By the time school let out that Friday afternoon, Evan was a nervous
wreck about his date with Betsey, and I was still jittery about playing
at the Bell & Crown. Why I was jittery, I didn't know. I'd played there
before without being nervous.
Andy and I drove Jacob and Harry home. They both complained bitterly
because we wouldn't take them along to the pub.
"You know you're not old enought to go to into a pub without your
parents," I said.
"But we'd be with you and Andy! You count as our guardians!" Jacob said.
Grinning, I said, "But Andy isn't even 18 yet. He's lucky he wasn't
asked to leave yet.
And, Harry isn't really my little brother (I only mean that from a legal
standpoint Harry, otherwise in my mind, you're my brother too!). So I
can't be considered his guardian. Besides, I'll be working, and can't be
supervising you properly if I'm doing that!"
Although Harry flashed me a quick smile about my brotherly comment,
neither of them liked what I'd said about not taking them, and sat at the
kitchen table sulking. Elizabeth smiled and wished me luck. We left
then and drove to the Bell & Crown. I had almost a half hour before it
was time for me to start playing. The pub was about half full of
patrons. Evan was already there when we arrived. He was sitting at our
usual table, next to the piano. He had a pint of ale, and a shot of
whiskey in front of him. I looked at him and raised my eyebrows when I
saw the whiskey.
"I'm nervous as hell about tonight," he explained, "I'm hoping it will
calm me down."
"John's a tad nervous too," Andy said, "Let's all have a shot together!"
"And you need a shot why?" I asked raising one eyebrow at Andy.
"Well... I thought I'd be supportive!" Andy said, grinning, as Sophie
appeared at the table. He quickly ordered two pints and two shots of
Irish whiskey for us, and some 'doughed bangers' for all of us.
Sophie brought over our drinks right away.
"Well, here's mud in your eye!" I said, raising my shotglass. They both
raised their shotglasses, but looked at me quizically. I snickered and
said, "it's an American toast."
"Strange one," Evan said.
"Yes it is!" Andy agreed, "Cheers!" he added.
We all touched our glasses, then downed the shots. After only a few
minutes, Evan appeared to be a bit more relaxed. I felt better myself.
Our 'doughed bangers' arrived, and we were all hungry, so they
disappeared quickly. I had about 10 minutes before I was due to start
