Since We're Alone |NH|

Chapter 19

Niall's POV

"Alright, boys, there will be some open stools at the bar in a few minutes, hopefully.  Fingers crossed.  But, until then, can I get you guys something to drink?  We've got our new Spring cocktail menu.  Feel free to try the Tom's Tea.  That one was created by yours truly.  Or, perhaps, Niall would like to try the one he helped name?"  She looked at me, a big smile on her face.

"Niall helped name a drink?"

"According to Ophelia, he sure did, take a look."  She looked around and saw that our table didn't have a drink menu.  "Well, shit.  Hold on, let me get you one."  She turned and walked around to the other side of the bar, while I continued to watch Ophelia without it looking like I was staring at her.

She was smiling and seemed to be having a good night, chatting with a few people.  Tomi returned with the drink menu.  Handing it to Mully, she turned to me and said,

"She's pretending you aren't here."

"What?" I asked.

"She knows you're here because I told her.  And now she's basically doing what we girls do – acting like the cute guy isn't there watching us while trying to be extra flirty with literally everyone but."

"Oh, so you admit girls do that?" Mully asked, with a laugh.

"Hey, I'm guilty of it.  Our bizarre way of keeping you interested without us looking interested."

"What makes you so sure I like her?"

"Well, you do, don't you?  Otherwise, why would you come back two nights in a row.  Why would you come here tonight?  I mean, she texted you.  And she said you never responded."

Mully slapped my arm.  "You didn't respond?  Dude, what the fuck?"

Shrugging was my defense.  "I don't know.  I didn't think about it.  I guess I thought I had or something.  Shit.  Sorry."

"Anyway, to really answer your question.  It's quite an easy answer, really.  It's the way you look at her."  I arched my eyebrow.  "Well, first off, you look at her.  When you guys were talking on Friday, you turned to face her as the conversation got better.  You paid attention.  You listened to what she was saying. You watched her as she made your drinks.  You were attentive.  Usually, a guy is only that attentive if he's interested.  Or so that has been my experience."  There was silence for a moment.  "Can I say something?  Without seeming presumptuous?"

I looked at her.  "Uhh, yeah, sure.  I guess."

"And this is by no means an attack on you, but you seem quite shy.  Or perhaps it's nerves.  Which, is really kind of cute, by the way.  But, I promise you, if you ask her out, she will say yes.  So, if that's what's making you a little anxious, then you can now breathe a little easier on that front."

"What makes you so sure?" I asked.

"A few things.  First, and most importantly, like I said, she gave you her number.  Her real number.  She doesn't do that very often.  She's been out here a year, and I think she's willingly given out her number to a guy she just met a total of one time, maybe?"  I raised an eyebrow.  "For real, dude, no lie.  Now, that's not to say she hasn't been on dates.  She has.  She's just very picky about how first dates go.  Don't let that deter you, she believes in giving people a chance."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"She likes to say to me that society kind of dictates that the guy ask the girl out.  It's how we are all raised, essentially.  Or, at least, she and I.  Don't know how they do it over in Ireland.  But, either way, she also says that every girl should ask a guy out at least once or twice in her lifetime."

"Oh, so she should be asking me out, then?" I said, laughing a little.

Tomi looked me dead in the eye.  "No."

"I was joking," I said, shrinking back a bit.

She sighed.  "Anyway, she says she's done that before....asked the guy out...and been rejected.  She's also done it and been accepted.  She likes to tell me that the experience of being that nervous and that anxious and that hopeful and terrified, all at the same time, gave her a different perspective on things.  Since then, she generally will say yes to anyone, unless they use a sleazy pick up line...so don't do that.  Or if he gives off, as she likes to say, 'I'm-gonna-rape-and-kill-you-by-the-end-of-the-night' vibes.  Clearly, you haven't done either."

"So, she'll go out with anyone?" Mully asked.

"In theory, yes.  She's been on some pretty shitty dates.  And, lately, I admit, she hasn't been living by her own rule, but she also hasn't been giving anyone any ideas that she may be even remotely interested."

"And you're saying she's interested in Niall?" Mully asked.

"I think so.  Seems to me she is.  But," and she leaned in closer to me, "If all you're looking for is some sort of crackpot, I'm gonna fuck her and leave her, deal.  Think again.  Because I will fucking hunt you down and chop off your dick if you do that.  Ya hear me?" 

I gulped, wide eyed at her.  "I would never do that to someone."

She backed away.  "Good.  Then we can be friends because, well, I come as part of the package."  She laughed a little. "Only semi kidding.  So, my new friend, it would be wise of you to take this opportunity you have been given and go for it.  Now.  In fact, since you two will be moving to the bar any minute, I think you should walk yourself over there and order your drink yourself.  Or wait, whichever.  But, I fully expect a tip of some sort because, well, you've been taking up my table just to stare at the pretty bartender."

With that, she smiled at us both and walked off.

I looked over at Mully who was trying not to laugh.  "What?" I asked.

"She's hilarious!"

"She's frightening."

"Oh, she's just protecting her friend.  Luckily, you're one of the good guys." He looked down at the menu.  "So which one of these did you name?"

"Huh? Oh, uh, let me see."  He handed it to me and I looked over the cocktail menu until my eyes landed on the title she had given the drink she had me test the other night.  Reading it, I let out a laugh.

Feeling less anxious about everything, I stood up and walked over to the bar.  "Hey!" I said, cheerily.