Chapter 35 #2
I can’t risk going to town tonight. It would mean having more than the agreed one drink, and I’d end up paying for a couple of rounds. Right now, my student budget won’t stretch to more than one.
It’s just a few minutes walk to the student bar.
We’re fortunate enough to have everything we need right on site.
A doctor’s surgery, supermarket and launderette are a few of the facilities here and reasonably priced.
It’s the main reason I stayed on campus for my last year rather than renting a house with friends.
Not only did I need peace and quiet to get through my finals, but I also needed to cut back on my spending if I was to make it to the end.
Eddie is a nice guy. We’ve always got on, and conversation has never been difficult for us, but tonight feels different.
It could be the corner table by the window he insists we sit at.
It’s secluded and far too romantic for two friends having a drink.
Still, at least I’m out of my room. My planned evening of hot chocolate with giant marsh mellows would have been a little sad.
The surrounding bar is relatively lively but not as busy as usual for a weekend night.
There must be a party going on somewhere.
Once Eddie has been served, he plonks his bottle of beer down, along with my vodka and mango and a family bag of pickled onion Monster Munch.
Eddie tears it open for us to share, which makes me smile as I sit opposite.
“What?” he asks, looking down at his offering.
“How did you know these were my favourite?”
“Intuition.” He grins. “You look like a Monster Munch kind of girl.”
“But pickled onion? It’s an acquired taste, surely.”
“I think I can read you pretty well.” He laughs.
“Hmm, I bet you say that to all the girls.”
“No, just you.”
“Okaaay,” I say, glancing around me, placing my loose hair behind my ear. I feel the heat to my face and question internally why the look he’s giving me is so intense. “Do I have something on my face?” I touch my lips with worry.
He laughs again. “No, why do you ask?”
“You’re looking at me funny.”
“Ahh, no, nothing like that. It’s just—” He stops mid-sentence, looking to his hands before back to me. “No, I shouldn’t say.”
I’m disappointed by his game playing, which I didn’t think was Eddie’s style. “If what you want to say is inappropriate for a girl who has made it clear from the start, she is your friend, then you’re right. You shouldn’t.”
He must realise I can see right through him at this point. “Perhaps I won’t embarrass you, but I will say, your boyfriend is a lucky man.”
Or maybe he hasn’t. I handle the situation the only way I know how. “I’ll take that as a compliment from a friend.”
“So you should. Not only are you beautiful, but you’re also loyal.”
Perhaps I’m overdoing the friend thing, but how obvious do I have to be for him to get the message.
It’s not as if Eddie doesn’t get any female attention.
Angie’s met him a few times and thinks he’s hot.
She didn’t hold back telling me how mad I was for not dating him, obviously pre-Ash.
Maybe it’s because I can see past his broad, rugby-built shoulders and those come to bed brown eyes.
They don’t lure me in the way I’ve seen some girls on campus practically fall at his feet.
He is a catch, no doubt, but he’s also a player.
I gloss past the ‘beautiful’ comment, despite my heated face. “Isn’t loyalty an important part of a relationship? Otherwise, what’s the point.”
“True, but if I was your man, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight, never mind letting you go off to university without me.”
“It’s a good job you’re not my man then. Trust is a major ingredient.” My own words stop me in my tracks. Did I just talk about trust? I didn’t trust Ash, yet wasn’t I supposed to believe him more than anyone else?
I pop a whole monster claw in my mouth, which instantly melts against my tongue. The zing of onion hits my taste buds, making me shiver. “Jesus, I’d forgotten how good these are,” I say to myself.
He laughs. “You’re such a cheap night out, Calla.”
“Hey,” I flick a few crisp crumbs his way.
“Instead of getting into a food fight, why don’t we get out of here, and I’ll show you what a proper night out with me is like.”
My mood drops. Shit. “I don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
That’s a good question. “I’ve told you I’ve got a boyfriend.” It’s amazing how easily that lie left my lips.
“But he isn’t here, so where’s the harm.” He shuffles his chair closer and puts his arm around me. “It’s just two friends, going out for a laugh. No harm, no foul.”
For the first time, I see exactly where the harm is. Eddie squeezes my shoulder while his other hand glides under my chin to tip it up slightly and guide my eyes his way. He’s getting far too close. “So, what’s it to be?” he croons.
If Ash could see me now, what would he think?
I was on a date? That Eddie is about to kiss me?
We don’t look like two friends right at this moment.
We look like a couple snuggling up together.
Even though we’re not, would Ash understand that?
And if I had to explain how this is nothing more than a friendly night out, what would I do if Ash didn’t believe me? “Shit,” I say out loud.
Eddie’s brow furrows. “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” I say, although it is something. I’ve just realised I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life.
My phone springs to life in my pocket, saving me from a very awkward situation.
“Sorry.” I pull away, taking the phone from my pocket.
Ash’s name illuminates my screen, causing me to take a sharp breath.
I don’t know what to do, so in a panic, I hit decline almost immediately.
I would hate for Ash to hear Eddie in the background and get the wrong end of the stick.
I’ll wait until I’m alone and can talk to him properly.
“Everything alright?” Eddie asks.
“All good.” I smile, putting the phone away. “Sorry about the interruption.”
His chin lifts toward my coat pocket. “Was that him? The boyfriend checking up on you?”
“It’s not like that.”
“Yeah, yeah, course not.” He holds his hands up. “There’s no way he’s not checking on his beautiful girlfriend, and of course, she isn’t out with another guy.”
“Eddie, you’re out of order. We both know nothing is happening here, apart from two friends having a drink.” I indicate between us, giving him the side-eye. “It’s just—” I stop mid-sentence, realising how badly I’ve treated Ash. Shit, I’ve really messed up.
Realising Eddie is still waiting for me to finish what I was saying, I add, “He probably wants to make sure I’m okay.”
“Sure.” His knowing smirk grates on me.
“Whatever.” As soon as I can get out of here, I’ve got to call Ash and tell him I’ve made a massive mistake. How could I have doubted him?
I glance over to Eddie with my hand towards the crisps. “Do you want to finish these off?”
“Oh, no. I’m fine, you carry on,” he insists.
I don’t know where I’ve got this taste for salty, pickled onions snacks, but I can’t stop myself from tucking in. I’m not even hungry, but it helps to divert the conversation from the subject of jealous boyfriends.
“Okay then, if you won’t let me take you out, I’ll get you another drink.” This is the cue I’ve been waiting for. I’ve got to get out of here and call Ash; tell him I’m sorry for doubting him and beg him to forgive me. I’ve been such an idiot.
“My turn,” I push. “I’m returning your drink, then getting out of here.
I’ve got an urgent call to make.” Before he protests, I swipe his empty bottle up in my hand and take just a few steps towards the bar.
I stop for a second as a wave of heat rushes from inside me, then runs over my skin.
I stumble forward and only just manage to place the empties on the bar top as I stand waiting to be served.
I’m boiling hot and unsure if I’m about to throw up.
Then, my legs give way beneath me and my head spins.
I’m on the floor—I think. There are noises and voices around me.
I can’t see them, everything is black as if I’m in a deep dark hole, but I can hear Eddie’s voice.
He’s asking for help, but then I don’t know what’s happening because the voices are fading…
fading fast…and I need to sleep. I really need to sleep.