“Now, we call Felix. And I spend the night at your place,” she said determinedly. Only realizing afterwards how she must sound. “I mean, if that’s okay.”
Finn was already heading to his car. “Can’t say I’m loving the first part of your plan. But I’m definitely on board with the second part. Let’s go.”
Travelling across the bridge that led to the north side of town, Penelope was surprised when they parked just on the other side by the water.
“Here?” she asked.
“I live in one of those flats,” he pointed to the third floor of the building directly in front of them.
Once upon a time, it must have been a stately home in an amazing location on the river. Since then, it had been divided into separate apartments by floor.
Finn grabbed both of their bags, heading towards the entrance. “This way.”
It took a minute for him to notice that Penelope wasn’t following. Instead, her gaze had moved down a few buildings.
“Hey. The Franciscan Well. Bonnie mentioned this bar. She made it sound like a cool place.”
“It is,” he agreed. “It’s my regular.” Hands full, he tilted his head, indicating she should follow him inside.
“What if we go here for one?” she suggested.
“Now?”
She could hear the disappointment in his voice, which made her more resolute. She could tell Finn had other things in mind. It wouldn’t take much for him to distract her, and she was determined to get this phone call over with.
“Yes,” she said firmly. “I could order us drinks while you drop the bags.”
Seeming to realize she’d seen through what he was thinking, Finn smiled guiltily. “Grand. Order me a Blarney Blonde. I’ll be down in a minute.” He paused halfway through the door. “Actually, I might tidy real quick. I wasn’t exactly planning on company. I won’t be too long.”
“Sure,” she agreed, shaking her head in amusement as she passed through the large wooden doors and up a cobbled path.
The building itself wasn’t that impressive compared to others she’d seen. The bar was nice, the space open, but it lacked character. Or so she thought, until she stepped out the back. Then she saw what the fuss was all about. It managed to be open and airy while still cozy. It had a clear, arched covering, which displayed the now-dimming night sky. Along the wooden rafters, fairy lights, hanging lanterns, and lush plants hung. Old beer barrels with stools arranged around them served as tables, along with picnic benches. The whole place was enclosed by a brick wall that gave the impression it was at least a hundred years old. She fell in love with it immediately.
She set herself up at a corner picnic table where there weren’t too many people around. She allowed herself a few minutes toenjoy the indoor/outdoor vibe of the place and a few sips of her cider before getting down to business.
Deciding to put the ball in his court, she texted Felix: You have been unblocked. Give me a call when you can.
She took a minute then to check some other numbers, confirming her latest suspicions. Bonnie hadn’t just blocked Finn. She’d blocked pretty much all of their mutual friends. That had been risky on her part. But not incredibly so. She knew Penelope didn’t really keep in touch with most of them anymore, preferring a close, tight-knit group instead.
Sipping her cider contentedly, Penelope took her time investigating until she felt she’d pretty much rectified her phone status. She’d only just laid it down on the table when it started vibrating. Unexpectedly, it was a FaceTime.
“Hello,” she said curiously, swiping to find Felix staring eagerly back at her. “Why are you FaceTiming?”
She saw the look of concentration on his face and could have sworn she heard a click. “Did you just snap a picture? What the hell, Felix?”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Penny. I just couldn’t take the chance you’d hang up. I at least needed to have a clue where you are.”
All the signs of worry became apparent. The dark circles under his eyes, the more than just stubble on his chin, his slightly overgrown and tousled hair, and the deep-set wrinkles in his forehead.
“It’s okay, Felix. I’m not going to hang up. We’re going to figure this out,” she reassured him. “I know Bonnie cut you out. And she’d kill me for saying it, but she’s miserable without you.”
“What do you mean I’m picking him up from the airport?” Finn asked, taking his second sip of the now flat beer.
“If you can,” Penelope explained again. “He can get a cab otherwise. I just thought it would be helpful if you did. That way, you could text me when you were close.”
“So, we’re not telling her?”
“I think it’s the only way to do it,” Penelope shrugged helplessly.
