Page 5 of Shadows Of Dusk
My eyes widen, and my jaw drops. “Really?”
She notices my reaction and stammers out an explanation. “Y-y-yes, I mean if that’s okay with y-you. I don’t want to break any work rules with intimacy between coworkers or, or anything. I-I’m so sorry-”
“Candace! I’m happy about it, don’t mistake my shock for disapproval.” I quickly interject.
Her eyes widen and her cheeks turn a bright pink as she giggles and nods.
“Well, I better start cleaning up if we’re going to get there on time,” I say, glancing at the clock. We have twenty minutes to get there, and it’s a ten-minute drive without any traffic.
“Oh yea! I’ll close up out front. We’ll meet you there?”
“Sure thing.”
I watch the door close behind her as she leaves and chuckle quietly to myself.
Perhaps I’m not such a bad matchmaker after all.
Chapter 3
The tavern isn’t as busy as I’d expected during happy hour.
Parking is a breeze, which is usually the worst part of going out. At our favorite pubs near our old research facilities, it was like finding a needle in a haystack, and then we would have a thirty-minute wait to get a table.
The moment I walk through the front doors, I spot Henry sitting at the bar with Candace, both of them looking smitten. There’s a degree of sadness that settles into my bones witnessing them this happy. I never imagined that kind of relationship for myself, and I’m not sure if I ever will. With my traumatic childhood and formative years dating was never a priority, and I’m still not sure whether I know what romance or true intimacy is.
My footsteps click as I reach the bar and I can’t help but feel a little out of place, wearing 5-inch heels in a small town tavern. At 5’3, I’m already considered short and my legs do look fabulous, so I’ll embrace the stares.
“We were wondering if you got lost.” Candace giggles at Henry’s remark, playfully elbowing him as I sit next to her.
“If I ever get lost it’ll more likely be navigating these woods rather than finding the only pub in town with good food” I toss back with a wink.
“Tell me about it. Get lost in these woods and you’ll only stumble upon Bigfoot, wolves, or a grizzly bear,” Henry adds, joining in the banter.
Candace gasps and turns to Henry, her eyes wide with surprise. “Did you hear about that incident? Someone was actuallykilled by a MOOSE in the woods just north of here! A moose! I always thought they were gentle giants.”
As I order my drink from the bartender, I listen in on their conversation as more patrons file in to the dining area. The bartender returns with my glass of pinot noir, and I take a sip as they seem to debate the existence of Bigfoot.
“You know, I got pulled over two days ago and the cop said that bigfoot was spotted only four miles from town. Can you believe that?!” Candace and I exchange amused glances, trying to suppress our laughter. I turn my attention to Henry, eyeing him with suspicion.
“Wait a damn minute. You did not just casually mention that you got pulled over. Care to explain that part before we delve into the Bigfoot sighting?” I raise an eyebrow, awaiting his response.
He scratches the back of his neck nervously and tosses me a sheepish grin. “I, uh, was going a bit over the speed limit.”
“How much is a bit?” I keep my face composed, my raised eyebrow is the sole indication of any malcontent.
“Only like fifteen mph. The roads were empty, there was no one around.” he says as if that excuses it.
I chuckle and shake my head, rubbing my temples vigorously. “Henry, we’ve only been here for a few days. Your need for speed should remain in movie theaters or video games.”
Candace’s infectious laughter echoes through the tavern, drawing the attention of other patrons as Henry and I join in, unable to contain our amusement. The sound fills the air, mingling with the lively atmosphere of the pub.
“Here you go, Miss,” the bartender says as he slides another glass of wine onto a small napkin. I hand him my credit card and request, “Thank you. Could you please put all of our orders on one tab?”
The bartender nods in acknowledgment and makes his way over to the computer to process the transaction.
As the hours pass, the tavern steadily fills with locals, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy and lively conversations. Every seat is taken, and those who arrive later are left with no choice but to stand near the bar and order drinks.
“So when are you going to get samples of the water and soil?” Henry asks as he and Candace turn their attention to me.