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)
Clearing my thoughts, I turned to Conor and tried to make pleasant conversation. “So, how are your parents these days? And your younger sister? Bethany was her name, right?”
Conor smiled, twisting his body to mine as he rested his arm along the top of the booth. I could feel his heat when he replied, “My parents are doing well. Dad retired last year so they’ve had more time for leisure which is good. Bethany is almost finished her nursing degree and will be applying for jobs soon.”
“A nurse, wow. That’s amazing. She was such a cute kid. I remember she used to play hopscotch outside the flats. It’s crazy to imagine she’s all grown up.” Conor was all grown up, too, but I knew it would be weird to mention that.
I cleared my throat. “And are your parents still living in the Villas?”
Conor shook his head. “I managed to convince them to let me pay for a nicer place a few years ago. There was a lot of debate with my father but he eventually came around. Being COO at Dylan’s company means I can afford to help them out more than I ever imagined.”
That was right. Ev mentioned something about Conor being the Chief Operating Officer at Dylan’s perfume company. I wasn’t entirely sure what the job entailed but I knew it meant Conor was Dylan’s second in command. It was nice to know they’d remained close friends even after all these years and now worked together.
“It must be exciting to be a COO. I knew you’d do something big with your life. You and Dylan, both. You were such smart kids. I was always so impressed with your little group.”
“Or maybe I was just lucky to have a head for business while also being best friends with an olfactory genius,” Conor said, giving a self-deprecating chuckle.
I shook my head. “You were always meant for great things.”
“Well, I could say the same for you. Evelyn mentioned you’re the manager at FEST. That must be one of the most popular clubs in the city. I’ve never walked by without there being a line down the street.”
“You’ve walked by?” I asked, eyes widening. “Have you ever been inside?”
He smiled sheepishly and it told me there was still a hint of the boy there, even if he’d grown into a confident, self-assured man. “Not sure I’m cool enough to get into FEST,” he said.
I gave him a soft swipe on the arm, my tone chiding, “Don’t be silly. I’ll give your name to my door staff any time you like and they’ll let you right in. You and Dylan should stop by some night.” I paused before continuing, “Unless you have a girlfriend or a wife at home who wouldn’t approve of you going out to clubs.”
Smooth, Yvonne. Real smooth.
Conor’s mouth curved ever so slightly as he took a sip from his pint then replied, “No wife or girlfriend, sadly. My ex, Marianne, and I broke up about a year ago. I’ve been burying myself in work ever since.”
“Ah, well, I’m sorry to hear that. I know a thing or two about burying yourself in work, though I love my job so it’s kind of my first choice anyway.” I laughed.
“So, no boyfriend?” Conor asked and I felt like he was trying extra hard to sound casual. Or maybe it was my imagination.
I shook my head. “Not at present.”
His eyes found mine and there was something in them I couldn’t decipher. Then Ev’s voice broke through the moment when she said, “Yvonne, want to come with me to the bathroom?”
“Sure,” I replied, because locking eyes with Conor was giving me a serious case of stomach butterflies. It was only when I stood that the alcohol truly hit me and I wobbled a little on my feet as I endeavoured to climb from the booth. Conor’s warm hand found my elbow, steadying me, and I shot him a look of thanks while the butterflies in my stomach doubled. What was I playing at? I didn’t have designs on Conor. This was a friendly night out with two old acquaintances. I needed to get a hold of myself. The trouble was, I’d hit that perfect level of tipsy giddiness and I couldn’t seem to wipe the grin off my face.
“This is fun. Are you having fun?” I asked Ev because she seemed to be enjoying herself but she tended to play her cards close to her chest. For all I knew she could be having an internal meltdown and I’d be none the wiser. She was visibly more sober than I was and I could tell she was making a concerted effort not to drink too much. Perhaps for fear of doing something she might regret.
I should take a leaf out of my niece’s book, because I was having dangerous ideas about Conor tonight and alcohol was the driving force behind them. It had to be.