffee," Nadine decides, after a moment's deliberation. She's wearing the shorts and t-shirt that she'd walked in wearing yesterday, but her face has been scrubbed of the make-up.

Still some traces of glitter, but that's the nature of the stuff.

[lady_bols]

'Right.' Alex gives her a concerned look up and down, and moves to quickly provide the life-giving elixir.

'Long night?'

[redintheledger]

"Friend's thirtieth," she says with a wry smile.

"Thank god for Milliways, the boss neeeeever has to know."

[lady_bols]

'That's the way to do it. On the sly between universes.'

Alex takes down one of the big mugs and fills it half way.

'Need room for cream?'

[redintheledger]

Nadine pauses, and then smiles. It's not a broad smile, but it's gleeful nonetheless.

"Why not. If I'm being sly, I might as well add being indulgent to the mix."

[gotham_knocking]

"So what's that ale like? Similar to beer, right?" You would think after all this time in the Bar, Knox would have tried something new.

[lady_bols]

'Pretty much,' Alex turns to take in the newcomer with a warm smile.

'You want a taster? I can splash a little in a glass for you. We do it with wine, I don't see why we can't do it with ale.'

[gotham_knocking]

"Sounds good to me." He wonders why bars don't that more often.

Probably because they hate giving anything away.

[lady_bols]

She seems a dab hand with the taps, and pulls him just a few sips into a clean glass.

'Here you go. I think you'll find it a better pint than your American beers.'

[gotham_knocking]

"Thanks." He takes the glass and takes a sip. "Not bad. Different." Not beer, though. But... "I guess one full glass would be fine."