I was grateful for that news. “So you don’t mind if I go in for a quick drink, then?” I gave him my most innocent eyes and the most dashing smile, and then he rolled his eyes and motioned for me to go intothedoor.
“Just don’t stay long. Don’t want you getting mixed up in the inevitable shit storm that will happen when theyarrive.”
“Thanks, Joe.” I chuckled and patted him on the arm as I walked through the large doorframe and into the dark,dustypub.
The pub had become my happy place, as it was usually fairly quiet and no one disturbed me when I drank. A large, polished mahogany bar ran along the backside of the room, and the patrons were mostly old men and passing business people who came in for a quick pint and left without so much as a glance. The risk of conversation was low, which suited me perfectly. I wasn’t much for talkingthesedays.
I took my normal seat at the bar and smiled at Jessie, the evening bartender who minded the bar on weekdays. She came over and smiled at me and asked me if I wanted my usual. I nodded, entering the song and dance we had mastered these past twomonths.
I strummed my fingers over the hard surface of the bar as I waited for her to bring me a large pint of bitter. It wasn’t something I’d ever drink back home, as I was more of a martini girl in Chicago. Well, Charlie was a martini girl. I decided after moving permanently to London that I would get used to the local customs. So, Charlie was abittergirl.
Jesse slid the frosty mug towards me and I quickly took a deep sip. I then let out a loud sigh in sheer bliss, happy to finally be out of my shitty one-room apartment. I sat alone for a while, drinking my beer, tracing the lines and cracks in the mahogany bar top with my fingers to pass the time. The usual nagging in my mind that happened every time I began drinking grew loud, but it subsided somewhat when I chugged down the rest of the pint. Jessie didn’t have to ask, she just poured me a second and slid it to me downthebar.
“And a shot of whiskey, if you have it,” I spoke up. I was feeling particularly irritated that day for some reason. I needed to do as much mind numbing as I could possibly manage. Jessie smirked and poured a shot of whiskey for myself and one for her. We both clinked glasses and slammed the shots back. I chased it with my beer, and smiled backather.
“Taste’s just like Mom used to make,” shewinked.
A wouldn’t necessarily call Jessie my friend, but she was the closest to it that I had in the city. Our friendship consisted of her pouring drinks and me drinking them, but it was the best relationship I couldhopefor.
I sat in silence as a drank my beer, staring off into space and letting my mind wander. I had to be careful when I was lost in my thoughts as often my mind would wander back to that dark night of the incident. My mind began to go there, and I shook my head and pulled myself back to reality before it wenttoofar.
“Hello?”
I jumped in my seat in response to the man I hadn’t notice take the stool next to me. He raised an eyebrow at me and looked at me expectantly, as if waiting for me to saysomething.
I was confused and took another sip of my beer as I looked back at him with mild annoyance. “Can I help you withsomething?”
The man laughed and leaned against the bar. “I asked how you weredoing.”
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t hear you.” I took another sip my beer andeyedhim.
When I didn’t say anything further, he leaned in closer and asked, “So,goodthen?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m fine, thanks. Just been here winding down after a long day. Enjoying the peace and quiet.” I took another sip of my beer as I gave him my bestgo awayexpression. “Alone,” I added when he didn’t seem to relent. I turned back to my beer and ignored him, hoping that he would getthehint.
He didn’t. “So, you’re here by yourself?” He placed his elbow on the bar and rested his chin in his hand as hewatchedme.
I sighed loudly and turned to look at him. “Yes. Look, I’m here alone because I want to be. I’m hoping for some peace and quiet. I don’t mean to be rude, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to sit and drink my beer...alone.”
The man raised his hands in the air in surrender and then accepted his drink from Jessie as she walked past. “Sorry, didn’t mean to bother you. I just saw you sitting here alone and thought you might want somecompany.”
I realized then he wasn’t going to leave. I sighed and then did my best to offer him a forced smile. “I appreciate it. I really do. But, I don’t mind being alone.Really.”
“Well, no sense being alone if you don’t have to be.” An incredibly handsome smile spread across his face and he took another sip of his drink as he settled back into the seat next to me. Despite my irritation, I found it hard tolookaway.
“My name is James.” He exuded confidence, a trait I wasn’t sure I admired ordespised.
I took notice that he didn’t ask for mine, but simply sat there expectantly, waiting for me toanswerback.
I gave him a weak smile and nodded before taking another sip of my beer. After a few moments, I finally gave in. “Charlie.”
He extended his hand to me, and I accepted it. He had a strong handshake, and he held my hand in his just a few seconds longer than what felt initially comfortable with a stranger. I pulled my hand back and held my cold beer with both hands. He smiled at me and his eyes sparkled with the multi-colored lights abovethebar.
The pub smelled hot and sticky from the stale beer and the endless bodies that began to constantly move through. A large, noisy fan sat in the far corner that helped keep the place cool, and as it turned towards the bar James’s scent blewoverme.
My mind flashed open again, the link with the vampire strengthened as it flared to life. I inhaled sharply in response and braced myself on the bar. I heard a loud roar and I knew I had upset him somehow. Once the initial shock wore off, I couldn’t help but smile. Good, any opportunity to piss him off was one win for me. James looked concerned, but didn’t say anything. When he didn’t look away I simply shrugged and took another sip of my beer. “Just a little bit ofvertigo.”
I took a moment to think of what possibly could have set him off, and then I smelled it again. The scent ofawolf.
