Page 17 of Novel Problems

CHAPTER TEN

GEORGE

I cursed Blake. If she’d told me the movie we’d be watching would be about horny teenagers, I would not have invited my new employee. My new employee, who I’d just discovered was single and interested in women.

In between enjoying the main course, beef Wellington paired with an amaretto and whiskey sour, I couldn’t help stealing glances at Hannah and blushing furiously at every sexual innuendo in the movie. Thank god the sun had set so Hannah couldn’t see. Although, given the heat my cheeks were letting off, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were glowing in the dark. This was giving me flashbacks to the embarrassment I’d felt as a kid at any hint of sex in a movie I was watching with my parents. I knew I was being ridiculous, that Hannah and I were both grown adults, and sex was absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. But the romantic setting, Hannah’s close proximity, her off-limits status, and possibly also the two cocktails I’d consumed in the last hour were making me particularly sensitive to any hint of sex. The fact that, before themovie started, we’d been getting along like a house on fire didn’t help either.

Hannah’s leg brushed against mine, sending tingles up my thigh. As much as part of me yearned to maintain that contact, I pulled my leg away.

When the credits finally began to roll, my body relaxed.Thank god.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket to check the time and spotted a text from Ben.

Feeling much better today. Think I’ll be back tomorrow or Friday.

I exhaled in relief. While Hannah and I had just been coping, having Ben back would make a huge difference. I also really needed to give Hannah a day off soon too. She was about to work her third long day in a row, and I didn’t want her getting burned out. With that weight lifted off my chest, I put my phone away.

Hannah picked her satchel up off the ground, and we both stood at the same time.

“The cocktails and food were incredible,” Hannah said. “Especially the beef Wellington. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten that before, but it was delicious. I don’t understand why it lost popularity after the 1980s.”

I chuckled. “Agreed. There are lots of things about the ‘80s that deserve never to see the light of day again—mullets, slap bracelets and fast-food buffets, to name a few—but the beef Wellington is not one of them.”

Hannah laughed. “I personally don’t mind a good mullet. They’re very practical when you think about it. They keep the hair out of your eyes, while protecting your neck from sunburn.” I shot her a horrified look. “Look, I accept mullets are controversial. But I can’t see why anyone would object to beef Wellington. Tender beef, melt in your mouth mushrooms, fresh herbs and buttery crisp pastry. Maybe you should put it on Novel Gossip’s menu, as part of a campaign to bring back the beef Wellington.”

“I’ll talk to Romina and see what we can do to support this important cause,” I said, trying my best to keep my tone serious.

“If you do, I promise to rave about it to any customer who’s willing to listen.”

I grinned. “It’s a deal. Perhaps together, we can turn around the fate of the beef Wellington and reinstate it to its rightful place on menus nationwide.”

In the dim light, I saw Hannah swing her satchel over her shoulder. “While we’re on the topic of ‘80s revivals, can we also bring back the fanny pack? I don’t understand why they get such a bad rap. The way they hold everything securely within arms’ reach is just so practical. And you don’t need to worry about leaving it behind because it’s attached to you at all times.”

“Look, I wholeheartedly endorse reviving the fanny pack, but I think we have to be careful about overextending ourselves. There’s a limit to what we can do.”

“Fine! We’ll just tackle one ‘80s trend at a time,” Hannah replied. While Hannah’s face was only inches from mine, I couldn’t make out her facial expression in the dark. However, judging from the playful tone to her voice, she was enjoying our exchange as much as I was.

“Hey! Do you guys want to have a quick drink at Builders’ Arms?” Jenny asked from behind us.

Suddenly conscious of how close we were standing, I took a step back, nearly knocking my chair over in the process. Another burst of heat rushed to my cheeks.Very smooth, George.

“I’m in,” I said. I turned to Hannah. “Would you like to come?”

My pulse picked up as I waited for her response.

“Sure. Let’s do it,” Hannah said after a pause.

I exhaled, smiling into the dark. I didn’t want our night to end just yet.

“Hannah seems nice,”Blake said, leaning against the bar at Builders' Arms while we waited for Dan, the owner, to finish serving another customer. The pub was bustling with locals, including some who’d attended the movie night. The male couple from Manhattan were sitting at a round high table next to one of the front windows, sipping red wine, and Roger and Prue were at a small table in the back corner, drinking what looked like whiskey neat.

I shot a look at Blake. Was her tone full of meaning, or was I just being paranoid?

“Yeah,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual.

Blake glanced at me and then over at Hannah, who was sitting at one of the rustic wooden tables with Amanda, Jenny, and Olivia at the back of the pub.Okay, that look definitely had meaning.I was not being paranoid.

“What?” I asked.

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