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

[lady_bols]

'Well, there is that beach out there. And long walks around the lake. And you laughing at me remembering how to ride a horse.'

She leans down on her elbows again, chatting with him eye to eye, willing him not to go there.

'You want to see awkward? I bet that would fit the bill. Cowboy boots and all.'

[the_gene_genie]

'All sounds a bit Mills and Boon.'

Which is to say: poncey, girly, and not at all his thing.

'Though if you want to end up shagging in a haystack, I don't mind.'

[lady_bols]

She smirks, shaking her head. 'Oh no. Hay! Hay in interesting places!'

She tugs on his sleeve on little, toying with the button on his shirt.

'We could always put up a dart board. That's the one thing that this place is missing, you know.'

[the_gene_genie]

'We had one. I used to replace it out of my own pocket when some twats kept breaking it.'

He says 'his own pocket'; it went on his tab, which he still hasn't got 'round to paying off.

His cigarette is finished. He grinds it out, leans over and kisses her. Seeing as she's there.

'I reckon we could cope with hay in interesting places.'

Now to, y'know. Find a haystack.

[lady_bols]

She lights up at the kiss, her eyes closing for a brief moment, savoring his closeness. His tone makes her smile, and she actually looks a bit bashful, looking at his shirt buttons. Her hand slips into his and she gives a little squeeze. It's still a rare and wonderful thing just to be able to touch him like this.

'Insufferable,' she murmurs, pushing back with a great deal of effort and throwing him a heated look.

'You're a bad influence, Sheriff. If you don't mind my saying.'

[the_gene_genie]

'Yeah, you love it.'

He sits back, and his lips purse speculatively at the look on her face.

'You need a good bit of corrupting, I'd say.'

[lady_bols]

She takes up a few glasses and starts polishing, clearly to keep her hands busy.

'Do I?' She eyes him right back, waiting to meet his gaze. 'Well, I'm open to any suggestions you might have. As long as they don't involve hay in interesting places.'

[the_gene_genie]

'That's the problem with you, Bols. No sense of adventure.'

Really, it's very difficult on him.

'Must be because you're posh.'

[lady_bols]

'I do, too, have a sense of adventure,' she pouts, though not convincingly.

'I just don't fancy getting hay in -- sensitive areas. So we take a blanket with us. Simple enough.' She shrugs, setting the glass down and leaning against the bar with one hip.

'You never know, I might surprise you. I'm not so posh I don't know how to have a good time.' Party cassettes, Gene.

[the_gene_genie]

'Taking stuff with us ruins all the spontaneity,' he points out.

As if having this conversation about it doesn't.

And he's fully aware that, so far, he hasn't really...well, things are what they are, and it's not like he's behaved in the way he normally would either.

'But I'm all for you surprisin' me, sweet'eart.'

[lady_bols]

'Oh, so now it's me surprising you?'

She hums under her breath, smiling at the thought. Her head tilts slowly to one side, and she taps one finger against her lips.

'You sure you're ready to cast that gauntlet, love?'

[the_gene_genie]

He eyes that expression on her face, and reaches for his smokes.


'...maybe when I get back.'

No. He thinks he is probably not.

Which isn't to say he won't enjoy it when the time comes.

[lady_bols]

She watches him, watches his hands and smiles again, remembering.

'I surprised you on the beach the other day, didn't I?'

It's not all bad, Gene.