Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
His eyes found mine, something in his expression told me he wanted to disagree but he kept it to himself. “Maybe,” he said, lifting his pint and taking a small sip. A dozen thoughts flickered behind his eyes, none of which I could read.
I watched his profile as he studied the expensive bottles of liquor and champagne that we kept on the upper shelves above the bar. “I suppose you have a lot of contacts for procuring expensive alcohol running a place like this,” he said.
“I have a few,” I replied.
“I’ve been trying to find a particular bottle of champagne as a Christmas gift for my parents. It’s an expensive bottle that they tasted once while on their honeymoon back in the eighties. Mam always goes on about how it’s the best drink she ever had. They’re coming to visit next month but I haven’t been able to get my hands on it, unfortunately,” he went on. “You think you could help?”
“Of course, just write down the name and year and I’ll see what I can do.”
“I’ll text it to you,” Conor said just as a popular dance song came on and the women at the table I’d motioned to earlier started squealing and jumping up from their seats.
“Must be one of their favourites,” I said with a smile.
“Must be,” he said but he wasn’t looking at the women. He was staring directly at me.
His eyes held mine, so full of longing I could barely stand it. Rubbing my chin, I focused my attention on the shelves he’d just been studying. “Are you looking forward to seeing your family for Christmas?”
He swallowed thickly, then nodded. “Yes. I haven’t seen them in almost a year. Dylan’s dad and his new girlfriend are coming, too. They’re going to stay in the townhouse. It’ll be nice to have everyone there.”
“That sounds lovely. Ev and I will probably just hang out in the apartment eating cheese boards and watching television.”
“That’s sounds like a pretty decent plan, too,” Conor said just as Kylie appeared over my shoulder.
“Yvonne, Simon York is on the phone about that whiskey order,” she said and I nodded.
“Thanks. Tell him I’ll be there in a minute.” I swallowed back the last of my wine and rose from the stool, turning to Conor. “I’m sorry. I have to get back to work.”
“No rest for the wicked,” he said, something sad in his expression that gave me a pang in my chest. He was putting on a brave face. I knew it had to sting to put yourself out there like Conor had tonight and get knocked back. This was probably why I drew him into a brief hug. His hand lingered on my hip as I pulled away.
“Don’t forget to text me the name of that champagne and I’ll see if I can find a bottle.”
“Will do,” he said.
“Bye, Conor.”
“Goodnight, Yvonne.”
I left him then, feeling his eyes on me all the way back to my office.
4.
Yvonne
Conor: Any luck finding that bottle of champagne?
Yvonne: Not yet, but don’t worry. I’m a woman on a mission. I won’t let you down!
Conor: I have every faith in you :-)
Yvonne: Hi Conor. Sorry to bother you but is Ev at your place by any chance? I’ve been trying to get a hold of her and her phone is off.
Conor: She’s not here but Dylan’s MIA also. I suspect they’re off somewhere canoodling.
Yvonne: Canoodling? I didn’t think people still used that word.
Conor: It’s commonly used. Mainly by grandmothers commenting on the activities of the young folk.
Yvonne: Ah, well, thank you for educating me. Ev just walked in the door looking flushed and claiming her battery died so I think you might be onto something with your canoodling theory.
Conor: Another mystery solved by the talented Det. Abrahams. Be sure to recommend my services to all your friends.
Yvonne: Haha, sure I’ll do that.
Conor: How’s your week been?
Yvonne: Busy, just the way I like it. You?
Conor: Busy, too. I’ve got to head out to California for a few days to check in at the factory.
Yvonne: Oh, is that where the perfume is made?
Conor: Yes, I spend a few days there every couple weeks to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Yvonne: Sounds very important. I’m jealous that you might get some sun. It’s been so cold and dreary here.
Conor: Come with me then. I like to make sure all my friends are getting enough vitamin D.
Yvonne: Oh, don’t tempt me. I would be all over that but I have to work :-/
Conor: Maybe next time!
Yvonne: Hey. Are you experiencing this blackout too?
Conor: Yes. And why are you texting me? You should be conserving your phone battery.
Yvonne: What can I say? I like to live dangerously. Also, I have a spare battery :-P
Conor: Quit sticking your tongue out at me. I’ll get aroused and there’s no internet to look at porn.