Page 9 of New Year, New Guy
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‘There’s a Jail Ale for you and a soda water and lime for the poor driver.’
He wasn’t sure what he’d done to rattle her again but her humorous words weren’t reflected in her cool expression. Hunter sniffed the deep brown, hoppy brew before taking a long satisfying swallow. ‘Boy, that’s good.’
‘Better than that weak Yankee stuff that’s not fit to be called beer?’ one of the local men yelled over, and when Hunter told him where to stick his head, including the words ‘sun’ and ‘not shining’, it elicited a rough laugh from his new acquaintances.
‘We’d better sit down before you start a riot.’
‘Pick a table.’
‘This’ll do.’ Laura flopped down in the nearest chair and thrust a menu at him.
‘Put me out of my misery and tell me what the heck a Cumberland ring is? I assume y’all don’t eat jewellery.’
‘It’s a meaty sausage flavoured with herbs and shaped into a ring.’
‘That’s a relief.’ A tiny smile eked out of her flattened lips. ‘I’m gonna give the mixed grill a try.’ With enough meat to horrify a vegetarian and the word ‘fried’ repeated multiple times, he suspected he might not have to eat again until tomorrow. ‘What’s tempting you?’ He leaned forward inches away from Laura’s face. ‘After last night, don’t claim you’re a salad in all weathers girl. That Mongolian beef didn’t stand a chance.’
‘I’ll ignore your rudeness.’
‘That was supposed to be a joke.’ Hunter sighed. ‘Tell me what you want and I’ll order. I’m starved.’
‘Oh, get me the chilli con carne.’ Laura was clearly exasperated but too fed up to argue. Hunter wasn’t sure if that counted as a win on his part but hurried off to the bar before she could nix his small triumph.
Chapter Six
For two pins she’d walk out and leave him stranded, but no doubt he’d secure a ride back to Plymouth with one of his new friends. Everyone took to him except for her . . . or at least that’s what she was telling herself.
‘I’m surprised you’re still here. I thought you’d do a runner while my back was turned.’ Hunter sunk into his chair, stuck his long legs out towards the fire and rested his large hands behind his head. ‘Thought about it, didn’t you?’ Laura’s grim silence seemed to amuse him. ‘It was considerate of you to let me warm up some more. We might even be dry when it’s time to leave.’ He tugged the rubber band from his ponytail and shook out the damp, heavy mass of hair. A few stray raindrops glistened on the inky surface. ‘Are you off work until after the weekend?’
‘Um, yes. Why?’
‘Give me a break, Laura. It’s not a trick question.’
‘Sorry.’ She picked at a hangnail. ‘I go back on Monday and then I’m off again on Friday until after the wedding. What about you?’
‘My plans are . . . fluid.’
‘I assume you’ve got a return flight booked?’
‘Can’t wait to get rid of me?’
‘One mixed grill and one chilli.’ The young waitress set down their plates.
‘Thanks, honey.’
‘You’re American.’ The girl’s voice rose along with the colour in her cheeks.
Before she could chip in with a sarcastic response, Laura’s jaw dropped as the very man they were supposed to avoid strolled into the pub. Johnny had his arm draped around a stunning brunette who definitely wasn’t Polly. ‘Shush.’ Herpanic must have shown because for once he obeyed without asking a million and one questions. ‘Don’t turn around.’
‘What’s wrong?’ The waitress frowned.
‘Ketchup.’ Hunter whispered. ‘We need ketchup.’
By her puzzled expression the girl had them marked down as a pair of lunatics. Any second now things would get worse.
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