Lesson 71- Remember to always ask first before taking someone else’s toys.

One of the reasons I like Catcher is that he doesn’t seem even remotely concerned that I’m tending bar barefoot in my pyjamas. In fact I’m not even totally convinced that he’s NOTICED what I’m wearing. When Torin shows up about forty five seconds after I enter, he definitely notices. He mouths ‘pyjamas?’ at me and I just shrug and smile. It doesn’t take long for a customer to bring it up. One of the regulars, but not one I know by name.
“You should really go get dressed.” He advises and I raise an eyebrow.
“Why? I’m comfortable.” I state firmly.
“But it’s so unprofessional.” he complains and I roll my eyes.
“Does it make your drink taste any different?” I demand.
“Well… No.” He answers awkwardly.
“Right, and does it make me work any slower?” I push again. The guy sighs and shakes his head.
“No.” He responds looking kind of pissed off.
“Great, so then what exactly is your objection to what I’m wearing?” I question. The guy stammers but doesn’t manage to answer properly. A voice from behind him draws my attention.
“Dude, are you seriously trying to tell a woman how she should dress? You had to know that was a bad idea. I mean, that’s a terrible way to hit on someone.” Eli comments with a smirk. The guy whirls to face him, stammering even worse.
“What? No. I wasn’t hitting on her!” She’s human.” He says human like it’s a dirty word and I roll my eyes. Eli just smiles even brighter.
“Oh really? Because you must have been checking her out, why else would you pay attention to what she’s wearing. Cute P.J.s by the way.” Eli adds offhandedly. I grin and end up bursting out laughing as the guy walks away.
“Thanks Eli.” I tell him as I slowly pull myself together. I pour him a drink and slide it across the bar to him.
“This one is on me, as a reward for your chivalry. Or maybe just for your sass.” I joke. He shrugs and takes the drink.
“You didn’t need rescuing, it just looked like fun. I couldn’t resist. But thanks for the drink love.” He winks at me and I roll my eyes.
“I only just started working, I swapped with Laura. But I reckon that table down to the right is all singles if that helps at all.” I gesture to a rowdy table of men and women who look like they’re playing some kind of drinking game. He grins and nods.
“Perfect. Thanks for the tip.” He practically prowls over to the table and they immediately make space for him. Well I guess he’s set for the evening. I wander my way over to where Torin is sitting and lean my elbows on the bar.
“Hey Tori, how are you going? Do you want a drink or anything?” I offer. He shakes his head.
“Nah, I’m good. You… You seem to be in a better mood.” He observes and I nod.
“I feel a bit better, yeah.” I agree.
“Are you going to tell me what was bothering you in the first place?” He asks softly. I sigh.
“It’s no big deal. I was just feeling a bit lonely.” I explain. He frowns.
“But you weren’t alone.” He points out. I shrug.
“That just made the loneliness feel worse. You know what I mean, right?” I ask tentatively. I watch as his eyes dart around the busy bar and linger on the empty seats beside him.
“Yeah. I know exactly what you mean.” He sighs deeply and I find myself reaching out to take his hand, squeezing it gently.
“The good news is you aren’t alone right now. Neither am I.” I say firmly and he smiles, a proper full smile, the kind that makes him look ridiculously handsome. I smile back, fighting the urge to blush at my own thoughts. Bad Rina, no being attracted to Torin. He’s your friend and that’s all. My inner monologue is interrupted by Eli who has returned to the bar with two women in tow. They come all the way over and stop only a few steps away from Torin and I. They’re pretty clearly tipsy, but I’m not worried about Eli anymore. I know he isn’t some creep. Those women are drunk enough that he won’t even try to take them home, unless he’s ACTUALLY just taking them home. He’s a good guy.
“Hey Rina. These lovely ladies want to order some more drinks for our game.” He smiles happily and I nod.
“Sure.” I start getting their drinks ready while they chat and flirt with Eli by the bar. One of the women stumbles and falls straight into Torin. He instinctively catches her then removes his hands so fast you would think he had burned them. His expression is blank but to me he looks terrified, like he’s waiting for her to start screaming. But she doesn’t. To my fascination, she just starts to giggle.
“Oh my gosh, I’m SO sorry. I totally didn’t mean to bump into you. It’s these damn heels. Totally my bad.” She eyes Torin up and down and then straightens her shoulders and smiles brightly at him.
“Can I get you a drink? You know, as an apology.” She offers, her tone flirtatious. Torin blinks in confusion. I don’t think he knows how to answer. That or he thinks he imagined the question. He’s spared from answering when the woman’s friend comes and yanks her away.
“Carlie! You know who he is! What the hell are you doing? Aren’t you scared? He’s dangerous!” She hisses. Carlie shrugs.
“What? He’s hot, and I don’t mind a little danger. It’s not like I’m asking him to marry me. Besides, the human flirts with him, so why can’t I?” She demands obnoxiously. My jaw drops and Eli bursts out laughing.
“Hear that Rina? Carlie is totally allowed to flirt with Torin, right?” He smirks at me and I have to resist the urge to jab him in the ribs. With his magic, that would probably end badly for me anyway.
“Uh…” I glance at Torin who still looks baffled.
“Is she allowed to flirt with him…” I trail off awkwardly and Torin meets my eyes. His go wide and in the tiniest motion possible. He shakes his head no. I smile and start over.
“Actually, it’s probably better if she doesn’t flirt with him, because… Uh… Well, he’s working. He’s not really here to flirt.” I conclude. Then I quickly add;
“That doesn’t mean people can’t talk to him though. He’s great company.” I throw in casually as if I’m revealing some big secret. Carlie just shrugs and her friend looks at Torin doubtfully. Torin is still just sitting there blankly. Poor guy, I think she broke him. I hand over their drinks and Eli dutifully herds the two of them back to their table.

I turn straight back to Torin.
“That totally just happened. You got hit on!” I practically crow with glee.
“She was drunk… It doesn’t count.” He answers flatly. I shrug.
“Liquid courage. She still did it. Besides, it just proves that not EVERYONE wants to avoid you.” I point out. Torin raises an eyebrow.
“I’m not sure that being hit on by drunk women is much better than being ignored or avoided.” He grumbles and I laugh.
“I suppose. But still… It proves that people CAN approach you, and nothing bad will happen. A few more incidents like this and you’re going to lose your scary reputation.” I tease, leaning forward and flicking his hair out of his face. Then I suddenly remember the woman’s comments about the bartender ‘flirting’ with him and I take a quick step back. Is that really how it looks to everyone else? Or was that just jealous drunk rambling? If I AM flirting, I should really stop. It’s not fair to him, I don’t want to lead him on.

I do my best to focus on work until Kyle closes the kitchen and heads home for the night. At that point, Laura comes back to the bar and takes over. Torin gets to his feet and follows me out of the bar and into the hall.
“You’re free now right? Do you want to… Spend some time with me? I should get some work done, but you could draw some more, or do more online shopping?” He suggests awkwardly. I should say no. I should keep putting distance between us. But he looks so hopeful, and I DID promise to hang out with him later. So, once again, I find myself nodding and following him to his office.