"More stout, boys? Yes, that's just what's needed here," he said, sweeping away the empty glasses. "And I think I'll be sending out some of the shepherd's pie. The lamb's quite the stuff today."
Steven nodded. "Thanks, John. You really are the best."
"Not at all, lad, not at all. And just so you know, laddie," he said to Paul, "one of our waiters is your way. He's going to be so chuffed when I tell him!" He pounded Paul heartily on the back and left for the kitchen.
Holly sighed happily. "Love John."
Steven leaned over to Holly. "Chuffed is a good thing, right?"
Paul hung his head, unable to process any more today. This much turmoil in his life in the past seven days was starting to get to him.
"Cheer up, bro," Steven said. "Dad just needs a little time. You know how the McDonnell me
