A chilly silence fills the room. Bae steps back from the table as if onto a stage. “Well, if so many of you here are interested in our domestic arrangements, maybe this is an ideal moment to clear the air.”
Jinge raises his hand.
”Yes, Jinge!” says Bae in the tone of a school teacher.
”I’m not actually all that interested in knowing, so is it okay if I nip out the back for a spliff instead?”
”Not a problem, Jinge,” says Bae. “Enjoy your doobie!” She turns back to the pub crowd with renewed intensity. “It has never been made clear exactly what the relationship between Ms. Aileen McGinty and myself is, and as a matter of public interest,” she hisses this last word in Sparrar’s face, “I feel this is a good moment to clear the air.”
Sparrar’s slow-clapping echoes around the pub. “Bravo! Well said, princess!”
Bae turns him a cold glance before continuing. “You may have wondered whether Ms. McGinty is my landlady, my long lost auntie or maybe my hot water bottle on cold winter nights.”
Sparrar winces.
”No, I’ll tell you what Ms. McGinty is: she is none of your fucking business. Do you hear that? None of your fucking business. And if you want a safe pint of Guinness when you next amble over to the bar, it’d do you good to remember that.”
And breathe out! (goto 76)