“Sounds good. After you,” he said, gesturing for me to enter the bar.
It was a Friday so it was busy by default. We found a table where the couple were just leaving, their empty glasses sitting there vacantly. I took a stool and studied the cocktail menu – we were planning on a full night tonight: Seph had managed to get us on the guest list for some new club that was opening up so after drinks and dinner somewhere, we were off to see in the wee hours in style, or drunken messes, which was more likely.
“What will you have?” Jon asked, sounding slightly nervous. He was sweating and I wondered if he wasn’t feeling too good, although it was warm outside and in the bar.
“A pina colada,” I said. “Something tropical. Are you okay? You look really warm.”
He frowned and gave me a smile that was anything but genuine. “I’m fine. It was hot waiting for you outside.”
I ignored the dig and gave him a quick smile instead, checking my phone as he went to the bar. My phone had vibrated a couple of times so I took the opportunity while he was away to check it. There was a message from Eli and a group message from Max. I dealt with Eli’s first:
Eli:What time are you getting away from that dickwad?
Eli:Payton’s here and she’s just ordered a jug of margaritas.
Me:I’ll be there in an hour. I agreed to one drink and then to take a few quick pictures of where the plumbing will go.
Eli:He’s trying to get you alone. Keep your phone in your hand.
Me:Don’t be ridiculous. Beside, my kick is strong and accurate.
Me:Are you jealous?
Eli:How would you feel if I was having a ‘works drink’ with one of the new secretaries?
I thought for a moment. We were supposed to be casual. This was going to come to an end and he could meet someone who was permanent and I would move on to something else that was casual, but yes, I was jealous of the idea.
Me:I’d be slightly twitchy about it.
Eli:Do we need to discuss this slight twitchiness of yours later?
Me:Maybe we do.
Eli:I can think of other ways to help you with that twitchiness…
I felt my insides clench and decided that drinking the cocktail as quickly as possible was needed. Eli and I had nothing against some good old bathroom sex and that might be necessary before we even got to the club.
I pushed thoughts of Eli’s strong arms and talented other parts away as I checked the message from my eldest brother.
Maxwell:Can you pick something up for me on the way from the hotel place?
Me:As long as it isn’t condoms. I’m embarrassed to buy the extra small.
Maxwell:You’re so fucking funny. Can you get some anti-histamines? Vic’s hayfever is crappy and she’s trying to be a martyr and not let me leave to get her some. She’s extra cranky too.
Me:I can do that. I’ll be about an hour. The once a day or every four hour ones?
Maxwell:There’s two types? Probably the four hour ones. Or both.
Me:I’ll get both. See you then.
Jon returned with our drinks, passing me mine. “What are your thoughts on changing the plans?” he said, undoing his tie slightly.
“The bath will have to go in front of the window so you need to change the spec of the glass to keep it private. That puts the bed facing the window, which is actually better, but the wardrobe will have to be against the wall near the door. It isn’t a problem. Just let me take a couple of photos and change the design. The actual furnishings won’t differ, just the number of rolls of wallpaper, but that’ll only be by one.”
He carried on asking me questions, a lot of which were unnecessary and I wondered how much was him trying to keep me there for longer and how much was his own insecurity – I could see that he would quote me to different people to make himself sound like he was ‘in the know’.
The bartender arrived with another tray of drinks, a repeat of our previous order. “I only have time for one,” I said as the drinks were put down in front of us. “I’m meeting Elijah and my brothers.”
