Thread: The Point of No Return (The_PG&Malicious Lullaby)

Pratt had two very strong impressions made within a minute of when Miss Martin entered the bar. Each impression came from two different sides of the emotional, social, or whatever you wanted to call it, spectrum. The first made him slightly guilty, but not too guilty, and it was certainly the stronger of the two. Never really having seen Miss Martin outside of business hours and business dress, save for that one time he had been meeting Abby, he immediately wished that he had seen her before, especially outside of business dress. She was incredibly sexy, and even if the outfit was meant to draw tips, which he was sure that it would do very well for, Esther completely owned it. She filled it out very nicely with the appropriate curves in all of the right places. The face she wore now was entirely different from earlier, and one that Pratt would, and had, chased for the entertaining night or two. It was attractive, and knew it was attractive, and seemed to have very little doubt about it. A woman that would not be hurt by just a little fun, fun that probably would lead nowhere but to fancy restaurants, expensive drinks, and executive hotels. Though this look mostly just appealed to Pratt, it also brought forth the second impression he felt. One of mild relief that she was doing better. At least well enough to put on an excellent mask and pretend everything was well. He was surprised that she mentioned nothing to the couple, and how brightly she smiled. Well, it was probably better, with the news they wanted to share. If there was anything that would dampen the news of new life, it was that someone had died. Not needing, or wanting to grab Esther's attention Pratt went back to watching his game. Three refills later and there was a lull in the game. He had spotted Miss Martin busily tending the bar with hardly a pause or downcast look during the preceding thirty or so minutes, and was deciding that perhaps after the game was over he could leave. There was really little reason for him to be here, or to have any qualms over leaving before he had planned on, it was not as if his secretary would know or care all that much. Yes, perhaps after da game's finish. He decided just as he heard Esther's voice directed toward him. Her questions came rather quickly, awkwardly, and nervously. He wondered if it was only her boss's 'good deed' that her so flustered or if it was anything more. Prolly just't deed. After everything she had been through that night there was undoubtedly little space in her mind to be occupied with the thought of him as anything other than her boss doing something nice. With a rather amused smile he sipped on his drink as she spoke, and spoke, and questioned both him and her own intentions in the span of a few seconds. Finally he laughed, finished the drink, and set the empty glass on the bar. If'n ye'd be so kind doll, He said first, motioning to the empty glass and repeating his order from earlier. Only once he had gotten the glass back full, and left a tenner on the table did he look into her face with his own amused expression. First'o'all, He started, holding up one finger that then pointed to the television, Me plan fer ta evenin had been ta watch ta game. He shrugged his shoulders next, Tru'nough, I was gonna'er watch it at ta Diamond, da'bar over'n ole'city. But, second'tall, A second finger came up then and pointed to his own eyes, Mallory did be askin me ta keep two eyes on ye, but'n since ye was at a bar, twasn't that'ard ta switch up me plans, ya'ere? Finally a third finger came upwards, An lastly, don't go givin'er a hard time, ya'ere? She'sn a good worker, an smart, she be knowin I was plannin on comin ta a bar, which difference it be makin if'n yer bar so I can be keepin two eye on ye? And twas a hard time earlier, fer ya I'd be knowin. Me'n Abby been datin, so I be knowin y'all twas close. The game suddenly roared back to life, but Pratt ignored it momentarily and gave Esther a bright smile, aided by the liquid happiness he had been downing all evening. Yer a pretty lass Miss Martin, ain't hard ta keep eyes on ye. Then he glanced up at the game, his eyes flitting back and forth between it and Esther.