Chapter 4-Fun, Fun, Fun

The bar had a pretty decent crowd by the time Ross arrived. He had taken awhile trying to decide what to wear and finally decided on not changing from earlier and leaving on the jeans and Coldplay t-shirt. It was a bar and this wasn't a date. As he was about to enter the joint, he wondered why "date" even popped into his head? Ross noticed as the day wore on that ideas he had no intention of entertaining were making their way bit by bit into this thoughts. It confused him, but unlike other times when woman crossed his path, it didn't scare him. Part of him was looking to see where this whole new life would lead. Coming back into the moment, Ross walked in the door. It took some effort as he had to push several times to get passed the bodies standing on the other side but he finally made it inside. Once he crossed the threshold, he took a minute to get his bearings. The room was harshly lit and the tables were slowly filling up but there was still room to walk. There was an open spot on the floor closest to the beachfront wall with speakers and mike stands. He didn't linger on that as he looked around hoping to spot Demelza or even Verity amongst the sea of strange faces. Finally, Ross was able to sidle through the assorted beach combers and what appeared to locals, and took a spot at the bar. Settling on a stool, he saw an older man working at drawing beers from the taps, and tried to get his attention. Raising his arm Ross nodded toward the bartender and called out.

"Excuse me." Nothing. The volume in the bar was at a steady din, but nothing so bad that you couldn't hear the person near you. He waited a few minutes and tried again.

"Um, excuse me." Still nothing. The man was apparently now in conversation with whoever was at the other end of the bar. Leaning back but careful not to tip completely over, Ross strained to see who that might be. He was glad to see that it was Dwight. A familiar face, he thought. The bartender moved to check the stock so Ross got up from his perch and made his way down towards Dwight. He found the seat next to him empty and claimed it. Feeling something brush against him, Dwight turned and saw his new neighbor. Breaking into a huge grin, he slapped Ross on the back.

"Hey, Ross! Glad to see you made it." Ross smiled back, his teeth visible through the 5 o'clock shadow that covered his face.

"I said I would. Besides, I didn't think it was a good idea to renege on the invite. I get the feeling Demelza would be less than pleased."

"You got that right, dude." Dwight turned back to his drink and took a long swig. Seeing Ross empty handed, he asked," Do you want something?"

"I'd love it."

Dwight called to the bartender. "Tom."

The older man turned back around when he heard his name. Ross immediately saw the same clear blue eyes he's become fond of in Demelza and determined this was a relative.

"Dwight, what are you wanting now?" Ross heard a tinge of an Irish brogue in his voice; it was faint but distinct. Tom saw the new body sitting next to Dwight and was not impressed.

"Who's your friend?" Tom's question was hesitant as he was a long term Rockawayite who didn't always warm up to new people.

Dwight turned to Ross and back to Tom saying, "Tom, this is your new tenant." He waited for an acknowledgement from the older gentleman and getting nothing else but a stink eye, went on.

"Demelza rented him the basement apartment today." Turning toward Ross he gave him a look that said, 'say something'. Taking the hint, Ross held out his hand towards Tom and introduced himself.

"Mr. Carne? Ross Poldark." Reluctantly the elder man grasped Ross' hand and shook it. Tom's eyes squinted when he heard a crisp British accent.

"She rented the place to a limey?" Ross and Dwight looked at each other and laughed.

"I'm afraid so, sir," Ross stated with just a hint of amusement. "I hope you won't hold it against me too much."

"As long as you pay on time, I wouldn't care of you were bloody Prince William."

Seeing that they had gotten over the first hurdle Dwight and Ross turned back to the main matter at hand: drinking, except Ross was a bit behind because he still hadn't gotten served. Dwight moved to remedy that quickly.

"Tom, a pint of Killian's for my mate here," Dwight said, making sure to put emphasis on the word "mate". Ross was about to shake his head with a no when Dwight stopped him and taking the hint, let Tom draw the drink.

