SHE LUGS HER GUITAR CASE OVER HER SHOULDER and two heavy amplifiers along with her down the sidewalk; one tucked under her arm, the other in her right hand. so much for street performance when there’s no one to even PLAY for. it’s bitter cold outside, and there’s no point in her freezing her ass off if no one will even bother to take their hands out of their pockets to tip the live musician. it’s a waste.
eliza begrudgingly unlocks her truck, shoving all her equipment inside with little care as to how it lands on the floor, and slams the door shut. she whips around and slips her hands into her pockets, hair plastered against her face in the icy wind – the nearest bar is where she takes refuge, immediately finding comfort in the first seat available at the wooden countertop. where a hot beverage would probably do the trick, alcohol creates a much nicer and familiar BURN that she’s looking for.
she shrugs off her coat, allowing it to fall onto the back of her tall chair as she asks the bartender for a vodka soda, receiving it only seconds after. her fingers are still numb from the frigid outdoor temperature when they surround her glass, eyes darting to the man who sits beside her.
❛ —— … y’should at least formally introduce y’self before ya makin’ dinner plans for the both of us. ❜ it’s a loose joke that he should know is directed at him once he hangs up the phone; her teasing simper isn’t even prevalent until after she takes a sip of her drink. inviting herself into other people’s dinner plans only the tip of the iceberg on what she’ll do when she’s bored. ❛ is’t a nice place, at least? ❜
john finds it easy to dissolve into the cluttered, noisy atmosphere. effortlessly blending into throngs has proven to be an invaluable attribute to possess in his line of work. all things considered, the decision to lay low in this damn near derelict, musky bar is an easy one. arranging for a pickup by taxicab here after a few hours is an excellent way to mask his involvement.
sirens & oscillating lights race past the the bar, just vague sploshes of red & blue through the fogged windows. everyone first instinct after committing a crime is to turn tail & escape as fast as possible. but with patience, confidence & intelligence, hiding nearby amid the mindless civilians is a surefire way of evading detection or raising suspicion.
john drops his gaze onto the younger woman. wonders if she’s got a play, or if she’s just making conversation. after sizing her up, he turns back to the wooden counter top & takes a swig of his drink. an awkward smile goes her way at the joke, but the next part gets a reply out of him. “ it’s an acquired taste. “ john admits. “ i don’t recommend it if you aren’t a fan of your meat being a bit … bloody. “
