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We’re led to a booth in the back of the room, and Iago says he’ll send over some beers.
When he’s gone, I ask, “Do you come here often?”
“Not as much as I’d like. Why?”
“They clearly reserve this table for you.”
A server comes with our drinks, and Jafar takes a sip before answering.
“I own the pub, as well as a handful of others. They keep a table on hold for me out of respect.”
“Does Jasmine know your friend doesn’t like her?”
He snorts. “None of my friends like her, but it evens out because she doesn’t like them, either.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask how he feels aboutherfriends, but that will open a can of worms that I’m not sure I can stomach right now.
“How did the meeting go?”
I’m surprised he knows about it. I say, “It was good. They’ve already done so much work. I feel bad about coming in at the end, but they’ve assured me they can use the help.”
“Did my wife suggest her little theme change?”
I flush. “Yeah.”
“Went that well, I see. I told her they would never go for it. Should I be expecting a call from the head of the board asking for more money?”
I’m saved from answering because Jasmine arrives. She knows I hate sitting in booths, but that doesn’t stop her from sliding in next to me instead of sitting next to her husband. Thank god I fit okay. There’s been awkward moments where it’s been a tight squeeze getting into a booth. As I scoot over, my leg brushes something. I realize it’s Jafar’s leg. Great. He’s sitting in the middle of his side of the booth, so it makes sense that I’d brush his legs. Especially since he has them stretched out.
“Dear, did Ellie tell you she’s going to help convince the members of the board to go along with my idea?” She beams. “I knew I could count on her.”
He grunts. “As long as it doesn’t cost me any more money than it already has.”
“It won’t. Well, it may cost abitmore, but that will be okay, won’t it?”
He stares at her until she flushes and looks at her nails. Glad to know I’m not the only one who gets that look from him.
Iago comes over, frowning when he sees Jasmine. She gives him a look of her own. I don’t get it. Usually, people love Jasmine, but this is the second time today where someone who sees her regularly has acted like they weren’t happy to see her.
“Do you want to see a menu or is it just drinks this evening?”
Jasmine laughs. “You know I can’t eat anything that you serve here. It’s all carbs. Ellie will definitely need a menu.”
My cheeks are warm. Iwashungry until she said that. Now it’s going to be awkward if I eat.
“Drinks are fine with me,” I say.
I mean, there’s always room service in the hotel, right?
Jafar sighs. “We’ll take the nachos, Iago. Ellie and I will share.”
Ugh. Kill me now. This might be worse than what Jasmine said because it sounds like a pity meal so the chubby girl can eat. Iago nods, rushing away before I can tell him to cancel the order.
Jasmine says, “I don’t know why you don’t just sell this dump. Or you could tear it down and build a trendy spot that people would flock to.”
I’m surprised that she would say that. This place is busy. Heck, there was a line of people out the door waiting to get in. As far as I can see, thisisa trendy spot that people are flocking to. I shake my head in disbelief.
Jafar looks around. “Seems to me that people are enjoying thisdump. Maybe you should sit back and do the same.”
