As we walked, I said, “Yeah. If you think you’re hearing inner conflict, it’s because my decision-maker is ping-ponging on a five second loop.”
“I suppose it’s up to me to close the deal over dinner.” He slanted his smile toward me. “Feeling the pressure, as you Americans say.”
I laughed. “No pressure. I mean what do you really care? If I don’t take the job, some other person who is sure to be more qualified will be over the moon to get it. The compensation package is better than a lottery win. The village is a dream. The people are nice. At least those I’ve met. And the position comes with the kind of respect few people ever get to experience.”
“Well, then. Sounds like my job is done.” He clapped his hands. “I knew I was good, but even I had no idea my powers of persuasion are so advanced that no persuading is necessary.”
With a chuckle, I said, “I guess it does sound like I’m doing a sales job on myself. But there’s no denying the perks.” I decided to shift the conversation away from myself, even if just for a while. “So, you don’t live in the town.”
“No. Towns scare me.”
I barked out a laugh. “This town scares you?!? That’s impossible.” He shrugged. “Okay. So, it is the noise? The smog? The rush hour traffic? The muggings?”
He smiled. “The herpes.” When my mouth fell open, he laughed. “A joke, love. Herpes is a human thing.”
“Of course, it is. So, you live in the country all by yourself?”
“If you’re inquiring as to my ‘social status’? I’m single. Yes. I live by myself.” He pulled open the pub door. “You know one of the very best things about Hallow Hill?”
“What?”
“This is one of the last pubs in the whole of Britain that does not have tellies playing football matches all the day and night. It doesn’t even have to be a live match. They’ll play endless reruns, most places. Bugger if I get it. The whole point of a pub is conversation. Right?”
“Right.” I nodded, liking him more every minute. It was easy to be amiable on that point because I happened to agree. Wholeheartedly. Not being familiar with any other place in Britain I didn’t know the charm of Molly’s pub had become unique. Now that my consciousness had been raised, it was another item in the plus column, which in a way made no sense. If I went back home the question of tellied pubs and non-tellied pubs wasn’t on the radar.
Keir caught Molly’s eye behind the bar and pointed to a table off to the far side next to the cold, but still ambient fireplace. He let me choose where to sit. I took the chair with my back to the room so that I’d be spared the curious stares and could just enjoy dinner.
When Keir had settled into his chair, Geoffrey stepped over. I looked up and was greeted by a nod and a smile.
“Magistrate,” he said simply.
I cocked my head. “I know what you’re thinking, Geoffrey. And, yes. I did bring money.”
He grinned and looked at Keir, who said, “Dark pint. What’s the catch?”
“North Sea haddock.”
“I’ll have that broiled with lemon on the side,” Keir said.
They both looked at me.
“Um. I’ll have a Mike’s Hard Cranberry Lemonade.” I said it knowing that they definitely wouldn’t have it, just to see if I could throw Geoffrey off guard.
But he surprised me responding, “Bottle or glass?”
I gaped. “You’re not saying you have Mike’s Hard Cranberry Lemonade.”
Geoffrey was clearly enjoying this. “I am saying that. Yes.”
“Ah. Well, bottle. Definitely.” When he stood patiently, continuing to smile, I realized he was waiting for me to tell him what I wanted to eat. “Oh. I’ll have what he’s having.” I then glanced at Keir as if Geoffrey might not know who was being referenced. Which was beyond silly. “I don’t suppose you have, um, tartar sauce?”
With hands clasped behind his back, Geoffrey rocked on his toes and nodded. “Molly made some fresh for you.”
“Okay. So does everybody in Hallow Hill know everything there is to know about me?” It may have come out sounding more challenging than I intended.
Geoffrey’s smile fell and he looked like he’d love nothing more than to run, but props for standing his ground. “No madam. I don’t think so. I believe Lochlan let your preferences be known here so that your favorites would always be available.”
“Oh,” I said, calming down a little. I narrowed my eyes.