This time, Declan didn’t even look away, gaze fixed on the barmaid. “Better believe, I’d be doin’ what I need ta t’ ensure it.”
“C’mon then.” I clapped my hand on his shoulder. “First round’s on meself an’ I’ll get ya man there outta ya way so y’can try chattin’ the feek up.”
Declan grinned at me. “Like a wee wingman?”
“Somethin’ like that, aye,” I replied.
“What’d it be costin’ me, like?”
“I reckon I’d not be needin’ t’ buy another drink all night, fella,” I teased, laughing when Declan scowled.
“Y’feckin’ jammy shite, y’coddin’ me? All night?”
“Depends how much ya’d be wantin’ ya girl there under yourself, eh?”
I smirked, watching Declan wrestle with himself. He knew I was driving a steep bargain, butIknew my mate all too well. He was keen to have a run at that pretty wee thing behind the bar and whenever Declan’s dick was concerned, logical thought always came second.
“Aye,” he grumbled with a sigh, holding his hand out. “Ya on, but only until I’d be gettin’ her number. Y’on y’own after that.”
“Quality.”
Without another word, I muscled my way through the crowds and caught the attention of the burly older fella that was working behind the bar alongside Declan’s piece. His eyes were on me immediately, distrust burning behind them. That wasn’t anything new to me. As a traveller, you got used to being unwelcome.
“‘Bout ya, chief?” I called out.
“What can I get you?” he replied stiffly, crossing his arms over his chest.
I took a moment to peruse the offerings behind the bar before putting my order in.
“T’reeciders, a Guinness an’ a triple vodka Coke.”
“Coming right up.”
Whilst the barman prepared my drinks, I stole a glance down the bar. Declan was working his magic, but it looked like his girl wasn’t easily persuaded. If that wee beauty knew what was good for her, she’d play as hard to get as she possibly could. Declanlovedthe chase. The harder they made him work, the more intensely he’d pursue them. I’d seen it enough to know.
“Here you are.”
My attention snapped back to the barman, and I took the drinks he slid across to me.
“Ah, quality.” I dug my hand into my back pocket, fully intending to pass him a forged note until I saw him uncapping a UV pen. Ah, shite. I swapped my hand to the opposite pocket, pulling free a genuine note at the last moment. I handed it across, watching the barman thoroughly checking it before dropping it into the till and handing me my change. As I held my palm out, he held onto the coins for a fraction longer than necessary.
“I want no trouble tonight, you hear? Have a good night.”
“No bother, boss.” I cast him a dark expression before gathering together my drinks and making my way back to the other fellas.
The night turned to a blur, drink after drink placed into my hand as Declan found any excuse to return to the bar and sweet talk his wee beauty. It was hilarious to see my usually smug, player of a mate chasing his tail over a wee settled and as long as he was plying me with drinks, I was happy for it to continue.
As time drew on, the pub thinned out a little and we finally nabbed ourselves a table. I was hammered, suddenly regretting not eating much more than a packet of crisps and a chocolate bar in the van all day.
“I’d be needin’ a piss,” Declan muttered, draining his glass and getting to his feet.
“Aye, givin’ that wee lovely piece an eyeballin’ on the way an’ all I’d wager,” Seamus laughed. “Y’can barely keep y’tongue in y’mouth there, fella.”
Thegroup jeered, everyone enjoying seeing Declan striking out with the pretty barmaid. He laughed and gave us the finger before disappearing towards the toilets.
“I’d never be seein’ him like this,” I muttered to Seamus with a smirk. “She’s givin’ him a wee runaround, aye?”
“‘Bout time if y’ask me,” he replied, draining his glass. “Makes f’a wee change. I’d be gettin’ fed up o’ losin’ out on the talent ‘cause o’ him, like. I dunno how y’stand it.”
