"Then why are you talking to Melva now? Is the ban already lifted?" asked Vance rather accusingly because he found something that did not fit with all the things that had come out from Arlie's mouth. It was more like an interrogation now rather than a casual conversation between a bartender and a customer in a tavern.
Arlie seemed quite nervous now that Vance was asking him things while narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "Well, she is now a customer in the tavern where I work. Of course, I have to be professional. And also, it was only a ban that existed during our childhood. I don't really care about it anymore."
Vance sipped his wine while nodding in understanding—or in a judging manner, it was hard to tell. He did not seem to be fond of Arlie. Melva had no idea why. If it was the other Arlie, she totally understood. However, this Arlie was nothing but friendly. She almost felt bad for him. Arlie could tell that Vance was not that fond of him, which was why he was nervous.
