Once Upon A Time In Clare.

Chapter Three.

The sound of country music greeted Sidney and Charles as they entered the lounge of the Matchmaker Inn. A large hung above the bar area with the words "Love Is Lisdoonvarna" "Icebreaker Event at 9PM." Sidney cringed on seeing the sign, perhaps they could eat their dinner quickly and leave. There was surely another pub that they could drink in  where they would not be required to participate in some awkward event.

He had seen at least two other pubs. He would suggest to Charles that they eat here and then have drinks somewhere else. It seemed like the best and least embarrassing solution. Imagine what the ice breaker event would involve, silly juvenile games and even dancing. Dancing dear God no, he only danced when very drunk. Even alcohol did not remove the mortification of dancing.

The strains of Garth Brooks could be heard as they looked for a table. The lounge was almost full already. This event must really attract many visitors to the town. Such a pity it was for such a twee reason. He was surprised at the ages of those who were there for the event. The expectation of aged crusty farmers and plump middle aged  single women had been broken with even people of his age being there. Why he wondered would you come to something like this when there dating apps and dating agencies?

It was so old fashioned and so not his thing. Charles should have really checked out the place before they came.  You could not meet a more easy going, affable man than Babbington. It would be difficult to find someone who did not like him. Even arguing with him was useless as he almost never became angry.

For this reason he was the perfect foil as Sidney had quite the opposite personality.  People would describe him as driven, a perfectionist and somewhat of an outsider. Charles was the more loquacious of the two and he instantly charmed all he met. Sidney was more cautious in his approach to people. Of course he was polite but less friendly.

Sidney cared less that he was not as likeable as his friend. He cared more for the business side of the partnership.  They were invited to numerous networking events which Sidney detested.  However once he went under protest he usually enjoyed himself.

"Sidney hello are you there" " Will we sit here? It is a table for four but we can share if others want to sit here.
We are lucky to find a table. I am starving. Some steak would be lovely"
"I hear you Charles, just thinking. This  table is fine, we hopefully will not need to share it with some lovelorn customers. Steak and chips yum. Red wine, a nice Merlot."

"Sidney don't be so contrary. Be nice. We might be sitting with lovely friendly people. Everyone seems to be in good form. Almost a party atmosphere. I know how you love your parties being the IT man of London. "Charles please do not remind me. IT man indeed. That magazine article was so...I don't know how to describe it. It was to be a serious article on our property business but it turned into the London  life of handsome IT man Sidney Parker. I can almost feel myself shudder at the thoughts of it.

Charles interrupted Sidney "I think that the journalist might have had a tiny crush on you. She blushed everytime she spoke to you.  Did she ask for your number? Olivia that was her name nearly swooned whenever you were in the room."

"Charles please do not remind me. It was so uncomfortable. I was doing my best to be as disagreeable as I could but it didn't seem to dissuade her. No, she never asked for my number. Her ability to speak was affected when she saw this Greek god. Will we order some food?"

"Greek god, definitely of war. More Ares, god of war than Eros, god of love. Olivia had visions of you as Poseidon emerging from the sea. Do you have the menu oh might deity? I am privileged to be in such feted company."

"Charles shut up now or I might just share your bed this evening. My snoring should help you sleep. You will regret annoying me when you are tossing and turning. Did you bring any earplugs? "