Holsten did his best not to look in Jo's direction once he got to the bar. It was a little easier said than done as old friends seemed to flock toward him, most to take a jab at him for showing up to the Beak dressed the way he was. He joined in on the laughter, hardly phased by it. He'd known what to expect when he hadn't stopped at home first. But once the jabs had subsided enough, it was like he'd never been gone. Conversation flowed easily enough, just like the drinks.

Loosening the kerchief around his neck, he found himself actually sitting down at the bar. His plan to leave after one drink had quickly been abandoned. It seemed neither of them were going to acknowledge the other's presence. He could handle that.

But then someone jabbed him in the side, telling him if he was going to look the part of a rich dandy he may as well by a round for the whole pub. It wasn't normally something he would do. Not because he couldn't afford but because he wasn't a fan of flaunting his wealth, especially in a place like the Beak. Being put on the spot, however, he could hardly decline. Looking to the bartender, he did as he'd been goaded into but made a point that it would be only one round.

Then curiosity got the better of him as the drinks started getting passed around on his knut. His piercing blue gaze shifted to where Jo was sitting and before he could look away, she looked in his direction as well. Eye contact was made. Fuck.

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