USE ME 3

My head swivels to find Aryan avoiding my gaze as he helped me into one of the bar stools. His ears were pink and his hands warm.

“You own a pub? Isn’t that a little unusual for a priest?”

He clears his throat nosily and nods in the direction of his bar tender. The bar tender gets the hint and gives us a semblance of privacy.

“He doesn't know you are a priest.” I note.

“He didn't. Now he does.”

“When did you own a pub?” I ask, remorse a lump in my throat. I had after all exposed his secret.

“I came into town, and it seemed like the right idea at the time. Now...” He gestured around us to the empty space.

“Now it seems like a shitty investment.” I complete for him.

It was a good idea, the town didn't have a good drinking spot, it would have turned most of them to regulars if a little effort was put in.

“I can help you with that.”

He quirked a brow at me, whilst signalling the bar tender.

“What should I get you guys?”

I eye the scanty rows of drinks behind him.