Elsy nods to approve. ‘And if Alice breaks Milton’s heart, his lawyer arse will strip her of everything in the divorce, and he’ll be free to update the will. You’ll be left with nothing.’
‘I don’t care about that.’
‘You should,’ Patty mumbles when she shuffles by them. ‘How are you gonna buy me out of this place if you’re penniless?’
‘Sorry? I… I have no intention to…’
Charles trails off as Patty bends into the wine fridge. Safer to squash her hopes another day, when she will be back to cherishing him.
‘Don’t turn her down, Chartender! Think about it! We could makeit a Spurs pub and—’
‘Guys!’
George’s frenzy is cut short by Phoebe, who’s standing on a chair, tapping a bar spoon against her glass.
‘Quiet, please! Oh, don’t give me that look, Loris, you knew I was going to. Okay, for those who don’t really know me, and I’m sorry your lives are so dull, I’m Phoebe. A few years back, I worked here for a couple of months, but I hated it. Not this place!’ She glances at the bar with an uneasy smile. ‘This place is great, Patty… I meant the job in general… So I was gonna quit but I felt bad to—’
‘More like terrified.’
‘—leave her alone… Shh! Ignore him, he’s French, he’s got to argue, it’s in his DNA. So, I felt bad and I wanted to find someone to take over my position. And this guy, this one right here, who looked like a lost member of the Backstreet Boys back then, he came in and ordered a Guinness. He sat there, grinning, taking pictures and heart-eyeing the place. So I joked, “If you love this pub, you can work here.” And he went like, “For real? I need a job.” I asked if he had any experience and he said, “If you need me to have some, then I’ve got some.” I thought, “Dude, what?” but I took his number anyway. Then he said, “If you hear of anything, I also need a place to stay. And a few friends. I’ve got plenty of experience being one, I’m good at it, but I can’t guarantee a long-term commitment.” And he walked away, taking more pictures and grinning wider. I mean… Bit weird, innit? Except two days later, there I was, texting him about a gig I had an extra ticket for. Because there was a voice in my head going, “Girl, I reckon you need that weird grinning French chap in your life.” And you know what? I did. I truly did…’
Nipping at her lip, Phoebe looks down at Loris.
‘I forgot about the short-term warning you gave me, and I shouldconsider myself lucky you forgot about it too. And I… I promised I wasn’t gonna guilt-trip you, but… I’m not sure how I’m supposed to— How we’re all supposed to do life without you here. And I’m so jealous of the people who’re gonna meet you next, I hope they suck. And I’m gonna miss you so damn much, it’s terrible. Please don’t be a stranger, and… I’m gonna stop here or else Aliah’s gonna cry. And if she does, everybody will, and Elsy is too pretty for anyone to make her cry. Yes, you. You should call me. We could lament together over our fav boys abandoning us for antique nudes and pizzas next year… But anyway! To Loris, who said he was gonna buy everyone a drink, so yay!’
Charles joins in the clapping and cheering, his eyes misting over when Phoebe jumps between Loris’ open arms.
‘So, she fancies me,’ Elsy comments with an intrigued smile.
‘Stay away from her! You know the colour of her football blood!’
‘I’ll do exactly as I please, my dear George. And FYI, the—’
‘I’ll be back.’
‘—guy I’m seeing supports… You better be back, Chips! September, remember?’
‘The guy you’re seeing supports who, Elsy?’
Charles raises a thumb above his shoulder and walks away from the upcoming squabble between his two friends.
After a few steps, he nearly ploughs into Aliah, who’s beelining towards the spot where Loris is being jostled by his rugby mates.
‘I’m not crying!’
‘No, you’re not.’ Charles laughs as she wipes her cheek. ‘How was your chat with Spencer?’
‘Fun. He’s endearing. He went on and on about his ski vlog. I didn’t have the heart to admit that you told us he’s not in it.’
‘Thank you for not bruising his ego. Or his trust in me.’
‘Your badly-kept secrets are safe with me! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna claim my hug.’
She thrusts herself into the group to reach Loris, and Charles sidles up to Phil who’s tilted his glass towards him. Empty-handed, Charles bumps his fist against it.
‘I never thought the day would come, but I envy you, Ledwell.’
‘Because Loris is unrealistically hot?’
