Chapter 14
Rafe
On his first day of being a runner, Rafe didn’t break any glasses, which he considered a great start to his life of employment. Then again, he didn’t have much opportunity to break any glasses, as today’s shift was just about showing himaround.
His second shift two days later proved slightly more demanding, with what actual customers and all. His boss had him working the early afternoon shift, and the bar was mostly empty, but it did give him good practice picking up glasses, and restocking the bar. It was a different kind of work for Rafe, one that made him feel productive in a way that he hadn’t when doing homework. When he looked out at a room where there were no empty glasses on tables, he smiled withpride.
His third shift the next afternoon was slightly more difficult, primarily because whenever he picked up an empty glass or brought out ice for the bartender, one table in the corner kept giving him a rousing round ofapplause.
“Brilliant! Just brilliant work!” Eamonn cheered. He and Heath gave Rafe a standing ovation while he cleared off atable.
“Did you see that?” Heath asked, like a sports announcer. “How he swooped right in and took away those two pint glasses without interrupting the customers’conversation?”
“Rafe belongs in the pantheon of greatrunners.”
“He brings tears to myeyes.”
“Oh? What’s this? Rafe is carrying a container of lime wedges and he…look at that! He refilled the garnish tray without a single wedge falling onto thebar.”
“We are watching history being made,” Heathsaid.
They burst into applause again. Louisa shielded herface.
“Can you take it down a notch?” Rafe approached their table. “Like 100notches?”
“We are witnessing greatness, mate,” Heathsaid.
“We’re proud of you, Yank.” Eamonn flashed him a smile that shot right to Rafe’s core. He gave Rafe a surreptitious pat on the ass. Rafe had to step away because if Eamonn did that again, he was going to pitch a tent, like he did when they played snooker. He doubted that was acceptable employeebehavior.
“You’re doing a really good job.” Louisa shook the last bits of alcohol from her drink into hermouth.
“What’s this?” Heath pointed at Rafe, then at the glass. “Rafe, I will let you do thehonors.”
Rafe shook his head, half-embarrassed and half-loving the attention. “Louisa, are you finished with yourglass?”
She gave him her glass, and as if on cue, Heath and Eamonn gave him another damn standing ovation. Rafe walked back to the bar, feeling heat on his cheeks. When Rafe got his first paycheck, he looked at it for a long while, thinking about whether to frame it or cash it. That decision only took a second. He cashed his check and earmarked most of it for groceries and social events. He went into the kitchen and waved a twenty-pound note in the air for hisfriends.
“Drinks are on metonight.”
* * *
Rafe loved gettingto buy rounds at the bar for his friends. He could be the one to help others and takecharge.
He brought a round of drinks to the table. Heath and Eamonn only gave him a short round ofapplause.
“You don’t have to do that. I’m not working tonight.” Rafe put the drinks on thetable.
“We’re just happy that we’re getting pissed for free.” Heath took his drink and slid Eamonn his pint. Louisa had to reach in and grab her drink. Heath always passed Louisa her drink. It was a subtle moment that Rafe picked up on and wondered if he was overthinkingit.
Rafe sat next to Louisa, another change up. He wondered if he was the only one whonoticed.
Eamonn raised his pint glass. “Cheers to Rafe. Runnerextraordinaire.”
They brought their glasses together toclink.
“I wonder if they’ll ever let you tend bar one shift. Say it’s your one wish before returning to America and not being allowed todrink.”
“Are you bleeding serious, Louisa?” Heath asked with a mean spark in his eyes. “You think they’re just going to throw him behind a bar without any experience? That’s probably illegal. Don’t be daft. Just drink your Midorisour.”
