Like a Wildfire by Layla Lochran

Author:Layla Lochran [Lochran, Layla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Layla Lochran
Published: 2024-08-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12 - PATRICK

It’s nearing half passed eleven as we arrive at Tally’s. I scan the room noticing three tables with guests, and another having just sat down. It feels like it will be a busy day with tourists in the area. Mondays are my day off due to how slow they can be; however I trust Ian and the weekday staff can handle things, not that I live far if they need me. Seems they have Lili to help today should they need it.

Lili and I co-own Tally’s pub here in the SOHO district of London; I had the dream and a small savings while Lili had the artistic vision and capital to make it happen. Within the last year of our three-year journey together, Lili has taken a step back to focus on her art career and the children’s foundation she and Tamara created in Uni. I’m happy she’s found her passion amongst the stars, her darkness quashed, and her heart now at peace. I, too, hope to make it there someday.

The speakers croon Bob Dylan’s Mr. Tambourine Man as we take our seats at the end of the bar. A minute later Lili exits the kitchen, a plate in each hand, her smile bright when she spots us.

[Lili] “Here ya are, lads; two Shepherd’s pies with chips. I’ll have yer Guinness ready in two ticks.”

She pours two pints of the dark stout, allowing it to settle before handing them over.

[August] “Now that’s service.” August says with a smile. “Thanks, Lili.” I second the thanks.

[Lili] “Yer quite welcome. Good to see ye again, August.” He tips his hat to her. She winks then steals a chip from my plate and pops it in her mouth.

We cheers, sip the dark ale, then tuck into our meal, August acting like he hasn’t eaten in days.

[August] “Mmm. This is amazing.” August murmurs through his first bite, his eyes alighting with a familiar pleasure. “I’m gonna need this recipe for my momma.” I smirk as Lili shakes her head.

[Lili] “Good luck with that, mate. He is’ne keen on sharing that secret. Trust me, many have tried and failed.”

[August] “Is that so?” August’s tone turns devious. “I may know a way to coax it out of him.”

[Patrick] “We’ll see about that, cowboy.” I eye him as I take a bite and catch his silent challenge.

[Lili] “When ye said two orders I hoped it would be August with ye and not Gran.” Lili says with a waggle of her brows. “A sexy sleepover, now this? What else is on that list of yers?”

[August teasing] “Oh, there are places to explore yet.” August glances my way. Lili notices and begins bouncing on her toes and clapping her hands excitedly.

[Lili] “Gah! I luv it! Whatever it is, I hope it involves my mate here.” August does a chin lift my way as he asks.

[August] “You gonna tell her?”

[Lili] “Tell me what?”

I slid the paper bag with her Toffee pudding inside. She’s unable to hide her surprise.

[Lili] “What’s this?” She asks whilst peeking inside then her cheeky grin is back.

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