"At least he knows a decent drink, Dwight." He turned and put the red cup down in front of Ross who nodded his thanks. Talking directly to Ross now, Tom said, "Now if you ordered a martini, I might not be so welcoming." He was dead serious. Picking up a rag from behind the bar Tom started to wipe around the area where Dwight and Ross' drinks sat. Then he turned his back to them and took a sip from his own red cup that was sitting on the back bar. Dwight had swiveled on the stool to look out at the crowd but Ross caught it. He didn't think much of it because he'd seen bartenders drink while serving. But he also saw how his hand had just the slightest tremor when he put his drink in front of him. Ross didn't dwell on it; there was nothing to dwell on so he turned around as Dwight had done and surveyed the crowd.

At the tables were couples and groups, obviously coming off a day at the beach, looking to hang out and not let the day end. The mood was festive and easy. There was none of the usual bar atmosphere of guys looking to score and girls trying to fend them off. It was clear that most of them knew each other or knew friends of friends. There was no awkwardness amongst them. Ross enjoyed people watching but was still wondering where Demelza was.

He turned to Dwight and asked just that. "Where's Demelza?"

"Who knows?" Dwight brushed the question off but saw Ross really wanted an answer. "Don't sweat it. She's probably in the back loading something or unloading something. The girl does not know how to sit still."

Ross took another sip of his beer and caught a glimpse of Verity moving through the room with a tray balanced on her shoulder. She stopped at a table of six and deposited the plates of fries and mozzarella sticks. The smell wafted towards Ross and he realized he hadn't eaten since breakfast. Verity picked up the empties and headed towards the bar. She saw Ross sitting with Dwight and smirked.

"Hey, if it isn't James Bond," she joked. Ross let it pass and gave her smirk back.

"Funny. As you can see I'm drinking what you locals drink, nothing shaken or stirred."

"Touché."

"What do I need to do to get some food?" he asked.

"Now you want us to feed you dinner too? I know you're a guest in the country, but don't become one of those unwelcome ones, okay?" Ross could tell she was joking and he was beginning to feel like he was making friends.

"Understood." Verity gave him a nod of approval and started to move back to the kitchen when Ross called her. "So will you get me something to eat?"

"I'll bring you something. Sit tight." With that she spun on her heel and headed back through to the kitchen, yelling as she went.

"Hey Dem, your new border seems to think that food is part of the deal." Suddenly a flurry of red hair came barreling into the bar. She stopped short when she saw him. Wiping her hands on her apron, she walked behind the bar to where he sat.

"Glad to see you made it. " Demelza did her best to hide her happiness at seeing him but the smile would not leave her face. Ross saw that and admitted that he was glad to see her too.

"I told you I would." He picked up his drink and took a sip, watching her over the rim as he did. Her eyes never left his and he smiled.

"Verity said you were hungry. What can I get you?" She made a feeble attempt to sound nonchalant and easy. It wasn't working. She pulled a towel from the waist of the apron and started wiping the bar top, almost knocking over his drink in the process.

"Sorry," she said as she righted the cup. Ross grabbed her hand and held it.

"No worries. Nothing spilled." From behind her she heard a cough. It was her father.

"Demelza," he said rather harshly. She pulled her hand out of Ross's and straightened up, trying to recover some composure before turning around to face him.

"Dad I was just…"

"I could see what you 'was just', "he barked. "Stop fawning over the stranger and get back to work." There was a slight slur to Tom Carne's words and Demelza was humiliated. She kept her head down and scurried out of Ross' eyesight as quickly as possible.

"Mr. Carne, she was just taking a food order for me." Ross tried to explain. Tom gave him a squinting look and huffed. His look had turned from barely pleasant to almost menacing. Ross was taken aback.

