A Path Crossed Over

.5.

The Walsh Hound had this cozy feeling to it. The dark colored wood on the walls gave a relaxing, cottage like vibe. Green barstools circled the bar at the far north wall. Behind the bar the wall was covered in an assortment of bottles filled with liquor. Green cushioned booths, lied around the edges of the establishment, as tables lined the eastern center. Pool tables sat on the western center. Idle chit chat could be heard, in slurred-drunken dialogue, and a jaunty Irish tune was being sang from some men in the corner. 

Sarah and Drew chose a booth beside the bar, in the far corner. 

"How was practice this morning." Asked Sarah, not really knowing what else to talk about. 

"It went fairly well. The coach is a bit of a hard ass, but he means well." 

Sarah smiled, then grabbed a menu. Still out of words, she needed a diversion from talking. The menu was simple with no photographs, and one long laminated sheet with loopy writing. One side was food, and the other was drinks and cocktails. Sarah didn't know what to get, but eventually decided on bangers and mash, with a side of soda bread. She paired her meal with a pint of Guinness. 

The waitress with the nametag Ailis took her order, and she looked less then pleased to be here as her jawline tensed up in a sharp, rigid frown. 

"I feel yah, girl. I do." Thought Sarah.

"Long night?" She asked her server. 

"Long week," Ailis responded. "If my brother could actually pull his weight around here..." She wined with condescension.

 She rolled her eyes and scoffed in an over the top, dramatic way. It showed her immaturity, and young age. She then reminded Sarah of her least favorite human - Gloria. Instead this girl was quite younger, she could of been no older then eighteen, nineteen. 

"I mean look at him, he's just starting his shift and already too busy chatting his buddies up around the bar. He should be helping me, moving around. He just stands behind that bar all day." Ailis huffed, her bottom lip protruding as she pointed to the guy behind the bar. 

Sarah couldn't see his face with his back turned, but she couldn't help but notice his perfect glutes. The way they looked in his blue jeans made her knees quiver. It was then, when he turned over and their eyes met did the sparks really erupt. It was him, and something about him made her tingle in the pit of her stomach. 

She then heard Drew chuckle, and almost forgot he was there. 

Her eyes looked back at him scrupulously. 

"What? I just find it funny. Your practically drooling over that guy over there. Go talk to him, he's just eying you up and down right now. "

"I don't know Drew...," her eyes found the floor, as she chewed her bottom lip. "He's hot, gorgeous even. I'm not looking for a relationship right now." 

"Who says you need a relationship. We're only here for what, less than two weeks. Have fun, meet people, get out if this rutt. If it helps I will come to the bar, and make sure he's not a real creep." 

Sarah shrugged, then gave it some thought. As much as she wanted to deny it, Drew was right. If only the thought of opening up to someone again, let alone speaking to them didn't make her bustle with nerves. 

"Excuse me," Drew waved the server over. "We're going to sit at the bar. " 

"Sure, whatever. I will let Noah know your, his responsibility now." 

      **************

"What can I get you"

She pretended she didn't hear him, Drew gave her a light kick to the shin.