Tarryn nodded back, then turned to face the bar. Maybe it was a work meeting. Maybe, Sophie had made another local friend.
Or, maybe, it was a date. Sophie had said it was more about the whole package, after all. A date to admire Jason’s trading cards. Well, it kept him happy.
If it was work, Sophie hadn’t mentioned it to her, so there was obviously no expectation she join them. Besides, she’d done her hours for the day. For the week, too, if she were honest, despite there still being two days left.
She sipped her schooner and discreetly checked out the rest of the patrons. No one she particularly wanted to talk to—no one who wouldn’t want to discuss the festival or tease her about the fake couple for the wedding. And no available-looking women to catch her eye.
Sophie placed her hand on Jason’s arm and laughed at something he said. Another tick in the date column.
Damn.
Tarryn pulled out her phone and browsed Facebook while she sipped her beer.
She was three-quarters of the way down the glass when someone hitched themselves onto the stool next to her.
“Hi,” Sophie said. “I’m glad you’re getting some downtime.” She tilted her head at Tarryn’s near-empty glass. “Care to join me for another one? Jason was showing me his Babe Ruth and Seiya Suzuki trading cards.”
So it was some mutual interest bonding. The knot of tension in her stomach tightened. Strange. Why did she care if Sophie had a date? Pondering that kept her silent for long enough that Sophie said, “No worries if it’s too much like work. I was going to have a glass of wine before I head home, but I can sit elsewhere.”
She found her voice. “I don’t want to interrupt your date.”
A frown wrinkled on Sophie’s forehead. “Date? Oh, you mean Jason. I’d be a bit miffed if all my date did was discuss trading cards and work.” Sophie slid off the stool. “No worries, Tarryn, I don’t want to interrupt your quiet time.”
She jerked her thoughts back. “No, it’s fine. Sorry, I was miles away for a moment.” She put her phone down. “Too much fascinating clickbait. Please, sit.”
Sophie sat more fully on the stool. “Same again?” She gestured at the glass.
“Thanks.”
Sophie ordered from Seth, who returned with another schooner, a glass of white wine, and two menus. “If you’re ordering food, kitchen’s closing in twenty. Cookie’s leaving early.”
“Thanks.” Tarryn pulled a menu across. “I don’t know why I’m looking—I know what I want.” She slanted a glance at Sophie. “Are you eating too?”
Sophie worried her lower lip with her teeth. “I’ve got some leftovers in the fridge.”
Tarryn couldn’t look away from her pink lip caught between even white teeth. “Burgers are five bucks off tonight. And they’re good. I bet your leftovers are pasta and a jar of sauce with grated cheese. This is much better.”
One corner of Sophie’s mouth lifted. “Have you been looking in my fridge?”
“Lucky guess.” She nodded at Seth, who returned. “The pork burger, please, with bacon, extra beetroot, and a side of BBQ sauce.”
“You’d sold me until you said ‘beetroot.’” Sophie scanned the menu. “Please, can I have a lamb burger with tzatziki but without the garlic sauce?”
Seth trotted off to place their orders.
“It’s un-Australian not to have beetroot on your burger.”
“It’s also un-Australian not to have a fried egg with it, but you didn’t order one.”
“True. Guess I just like beetroot.” Tarryn pulled a drink coaster closer and centred her glass on it. “The lamb burger’s great too. Good call on no garlic sauce, though. Everyone you talk to tomorrow will thank you.”
“It’s that pungent, huh?”
“It is.” Tarryn watched Sophie’s lips form a smile. “You can tell who’s planning on kissing someone by who asks for no garlic sauce.”
Sophie turned so her posture mirrored Tarryn’s. Their feet alternated on the rungs of their stools like interlocking pieces of a puzzle. “Is that so? What about people who are just polite enough not to stink of garlic in their meetings tomorrow?”
“True. And I didn’t think you’d kiss Phyll anyway.”