"Don't tell me how to handle my daughter. It's none of your business." He moved from around the bar to the side where Ross was sitting. Ross was sure he was going to be feeling the end of a fist in a minute. It was at this moment that Dwight came back to the bar after having seen the exchange from a table across the room and saw the distressed look on Ross' face. Looking at Tom's face, Dwight could see he was quickly on his way to becoming ten sheets to the wind. He was going to try and diffuse the situation before it turned ugly as it had a tendency to do when Carne had too much to drink.

"Tom, why don't you call it a night? I'm sure if Demelza needs help, I can pitch in with Verity. Maybe even recruit Mr. Poldark here as well." He motioned to Ross who had practically choked on his drink.

"I can handle myself just fine, Enys. No need to babysit me." Tom swilled the last of his drink with obvious indignation and slammed the cup on the bar. "But I will take myself someplace else. Tell Demelza I'll see her at home. Right after closing, alright?"

"Will do," Dwight assured him. "Careful going home, Tom."

The elder Carne made his way to the door, with just the slightest sway in his step. Once outside and out of sight, Ross let out a breath in relief.

"Thanks Dwight. I thought for a minute he was going to hit me." He sipped at his beer and tried to relax.

"He might have, "Dwight explained. "Look, Ross. You're going to find out that relationships here in Rockaway can be a little convoluted. Most people have grown up together, or know each other's relatives or even married friends of friends. It makes everyone a little paranoid and very protective. Like I was earlier with you about Demelza."

Ross kept sipping his now warming beer and continued to listen.

"She's a great girl, and a looker, which sometimes gets her in trouble." Dwight let that sit for a minute and Ross was about to ask a question when he saw Verity approach with two plates of a various fried foods. She dropped them in front of himself and Dwight with little table etiquette, surprisingly not breaking anything.

"Here's your food." She stood there waiting for some sort of acknowledgement. Ross could see she was less than pleased and figured it had to do with Demelza. Luckily this time he couldn't be blamed for what happened. His companion gingerly took a chicken finger off the plate and dropped it.

"It's hot. What did you expect; I just took them out of the fryer." She was speaking to Dwight but her eyes never left Ross. He started to feel that same chill he encountered this morning. He was starving but was afraid to reach for any food. Verity saw his hesitancy and spoke, "Don't worry, I didn't poison you or anything." Hearing this he picked up a piece of chicken himself and took a bite. "But that doesn't mean I didn't do something else to it." As she ended the sentence, Ross started choking on the tiny bite he took.

"What's the matter, 007? Don't like buffalo sauce?" Dwight exploded in laughter and Verity gave him a high five. Ross on the other hand, couldn't pick up his beer fast enough and chugged what was left in one breath.

When he stopped choking, he was able to finally get words out.

"Thanks Verity. It tastes great."

Feeling some sympathy, she drew him another beer and handed it to him. He swilled it down as fast as the last time and the fire in his mouth finally subsided.

"Sorry, Ross. It's just when I saw Demelza crying, I just assumed you said something to upset her, until I saw her dad leave."

Ross' head shot up when he heard the word 'crying' and he waited for Verity to elaborate.

"What do you mean she was crying?" The concern in his voice was sincere and both she and Dwight heard it. They looked at each other and silently decided not to tell him anything more because it was Demelza's choice what she wanted Ross to know or not know. But one of them needed to say something; they couldn't leave the crying thing just hanging out there, so Verity spoke.

"Look Ross, I can tell you like Demelza and she likes you. So this is why I can't tell you why Demelza is upset. She is going to have to tell you in her own way and in her own time. If you care for her, even a tiny bit, be patient. "

This was the second time in the past hour that he was told Demelza would have to tell him something. What the hell was going on? He sort of picked up that there was a part of her life that she didn't really want him to know, so he would have to bide his time and let her tell him when she was ready.

He was mulling all this over so he didn't notice when Verity moved from behind the bar to where he sat until he felt Verity's hand on his shoulder.

"Ross? It'll be alright. You've only just gotten here so there is a lot of history that you're going to have to play catch up with. If you stick around, and I hope you do, you might be the person to bring Demelza back again."

