PETE
New Year’sEve one year ago . . .
“I seethings worked out for you two then.”
Jerry grins back at me, hand resting on Reed’s thigh. “Yeah, they have.”
They’re sat with Sean and Vic, also looking sickeningly loved up. “That’s great.” I can’t hide the wistfulness in my tone. I’ve known both Sean and Jerry a long time and I’m happy for them. For all of them.
Can’t help being a little jealous, though.
This isn’t the first New Year’s Eve I’ve spent alone, watching other people get their happy-ever-after. Wish I could say it’s going to be the last, but I’m starting to think maybe that’s not in the cards for me.
Laughter sounds all around me and I give myself a mental shake.
Come on, Pete, it’s New Year’s, for fuck’s sake.
People arehappy.
No one needs my miserable self bringing the mood down, so when I spot my sister at the other end of the bar, I head over to her.
“Hey.” She slides a pint over to me as I slot in beside her. “Saw you talking to the happy couple, thought you might need a pick-me-up.”
Like she read my mind.
I give her a gentle nudge. “I’m not that bad.” I take the drink, though.
“I know.” She nudges me back. “And it’ll be your turn soon.”
“Hmm.” Not sure I share her enthusiasm, but it’s still nice to hear. I catch sight of her boyfriend walking over, and a glance at the clock tells me the countdown is about to start. Time to make myself scarce for the next five minutes.
“Hey.” I gesture behind me to the doors. “I’m gonna go get some fresh air.”
She gives my arm a squeeze. “Okay. But don’t stay out there too long; it’s bloody cold tonight.”
“I won’t.” Just until all the kissing’s stopped.
Wow. I really am a miserable arsehole tonight.
“Ten!”
The noise follows me as I step outside, slowly muted as the pub door swings closed behind me.
And fuck me, Sadie was right. It’s fucking freezing out here.
Still not going back in. Not yet.
I do pull on my hat and gloves, though, because I’m not stupid.
The countdown continues inside, the noise getting louder with each number. I sigh, my breath fogging in the cold night air. There’s a picnic table outside the front of the pub, and I take a seat on the bench, leaning back to look up at the sky.
It’s a beautiful night, clear enough to see the stars.
Charnwell’s far enough from the city to have little light pollution.
I’ve lived around here my whole life. I love the people and the area. But I reckon I need to start looking further afield if I’m ever going to find someone to spend a night like this with.
I’m startled by the door to the pub opening, allowing loud cheers to escape from inside.
