The crowd in the hotel bar were engaged in friendly chatter. The small tables, each surrounded by horseshoe shaped red leather chairs, were all full as were the ten or so stools at the bar. People talked in couples or groups. Everyone seemed to be relaxed and at ease with their surroundings.
Yanik closed the black leather folder he had in front of him and loosened his tie. His companions had left just a few minutes earlier and, no longer needing to take up a table that seated six, he got to his feet and made his way to the bar, relieved his final meeting was over and he could relax. Seeing a stool being vacated, just to his left, he slid the folder onto its cushion, hoping that would stake his claim.
A handsome young man with deep blue eyes and a very short haircut looked at Yanik as he moved in front of the stool and smiled.
"Is this seat taken?"
"No, no, it's not. I wondered how long it would be before it was though. By my reckoning that was about two seconds." The younger man held out his hand. "I'm Nathan, or Nate, which conference are you here for?"
For a moment Yanik wasn't sure if he wanted to engage in conversation but there was something endearing about his companion, an honesty that appealed to him, and so he lifted his folder onto the bar and felt his fingers envelop a soft and smooth palm as he spoke.
"Green Accounting." Yanik managed to resist the temptation to pull a face as he sat down. He had been one of the main speakers and organizers, but still had to admit it had been pretty hard going in places.
"Oh, right, I have no idea what that means. So, are you an accountant or an environmentalist?" Nathan took the final swallow of his drink, and waited for the reply.
"Accountant, but I have to admit I'm getting greener by the minute. I guess you could describe it as taking the effects of production and consumption on the environment into account when implementing any financial or economic measures. So, if you wanted to build a new factory, I would advise you on what would make sense economically as well as environmentally." He paused and then spoke again, "You can let your eyes glaze over now!" Yanik signalled for the barman, realizing he might enjoy chatting with handsome and engaging company for a while, especially as he'd had the good grace not to look too bored. "Gin and tonic please, with a slice of lemon, Nathan?"
"The same thanks." Nathan raised his now empty glass in salute and they both watched as their drinks were prepared. "I didn't get your name." The younger man looked up at deep brown eyes and felt himself being drawn in.
"Yanik, Yanik Fitzpatrick, I'm pleased to meet you, Nathan."
"Well, cheers, Yanik, I'm pleased to meet you too."
For a minute or so the men nursed their drinks, the silence between them neither heavy nor lengthy enough that they felt the need to break it. Yanik, taking a third sip from his tumbler, absentmindedly ran his hand through his hair.
"I used to be able to do that." Nathan looked on almost wistfully and then smiled as Yanik laughed.
"I'm told I do it a lot, I'm not really aware of it so I guess it's a habit." Yanik's hair almost touched his shoulders, it was dark brown, almost black in places and, accountant or not, he had no intention of having it cut. It fell in waves, and the only time he would let scissors anywhere near it was when those waves began to straighten with the weight of the hair. If it was short it became almost unruly, the curls twisting in all directions, and so, unless he too had a buzz cut like his companion, shoulder length was the best choice for him. "I'm sorry, I sort of let my mind wander then." Yanik realized Nathan was speaking and began to refocus.
"That's ok, I just said this is long, compared to when I first had it cut I mean." He ran his hand across the bristles, showing just how fine his blond hair was.
"Hey, Nate." A greeting was called out from by the bar door and Nathan turned, a smile on his face, as he recognised the voice.
"John, how's it hanging?"
"Long and low, my man, long and low." The man waved his hand as he walked on past, through the doors towards the restaurant, and out of sight. As he did so Yanik noticed another guest also wave at his companion.
"This is my local, I live just down the road. It's far better than the pubs in the area and I like to spend at least one evening a week here." Nathan explained his sudden popularity, looking a little embarrassed.
"So you aren't here for one of the other exciting conferences that have been taking place then?" There had been a welcome board up in main reception directing people to various areas. Yanik had noticed venues for the women's institute, a national childbirth organisation and a bird watching association mentioned there.
"Um no, although when I was younger I used to work here occasionally to help out when things got busy. Those ladies from the women's institute seriously know how to party!" Nathan grinned, enjoying the way the dark brown eyes of the man next to him seemed to sparkle, as he realized he'd made his new friend laugh.
"What do you do for a living now? Is it as exciting as being an accountant?" The self-depreciation was evident in his voice as Yanik spoke and Nathan considered a moment before replying.
"Media I guess would be the umbrella term. I work in the film industry."