I looked up from my pages of work. I noted who came in. I resumed my work. This bistro is public, and within the boundaries of the City. I don’t want to get on the Envoy’s bad side.
Words were exchanged. Hints were not taken. I continued at my work, glad I left the gifted fountain pen back at the lair.
People were introduced. Fucks were not given. That’s nice, but I have work to do. I chose this bistro because it is far away from Mainstreet and the cosmopolitan antics that have been brewing there. (Don’t tell Jill.)
The two clerks on staff were sitting at the far table, having coffee and only making token verbal attempts at pleasing the customer. I didn’t mind them. This is not the place for corporate airs. If I need something I’ll get it. If I can’t get it, I’ll ask them. I don’t expect them to wait on me hand and foot. They watch the new folks coming in carefully. Southern drawls intentionally dragged out welcome them and offer assistance. I caught the hint, but said nothing.
The newcomers had eyes full for each other, and did those things such doting folks will do. Like make an ass out themselves trying to show off for each other. The clerks had more than enough of their attitude, but no one caught the hint but me.
As one clerk was headed back to the table to relax, I caught his arm. “It’s a play. And I won’t get into the whats or the whys. I’m the one that is supposed to be annoyed, not y’all. I apologize.”, I whispered. He looked at me strangely until he caught the undercurrent of what I wasn’t explicitly saying.
“Ya need help? My brother’s ain’t far. And it is troubling ya? I don’t put up with any kind of mess like this.”
“No, as long as it is only posturing, I can ignore it. It doesn’t trouble me anymore. I just hate seeing you two catching side flack.”
“Heh. Now that I know what’s up, ain’t a bit of problem to me. Just means I have me some fun.” He spied my nearly empty coffee cup. “I see you writing a lot. All the writers I know drink a lot. It’s too early for whiskey, so I’ll bring you some coffee.” He winked to silence my protests.
A fresh pot of coffee was brought to me. I was offered whiskey on the side but refused. I promised someone I’d stay dry for a while, I said. He just nodded and understood. The two clerks resumed having a lazy warm afternoon. I resumed my work. I don’t know what the newcomers were up to, for the moment I decided to not be bothered by them, they almost disappeared from my sight completely.