‘I had a date, actually,’ Rob corrected. ‘I’ve just come from dropping her home, like the true gent I am, and I thought … who can I call to celebrate this wonderful evening with but my best friend in the whole world?’
‘I don’t think a 5 a.m. drop-off is very gentlemanly, but hey, what do I know.’ Fin shrugged. ‘Go on then … tell me everything …’
‘Her name is Rachel. She’s one of Doug’s friends – you know the girl he’s been on at me to go out with for months?’
‘Uh-huh.’ Fin tried to search his memory for this long-forgotten piece of information.
‘It’s her! I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to say yes to a date. She’s amazing.Sofit, but it’s more than that. We got on so well. She’s a high school teacher. Lives by herself. Super into running. She’s a vegetarian, but to be honest I barely eat meat these days.’
Fin stifled a laugh. ‘Rob, you’re the man who won the title of most chicken wings eaten in a minute in your entire hometown just last year.’
‘All right, but she doesn’t have to know that, does she!’ he bit back defensively. ‘Besides, people can change.’
‘True.’ Fin hadn’t meant to dampen his friend’s spirits, but seeing someone consume that much meat in sixty seconds isn’t something you forget easily. ‘So, what made you change your mind about going on the date?’
‘Well, after three years of being single I just thought, why the hell not? And with you not around I found I didn’t really have that much to do. I think we need to reassess how much time we spend together when you get home. No wonder all your girlfriends hated me.’ Rob chuckled.
‘Yeah, mate. I’ve been trying to shake you for years but you’re just too needy!’
‘Oh,please. I bet you’re lost without me over there.’
Fin sighed, crumpling the empty biscuit packet in his hand. ‘I won’t say I’m having the most fun.’
‘How are things with your mum?’
‘Not great.’ Fin closed his eyes and brought the image of his fading mother to mind. ‘It’s awkward and sad and uncomfortable and not the nicest way to spend the day.’
‘I’m sorry, buddy.’
‘I know, thanks, man.’ Fin felt bad for deflating his friend’s mood. ‘Anyway, what else is new over in sunny California?’
‘Absolutely nothing, dude. The wheels keep turning and everyone is just doing the same old shit every day. Any idea when you’ll be back?’
‘Nope.’
‘Heard from Cam?’
‘Nope. Have you?’
Rob paused and Fin instantly knew what was about to follow. Strangely, he was OK with it.
‘Yeah. I ran into her and her new man out at the beach. He looks like a moron, if that’s any consolation.’
‘It’s fine, I kind of guessed it wouldn’t take her long to find someone else.’
‘That’s what you get when you date chicks like Cam. I told you … the only way you’re going to break this two-year curse is by dating someone who cares about more than Instagram filters and juice diets.’
‘Don’t start, Rob.’ Fin sighed. ‘Fixing my inability to have a relationship longer than two years is not my top priority right now. Besides, have you ever considered it’s me and not them?’
‘You?’ Rob asked.
‘Yeah.’
‘Nah. You’re bloody perfect to me, buddy.’
Fin burst out laughing. ‘If only you knew. Anyway, I’d better go, I’m visiting my mum today and I’m not even showered yet. Catch you soon?’
‘You bet. I hope it all goes all right, mate.’
