Chapter 16: Chapter 16: A New Friend?

“Rachel, this is Henry. Henry, this is Rachel. Rachel is new and works at the bakery. Henry’s family was one of the original ones in the village many, many generations ago.”

“Hi, Henry. Nice to meet you. Please have a seat.”

Henry sat next to Rachel, blocking her exit. He positioned himself in the booth with his face frozen in a smile and his hands in his lap under the table.

“I remember the first time you came to the pub. I wanted to send you a drink and talk to you then, but I’m an introvert. It took me a couple of drinks just to get up the nerve to send you one, not to mention three. He giggled nervously. He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief to wipe his noticeably sweaty hands, forehead and upper lip.

“Would you like a dessert? I see you already finished your meal. How about some ice cream? Let me guess. I bet you like chocolate,” he giggled nervously.

His nervous giggle was neither cute, amusing, or infectious.