Today, all day long, his phone had remained silent. If only he felt more confident, he might have dialled any one of his builder buddies and dragged them out for a brew. But social connection had never been a strong point and he usually waited for one of them to call him. In a fit of irritation, he threw the remote down on the sofa just as the phone on the arm of the chair pinged with an incoming message.
With desperate expectation, he grabbed for the device.
Lenny Day.
Amazed at how reading a name could instantly put him in a better mood, he shifted his feet onto the floor and read the text.
Lenny: Fancy a pint at the Lion? I have a favour to ask.
Adrian grinned broadly as his thumbs flashed over the display keyboard with a response.
Adrian: Oh, yes? Should I be concerned?
Lenny: It’s a job, actually. Only if you’re interested. I’d rather explain in person than over the phone.
Lenny: Plus my mother’s driving me up the wall and I need an excuse to get out of this house before I get put away for matricide.
Adrian laughed at the phone.
Adrian: Matricide? Is that something to do with beds?
Lenny: Funny man. So is that a yes?
Adrian: OK, you’ve got me intrigued. What time shall I meet you?
Lenny: It’s 6:30pm. See you there in an hour?
Adrian: Done. And I’ll have a pint of my usual as you’re offering to buy.
Lenny: Did I mention anything about buying?
Adrian: I listen a lot better when someone else is paying.
Lenny: ;0) See you there.
His mood brightening, Adrian threw the phone on the couch before peering down at his clothes. Grimy grey tee, baggy sweats and flip-flops. He jumped to his feet and headed to his bathroom. With the Lion only ten minutes’ walk away, he had time for a long shower and also to decide on something decent to wear. When he heard the voice in his head, he told himself to calm down. This was not a date, simply a new pal meeting up for a drink.
Still, no harm in looking good.
* * * *
Traditionally, except for diehard locals who had nothing else to do with their time, punters avoided the pub until later in the week. When he opened the door, he realised this particular evening was no exception. Adrian found Lenny sitting at the same table they had bagged on Saturday, facing the pub door with two pints of ale already sitting on the table. Lenny had clearly been anticipating him, because his gaze lifted from his phone towards the doorway and the smile that transformed his face had Adrian beaming instantly back, a tingle in his stomach.
“Evening, Adrian. You’re looking sharp.”
Adrian had picked out a pair of denims he filled out nicely, with a tight, long-sleeved burgundy tee—knowing the pub interior would be warm—and his wool-lined black hoodie hanging open. Lenny’s reaction stalled him for a moment, the way his gaze travelled slowly up and down Adrian’s body until their eyes met again. Only then did Lenny’s smile falter and his eyes flutter to his drink, as though he had been caught openly checking him out.
Interesting.
Lenny recovered quickly, looking up and maintaining eye contact this time.
“Under Armour? The tee? I’ve got the same one in my wardrobe. Something else we have in common.”
With a twinge of disappointment, Adrian looked down at his burgundy shirt, realising perhaps Lenny had not been checking him out after all.
“Oh, yeah. I like their designs. Got the same style in three different colours.”
“Looks better on you. Anyway, thanks for coming. Pint of beer, as ordered. Sorry to drag your arse out on a Wednesday night. What have you been up to?”