What the heck was she talking about, he wondered. Bring Demelza back? Now, not only was he intrigued but he was a little scared. What was he getting into? And did he care? If Ross was honest, he did care. A lot. About Demelza and whatever it was she was dealing with. Maybe Dwight would give up something to help him get a clue to what was going on.

He was about to turn and ask him when the door to the bar opened and a thirty something guy, in a vintage Springsteen t-shirt, extremely faded jeans and shoulder length hair tied in a ponytail walked in carrying a guitar case.

"It's about time!" Verity stated just a little too loud. She moved from where she stood next to Dwight and Ross towards the door and greeted him. "I was hoping you'd get here before the crowds to set up," she scolded. The musician stood there, looking like he wanted to open his mouth but not getting a chance to. "Well, do you have an excuse? Or at least a good story?"

The guitar player leaned his case against the bar and looked at Verity.

"Hi there, I'm Andrew Blamey. You must be Verity Gallagher."

"I am."

Behind him, the other members of the band started to come in carrying various instruments and gear and the patrons near the door made a path so they could make their way through to the mocked up stage.

Verity led the way, steering the musicians around the tables and people standing on the floor.

"Coming through. If you lot want to start partying the right way, you'll make room for these guys to set up." She had full command of the situation so Andrew and his crew didn't need to do anything but follow.

"Thanks," Andrew said. "Appreciate the assistance. Give us five minutes and we'll be ready for our introduction."

"Introduction? " Verity was surprised at the slight arrogance in his voice. "You are a cover band right?"

"Yes. But we're the best around." She was skeptical and Andrew could see it. "Don't worry. You'll be begging us to come back every weekend." With that Andrew gave her wink and then turned to help his band set up for the first set. Seeing as how she was basically dismissed, Verity headed back to the bar and prepared for the late night crowd that should start to be arriving shortly. When word that a new band was playing tonight, she knew that the place would be jumping pretty soon. She headed back to the bar and busied herself with making sure it was stocked and ready for the rush. Tom's departure was not ideal but Verity knew it was better he were gone than risk his drinking getting worse and something more complicated happening. Dwight was right. He could pitch in if needed.

From their seats at the bar, Ross and Dwight watched the scene, oblivious to Demelza's return. She had quietly re-entered the room and took a stance behind the bar and Ross. As if sensing her presence, he turned around and gave her a small smile. Unable to ignore it or him, she returned the favor, fighting the tears that she could feel gathering behind her eyes. Her hands were planted on the bar as if to hold her up, so Ross put one of his over hers and gave a squeeze. It was just enough for Demelza to realize that maybe this man was different than the rest and could be the one she could trust enough to let in.

They were so focused on each other that they didn't hear the doors open and close or see the couple that just walked in. A petite, dark-haired woman dressed a little higher end than the rest of the beach crowd entered with a rather well dressed man. She wore white linen pants and a tight fitting tank in fuchsia that was hard to ignore. Her wrists were littered with thin silver bracelets and she had a cross strap Chanel bag slung against her hip. He was wearing a light blue polo and khakis, both of which were just the tiniest bit too pressed. They could have been an ad for the Hamptons and definitely looked as if they walked into the wrong establishment. Not missing a beat, they headed toward the bar. Ross caught sight of them out of the corner of his eye as he was instantly drawn to the woman. He gave her a smile, which didn't get lost on Demelza, who pulled her hand out from underneath his to help Verity. Seeing that Ross didn't make a move to stop her, the anger she felt earlier, resurfaced but for another reason. And that reason made her even angrier. She started slicing the lemons and limes for garnish, but ended up basically mangling them into useless pulp. Verity picked up the change in mood and stealthily made her way to Demelza, determined to get the knife out of her hand before she did some real damage.

In a voice reminiscent of a mother, she said, "Demelza, give Verity the knife." Demelza looked up, with a noncommittal look on her face and after a short delay, acquiesced. She handed over the knife and watched as Verity dropped it in the sink. Turning around so their backs were to the room, Verity put her arm around Demelza's waist and pulled her down to speak to her in a low voice.

