It Had to Be You

Walking Into a Bar

Nina had gotten there early. Walker had chosen a pub next to Kettner's in Chinatown. Nina had stayed at Kettner's when she had first gotten to London before her apartment was ready. It was a collection of townhouses that had gorgeous guest rooms as opposed to sterile hotel rooms. She hadn't spent any time in the area since then so she had a bit difficulty finding her way to the pub. The streets around this neighborhood were in no order. She was used to New York City's grid system. She hadn't gotten used to the weaving and winding of roads that felt like passages through time and space.

When she finally discovered the pub she took a deep breath and exhaled in relief. She was already nervous about meeting up with Walker. She didn't want her sensation of feeling like a fish out of water to come through so she tried to regulate her breathing. She pushed open the door and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. The pub was dimly lit and had a larger horseshoe bar in the middle. The back of the bar had a chalkboard full of every ale or cider on tap. Some patrons milled around and some had taken up residence as the tables scattered around the perimeter. She took a seat on one of the swivel bar stools in the center of the bar to make it easy for Walker to find her.

"What'll it be love?" Nina glanced up at the chalk board which immediately overwhelmed her.

"Any chance you can do a martini?" The bartender's look of mild disgust filled his face.

"You know this is a pub right?"

"I do."

"And we predominantly service beers?"

"Yes but I'm celiac." He nodded in understanding.

"My daughter's got that. Rotten disease. Poor thing was sick as a dog from chewing gum one time. Ended up in the hospital, my wife and I had no clue how to help her." Nina nodded in understanding. Being glutened was a pain she'd wished on no one.

"Vodka okay with you then?"

"With a twist please. And thank you. I hope your daughter's okay."

"Aye she is. I'll keep an eye out for you tonight. Make sure to order with me. Billy who comes in a bit can be careless." He gave her a paternal head nod and Nina felt the pang of missing home. She missed her dad's hugs. She missed her familiar haunts. She mainly missed knowing and being known by others in a way that meant she didn't have to explain herself.

"Nina." The electric thrill that ran down her spine made her jump. She swiveled on her stool to come face to face with Walker. It'd be a minute since she'd last seen him. She normally saw him in a summer setting. Shorts, t-shirt, some version of a baseball cap on his head. Here was a whole different vibe. He wore a navy suit with a white button down and he looked handsome. Much more handsome than she'd ever seen him look before.

"Hey." She rose to greet him and he planted a kiss on her cheek. He smelled like expensive cologne and his suit gave him an air of authority. It was intoxicating.

"How are things?" She tried not to stare as he took his suit jacket off and rolled up his cuffs. Something about a man in a button down with exposed forearms gave her heart a jump start.

"Good. Well sort of good." She flagged down the friendly bartender.

"You got a martini? In a pub?" Walker looked aghast like she had committed a mortal sin.

"She did indeed. But she and I have an understanding. I let her order martinis if she promises not to cause a ruckus." The bartender gave her a conspiratorial wink.

"What'll it be?" he asked Walker.

"Guiness please."

"Now you, you're going to be a problem. Ordering an Irish beer in an English pub. The pair of you are troublemakers." The bartender walked away shaking his head. Nina imagined he had seen more chaos in this pub than two Americans ordering a poor choice of drinks for the setting.