[ There's a trace of a smile on Benny's lips as he recalls the fliers. It's been some time - unthinkably more and yet not so? - since he stapled them to poles around town and saw them bring Jack, Margot, and Ell into the bar. Before that, the place was simply a dive with a pool table, the usuals telling the same jokes and drinking the same drinks on the same nights week after week after week. ]
Might've lost my mind without a little variety, and what this town lacks for -
[ He begins to say 'culture', then thinks of Rowan's bar, then thinks of Rowan and feels a tight sorrow that works his way up to his throat like a scream. ]
- excitement, I thought I could offset with scandal. Seems I've got a little competition now, but I doubt yours is the kind that lingers.
[ A flap of his hand, not at Jack but at the women loitering near the low stage. ]
They've already forgotten he's a "homewrecker". [ The tone of his voice suggests "homewrecker" is a source of amusement for him. ] Not a new situation for him; he always has chased the barest hint of romance, nevermind the home situation.
And before you start winding up to have a go at me for casting aspersions or slandering your darling Jack: I say it all now only because I know he's told you already. You're not unaware that he's been through this before, nor that the homes are already well wrecked before he ever puts in an appearance.
[ Benny glances down the bar to see one of the men is watching them out of the corner of his eye, clearly listening in. He leans over and speaks in a slow, patronizing sort of tone. ]
Gene. Unless you've got something of value to add to the proceedings, go back to nursing your IPA. Unless you want me telling Theresa you've been here instead of looking for honest labor?
[ The man cringes over his class and stares at his hands, his face gone pale.
Benny tsks, mutters Nosy shite and shakes his head, then continues as though he was never interrupted. ]
You're the first he's loved, though. First to leave the missus for him, as well.
no subject
Might've lost my mind without a little variety, and what this town lacks for -
[ He begins to say 'culture', then thinks of Rowan's bar, then thinks of Rowan and feels a tight sorrow that works his way up to his throat like a scream. ]
- excitement, I thought I could offset with scandal. Seems I've got a little competition now, but I doubt yours is the kind that lingers.
[ A flap of his hand, not at Jack but at the women loitering near the low stage. ]
They've already forgotten he's a "homewrecker". [ The tone of his voice suggests "homewrecker" is a source of amusement for him. ] Not a new situation for him; he always has chased the barest hint of romance, nevermind the home situation.
And before you start winding up to have a go at me for casting aspersions or slandering your darling Jack: I say it all now only because I know he's told you already. You're not unaware that he's been through this before, nor that the homes are already well wrecked before he ever puts in an appearance.
[ Benny glances down the bar to see one of the men is watching them out of the corner of his eye, clearly listening in. He leans over and speaks in a slow, patronizing sort of tone. ]
Gene. Unless you've got something of value to add to the proceedings, go back to nursing your IPA. Unless you want me telling Theresa you've been here instead of looking for honest labor?
[ The man cringes over his class and stares at his hands, his face gone pale.
Benny tsks, mutters Nosy shite and shakes his head, then continues as though he was never interrupted. ]
You're the first he's loved, though. First to leave the missus for him, as well.