The Peacock is just starting to jump. Tim realizes that his pub-crawling time always is early evening. From seven until perhaps ten at the latest. And if a Saturday game is on, the drinking is an afternoon sport while watching. He knows pubs don’t ramp it up until when he often calls it a night. Open until eleven with a wind-down and afterglow at some places. But Tim is just not into that level of nightlife.
For Abbie, she usually goes out for fun and games, never gets to the bar until pushing nine o’clock on the weekends, and regularly stays for the last call and even later if she and Phoebe are having fun. Because of Abbie’s younger days in America with bars open until two in the morning or later, she is finding adapting to the earlier hours in the UK. She finds them a bit on the prudent side.
Both Tim and Abbie are going to have to compromise a little to adjust their inner clocks to sync. Though Abbie might, just might, be coming to understand staying out till after the last call is wasting time, especially when she has Tim to enjoy.
As they walk through the doors of the Wilde Peacock, Tim realizes he is feeling comfortable coming in here now. Yes, Abbie at his side does so help. When they reach the bar to get a seat, both are welcomed by people there. Remarkably, the greetings to Tim are just as kind and welcoming as the ones welcoming Abbie.
Tim is just starting to like and enjoy the people he is meeting at the Peacock. They haven’t been here enough yet to form real bonds with others, but the start of that process seems underway. Tim has never felt that way when going into the pub with his mates. They would welcome him on arrival, but even after all the years going there, not even the barmaids seem to know who he is.
This is so different.
Tim and Abbie chat with Phoebe behind the bar and the other patrons. They tell about their shopping extravaganza that afternoon. All comment on how dapper Tim looks tonight, and what a lovely dress Abbie has on. These comments make both Tim and Abbie feel much more confident and accepted.
It is incredible how the evening plays out. Before, Tim and Abbie when out, mainly chat with each other to get to know each other better. They have not anyway scratched the surface with each other. They know that they will have hours and hours ahead to share. Now going out allows them to enjoy conversations with others.
Phoebe is amazed at the difference she sees. Shy Tim, from the first night, only how many weeks ago, is now outgoing and witty. Abbie has this inner glow over her all the time. Phoebe is amused, watching how much Abbie touches Tim showing her affection and wanting to let him know she is right there and attentive to his needs.
Tim seems to be doing the same with Abbie. It is not the level of ‘get a room already,’ but just two people who are so in sync with each other.
As they chat with the others, now and then, one will say something, and they look in each other in the eye with a grin, that what is being said brings up some personal joke between them.
The happiness and glow the two have is spread over all who they talk with. A couple of footballers from last Sunday find their hands brushing each other’s thighs in shared happiness. The older woman and the younger woman seem to be cuddling closer together as they join the conversation. And actually, still very shy, the younger woman does speak up some too.
Needless to say, the bar at the Wilde Peacock is filled with laugher and camaraderie. The only thing that would make it better, Abbie reflects, is if Phoebe would have a mate too.
Thinking that, Abbie’s mind starts to wander and wonder. While Phoebe can appear femdom at times, she really wants someone to keep her under control. Abbie knows this from their many conversations over the last few years. And Phoebe is drawn to older women.