I groaned and took a big sip of whisky, which was too expensive to drink quickly. “What are we doing, Zo?”
She shook her head. “I’m not sure. I like what we’re pretending and I’m not sure I want it to just be pretend.”
I paused for a moment, considering what I was about to say.
“I’m not sure either.”
Eight Years Ago
I took the hat off as soon I left the auditorium, my degree certificate in my other hand, and looked around for my mum, dad, Amelie, and my sister, my sister who’d been furious that she was having to miss her best friend’s party for my graduation. I hadn’t seen what the fuss was about with her needing to attend, but for my parents, at least, it was a big thing.
I was slightly hungover; there’d been a party the night before which was a bit of a reunion for people on my course with too many shots and homemade cocktails that no one would’ve paid money for. I also knew that this was just the first graduation, because I’d already started my PhD the month before so in a couple of years, there’d be another.
This really could’ve been a quick pick-up job, which my hangover would’ve preferred.
I spotted my dad, who spotted me at the same time, lifting a hand just in case my hungover arse was being oblivious. He was on his own, which begged the question of where everyone else was, and whether Amelie – because it was always Amelie – had organised something to celebrate.
“Congratulations, Caleb.” He pulled me into a hug, patting my back. “And you even managed to not fall up or down the steps.”
“Just.” I’d caught a foot on the black gown and hoped no one had noticed it. “Where are the rest of them?”
“They’ve gone straight to the restaurant.”
“I thought Mum wanted photos outside the university.” My mum was the most overjoyed about me graduating. No one in her family had gone to university before, so this was one of her Very Big Things. My parents got along well enough. I’d been the product of a brief fling, and Roman, my dad, hadn’t found out about me until the liver thing happened, and I needed a donor.
“She did. Something changed. Let’s go and meet up with them.” He led the way to the restaurant that was one of my favourites, although my sister hated it. That probably made me like it more.
“Is everyone okay?” For a second I thought something bad had happened.
“Oh fuck, yes. Everyone’s fine. You’ll see what’s changed when we get there.”
It only took five minutes to get there, filing through towards the back of the restaurant where there was a private room that we definitely hadn’t booked.
The door opened and I saw why. Zoey was there, her arm around my sister’s shoulders, her blonde hair currently hanging down in loose waves.
My face almost split open with my grin. I hadn’t seen her since May; she’d been touring and hitting the festivals here and in America, and she’d said she couldn’t make it back until November, so this was a surprise.
A big one.
She rushed to me, throwing her arms around my neck as I gathered her in, forgetting that everyone was watching us. They all knew we were friends, but we weren’t usually hugging in public.
“I didn’t expect you. Did you see me nearly fall up the stage?”
She laughed, nodding. “Gracefully recovered. I didn’t know if I’d get here in time. I only landed at Manchester three hours ago. I hired a car and probably picked up a speeding fine. I wanted to see you graduate.”
“How long are you here for?” We weren’t hugging any more. Behind her, a waiter was bringing in a couple of bottles of champagne.
“Three nights and then I need to fly out to Paris.”
“How’s the boyfriend?” I didn’t say his name because I didn’t like him. He’d been photographed with another girl in the media, although Zoey had stood up for him.
“He’s okay. I’m going to his house in Colorado for Christmas.”
“Cool.” It really wasn’t. “I’m in Australia over Christmas anyway.” A research project for my doctorate. “I think I’m in Sydney for New Year.”
“I might meet you there then. I’ll want some warmth after Colorado.” She hugged me again. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you as well. Maybe we can meet up a bit more if you can’t make it back over here.”
