It’s time I hide away from all
Expect this to be my last call
The Hidden Truth- Alexander (Sonnet)
Hurry, come back to me Lili.
You are the only one who can keep my demons caged.
-CHAPTER 7 - LILI-
“You know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go.” – Dr. Seuss
Later that afternoon Gran and I made our way through Soho, or in other words, my home away from home. Tally’s Pub is close to the Academy of Arts center, and around the corner from Uni, attracting all the lively energy; a place I can feed from and gain inspiration. I get giddy thinking about it.
We step inside the bar to escape from the misty London weather. I’m unsure where my mind is at, for it tells me I’ve come to miss the dreary days. Let’s face it, I’m a nutter.Carry on.
My senses do a happy dance as I enter the establishment I love dearly, and at once, My body drops the anvil I’ve carried with me for weeks.Don’t you worry,I’ll pick it up when we leave, unwillingly of course.
Gran is off to find our seats, perhaps to give me a minute alone with my mate. I have some groveling to do.
This place has played witness to its celebrities and even a music video or two has been filmed here. Patrick’s place is always lively. Speaking of my mate.
“Well, ye are a sight fer sore eyes,” Patrick bellows from behind the bar with open arms, “come here lass!”
The man could be mistaken for a young Kevin McKidd if it weren’t for the extra stone of muscle and that silver lip ring he’s sporting. He’s dressed in jeans and a white Tally’s tee that shows his scattering of random black and gray tattoos over his arms. Which reminds me, I should finish drawing the back piece he requested; it’s going to bewickedonce done.
Patrick tends to hide his rust-colored mop under a beanie, no matter the weather, and his mysterious crystal blue eyes hold the faintest hint of green shimmering within.
So, my question is, why is it he doesn’t have a lassie?
As he rounds the bar, I crash into him, squeezing him tight, then relaxing into his hold. He’s part of my home; his embrace is a comfort my subconscious has longed for.
“Patrick!” I give a shout, fully at ease and free here, “sorry I left ye hangin that day.” I step back and gaze at him, noticing his brows draw together.
“Dinnae fash yerself! (Don’t worry) Family is more valuable.” He leans his back against the bar and eyes me up and down, “why the long face, lass?”
His stare turns to concern, and right then I knew I’d been caught. Nothing I do ever gets past this man. Not since the incident.
I whisper and glance to the kitchen door behind him; not having eye contact is one of my tells. Another is the thickness of my accent coming out to play, “we’ll talk soon.” He narrows his eyes, but I won’t budge as I eye him right back, “not the time.” I sigh, “I promise before I head back-
“Ye’re leavin’ back to the states? Why?” Patrick asks as the entry door swings wide. He pauses his ranting knowing this isn’t the proper place for this bickering match.
Shark surveyed the Scottish pub’s interior as he made his way to the aged bar. A man as large as Ford who clearly screamed military entered a minute later. Both men gave us a nod of greeting before taking residence at two stools nearby.
“Tis not the place to have ablether(chat).” I stand my ground, especially now that we have patrons within earshot. My voice lowers, “Shark is a mate from the states. Try and behave yerself.”
His nostrils flare signaling this conversation is far from over, “fine.” He submits and doesn’t ask why I have someone with me I’ve never mentioned before. Shark will not be expecting this man’s bluntness, not on my watch. “Go sit with Gran, I’ll be there in a few.”
I place my hands on my hips, my frustration evident. Patrick can be stubborn, but he knows I’m just as determined.
There is a sudden sharpness on my thigh, making me yelp with surprise and jump away.Did he just do what I think he did? Snap me with his towel, will he?
“Oi! Mind yer heid!” (Mind yourself) I scowl at him as he just stands there and smirks, *scoff* “oh, ye’re lucky I dinnae have one to beat ye with!”
“We’ll continue this battle later,” his chuckle is all I receive as he saunters off.
Patrick Shaw, my best mate since we were all of nine, he is a treasure; except when he’s taking the piss. He enjoys pushing my buttons and finding it a laugh when I turn bright as a berry.