“Fancy a swift one at the pub before we go back to mine?” he asked.
“Sure, why not?” Francesca smiled.
“Not The Stag, Jer? It’s an old man’s pub.”
“I don’t know where else will be open. Besides, Francesca will brighten the place up.”
“That’s a mammoth task to put on anyone.”
“I can drop you home first if you like, Trusty.”
“No,” I said a little too quickly.
“Yeah, thought not.” Jeremy flipped the cassette tape and pushed it back into the deck.Here Comes Your Manby The Pixies started up and Francesca nodded her approval, drumming her fingers on her knee; her usually chipped black fingernails had been perfectly manicured with bright red polish. I couldn’t stop looking at them and thinking about how she’d brought her fingers to her lips to taste me. I loosened my scarf as heat rose up my neck and into my cheeks.
I could’ve swornthe same collection of corduroy-clad men were sitting in the same seats last time I’d visited The Stag. Every silver head turned to look as the three of us entered the pub, eyes lingering on the newcomer before turning back to their tankards. I hadno idea why Jeremy wanted to bring Francesca here, of all places. It smelt of stale beer and old men.
“Here, look, there’s a table by the fire. I’ll go get the drinks in.”
I led the way, undoing my scarf and tucking myself into the bench seat. Francesca shucked off her coat and squeezed in next to me rather than taking one of the two empty chairs opposite. The fire crackled, and I rubbed my hands together before daring to glance at her.
“So, how have you been?” I asked, my lips summoning a shy smile.
“Yeah, okay. It’s been quiet.” She nodded.
“I didn’t know you were staying… you know, on your own.”
“I didn’t tell you.”
“But you told Jeremy.”
“He asked.”
Shit.“Sorry, I didn’t think to. You always seem so?—”
“It’s okay. I like being alone.”
“I’ve missed you,” I blurted. “I’ve been thinking about you… and, you know, everything else. I’ve been thinking about it a lot.”
A sexy half-smile tugged at Francesca’s lips. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Good,” she said, and I swallowed.
The fluttering in my stomach batted all my words away, and now Jeremy was striding over, tongue poking out in concentration as he carried three purple pints betweenstretched fingers.
“Here we go! A little taste of uni in case you’re missing it.” He unbuttoned his jacket, revealing a pressed white shirt and tweed waistcoat.
Francesca took a tentative sip from her pint. “God, it’s truly awful.”
For a split second Jeremy looked crushed, but then he released a hearty laugh. “It is rather, isn’t it?”
“Disgusting,” I added, dipping my tongue into the pink froth.
Jeremy raised his glass. “Well, cheers anyway.”
We clinked our glasses together, and all took a sip.
