“Well, it’s nice to meet you,Liam.”
I reached for my drink again, but my hand was still wobbling. I pulled it back, but it was too late—he’d already seen it.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
I wished he’d stop being so nice to me. I felt like I might unravel.
“Yeah. Just… a bit of an odd day.”
Liam’s phone buzzed, and he looked at it briefly before turning it to silent.
“You don’t have anywhere else you need to be?” I asked. Surely he’d be losing money if he left his clients hanging.
“Nothing that can’t wait.”
The waiter reappeared. “Sorry, we’re out of tomato—we could do cheese and ham, or cheese and pickle.”
“Pickle,” we both said.
“And a Harveys Bristol Cream,” I added. I needed something to steady my nerves.
“Of course. Anything for you, sir?”
“Ah… sure.” A small cough. “I’ll have the same.”
We watched as he left.
Liam turned to me. “Sherry?” I couldn’t tell if he was horrified or impressed. Probably horrified. “That’s what mygrandrinks.”
“It’s medicinal.” I folded my arms. “Plus, it tastes like Christmas. Anyway. You’re getting the same, Gramps.”
“Couldn’t let you drink alone.” He shrugged. “Although next time, I’d probably lean toward beer over lunch.”
Nexttime?
My eyes flicked up before I could stop them.
Shit. Too obvious.
He didn’t mean next time withme.
Didhe?
No. Probably just next time he ended up saving someone from death in an elevator. Not that it mattered. I was absolutelynotin the market for complications. I could barely handle lunch.
The sherries arrived, and I took a sip. It was sweet and festive—like drinking a doily. Turkey and tinsel.Nan. Happier times, before Dad died and Mum got all… Mum.
Liam put his drink to his lips, pursing like he was hiding a shudder. The small crystal glass looked ridiculous in his large hand.
There was a sharp tap on the window to my left.
Jesus.Seriously?
James was pressed up against the pane, waving frantically, eyes darting between Liam and me. The man had no shame.
I gave him the smallest finger wave I could manage and turned back to Liam like this was normal. Had he seen him? He had his eyes down like he was studying the table.
James’s face vanished, and my phone pinged almost immediately.