"Hon, I know they're not your favorite people, but they are customers and we have to be nice. Believe me, she is the last person I want to drink with tonight too. And you know my feelings on him. And here I was hoping for a nice, rowdy night."

Verity gave her a squeeze. Demelza knew what she was trying to do and it was working. Stepping out of the hug, she took a breath and went back to where Ross sat. He was, to her dismay, chatting it up with the woman and her date. Suddenly a loud cackle emerged of the brunette's throat, just fake enough to make Demelza want to wring it out permanently. It took all her strength to compose herself and walk closer to them because her curiosity was greater than her pride. The woman saw her approach, and broke into a huge smile showing perfectly white teeth; even they were a little large for her face.

"Oh hey there, Demelza," she said. She moved totally around on the stool, making sure her leg brushed Ross' in the movement. He looked down and then up again at this woman's face. She grinned and as if knowing what would push Demelza's buttons, she steadied herself by putting her hand on his shoulder. Luckily for Ross, he recognized the tactic and pulled away. He turned his head and seeing how it bothered Demelza gave her a wink but she was still glaring at the flirt. Ross wondered if she was jealous and the thought amused him.

"Elizabeth." Demelza's voice was flat and unemotional. "What brings you out to commune with the peasants?"

"Really, Demelza, I wish you would get over this whole 'I'm better than you' thing. We were all kids together. Why wouldn't I come here?" The Cheshire cat grin never left her as she spoke while she idly made circles on the bar with her finger, inching closer to Ross at the same time.

"I've just been getting acquainted with your friend Ross here," she said as she smiled at him. Demelza took another breath and held it because if she didn't she would have probably slapped a bitch.

In the meantime, Elizabeth's escort, who stood close by, watched but didn't say a word. He played with this keyless Mercedes starter, just letting it play out. The motion annoyed Demelza but she knew she had to try and act better than them just so Ross didn't think her a total brat.

"Ross, this is Elizabeth Chenoweth and her 'friend', George Warleggan." She got the words out, but just barely when Verity came to join in the gathering, not hiding her disdain. She slammed a bowl of goldfish on the bar, sending some flying in all directions.

"I see you brought your lap dog with you Lizzie," she said, the sarcasm easily oozing from her lips. Ross again was wondering what the back story was with Verity and this couple because it was clear, she didn't like them. "Afraid you might get mauled or something?"

Elizabeth didn't answer; her friend did.

"Really Verity? This bitterness gets tiring after awhile." Ross noticed that his voice was full of round tones, as if he was trying to erase the New York accent the rest of them had. He found it funny. This dude was obviously trying to appear as if he wasn't a local. Or that he was a better class of local. The thing is, you can dress and speak as high end as people in Vogue, but who you are inside will never change.

"Who said I was bitter George?" Verity took a stance and anyone who observed to see she was not going to let this pretentious snob intimidate her.

"It would be understandable. Considering what happened?" At those words, everyone seemed to stiffen just a bit. It was Demelza's turn to support her friend. The look she gave George was colder than anything Ross had seen before. It was clear that this George person hit on something very raw.

"For Crissake's George, do you have to be such a prick all the time?" It was Demelza who spoke through gritted teeth, keeping her voice low so that no one except the immediate people around her could hear.

George smiled but in such a way that made one feel they were looking at snake. Ross could feel the sliminess of this man and he didn't like it or him at all. It was clear he also got pleasure out of hurting others. Anyone who always went on the offense was usually hiding insecurity on their part.

"I'm sorry," George said with absolutely no sincerity in his voice. "I didn't think she was still in mourning. It has been a year." Feeling Verity tense, with her hands balling into fists at her sides, Demelza hugged tighter. Verity shook her off and looked up at her friend.

"I'm fine, Dem. Fine." Demelza didn't believe her but she wasn't going to question her. Ross looked at Demelza who gave him a small shake of her head. He mouthed 'okay' back to her as he determined from the shit coming out of this George's mouth, that Verity lost someone close to her. If this was the case then that would explain her hard shell and devil may care attitude. She had her defenses up. Something Ross could relate to quite well. After his incident back home and the death of his father, he turned off his emotions and did what he could just to get through the day. He realized now, as he saw the Verity and Demelza's interaction, that his own stone wall was slowly crumbling and that he wanted what they had: friendship that would carry him through no matter what. He felt that happening with Dwight and even Verity. As for Demelza, that was morphing into something else. And he wasn't ready to put a name to that. No yet.

So the six people at the bar were at a standstill. No one moved or said anything until Verity walked to the bar opening, lifted the gate and stepped forward.

"If you bunch will excuse me, I have a band to introduce." With a bounce in her step, she headed toward the stage. Andrew was plugging in the last amp as she approached. He saw her face and knew that something had changed because she looked tense. Really tense.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Perfect." She peered at him with a warning look that he shouldn't ask anything else. "You ready?"

"As ever," Andrew said.

"Great." Turning to the crowd she grabbed a mic. "Ladies and Gentlemen," she yelled. "It is my pleasure to intro the hottest cover band, not only on this peninsula but in the five boroughs. Two Gun Cupid!"

The tables erupted with applause, whistles and cheers. For the crew at the bar, it was the opposite story. No one reacted or made a move. The music started and Verity made her way back to them. Not wanting to let the issue from earlier alone, George spoke. Again.

"I'm sorry if I upset you Verity. I didn't think you were still so sensitive to it. Francis was my friend too."

Demelza couldn't let him go on. "Shut up, George. Just shut up."

"I'm not surprised you don't want to talk about Demelza." Ross' eyes turned to her now. Clearly, she knew about what happened quite intimately.

"Must stink to know you were so close and couldn't get to him in time to save him. Honestly, I'm surprised you still surf at all after that."

No one saw the slap coming because it happened so fast because it wasn't Demelza who hit George but Verity. The crack was loud, but the music drowned it out to all except the immediate group. George put his hand to his cheek and rubbed lightly. Elizabeth, who was caught totally off guard at the outburst, said nothing. As a matter of fact she didn't do anything to comfort George.

"Get out," Demelza said. She was deceptively calm and didn't move a muscle.

"Demelza, is that really a good idea?" Elizabeth said in an overly sweet voice. Moving to avoid another slap, or worse, it was Dwight who spoke up.

"Yes, Elizabeth, I think it's the best idea. Now why don't you and your little boyfriend, hit the road?" He stood and walked around Ross to the pair. He waited for them to rise and move, which they did without incident.

Ross, Verity and Demelza watched them leave and let out a collective breath, relaxing when the door closed behind them.

"Well now can we please get down to partying?" Verity's mood changed on a dime. She poured herself a shot of Jameson's and knocked it back without a blinking. Ross was impressed but saw that Demelza was still in her own head. And who could blame her. First that run in with her father and now her almost confrontation with this Elizabeth and George. Ross wondered what thoughts were running through her. He knew that he needed to talk to her but wasn't sure she would want to do it now. However, not being one to shirk from an issue, Ross decided to give it a shot. She was listening to the band and he could see that she was getting into the music and losing herself in the atmosphere of the room. They were playing a Bon Jovi classic, "Living on a Prayer" and her mouth moved with the words. It amused him and he thought better of ruining the moment. Her happiness was infectious and Ross couldn't help but join in. Demelza saw him starting to swing with the music and came around the bar to join him on a stool. She brought him another drink as well as one for herself. Turning to him, she raised her red cup and he followed her lead and did the same.

"Cheers," she said and turned back to listen to the music. Ross took a sip and watched her watching the band, acting like nothing had happened. Her resilience amazed him. This girl was truly an enigma.