He looks back at me. ‘No.’
‘Then neither will we,’ I say.
He holds the door, and I step out into the alley, turning the key in the lock before stepping over the puddle darkening the ground.
THIRTY-ONE
LIAM
We stand outside my flat,me maskless and her determined, looking up at the shitty building.
‘I’m sorry,’ I say.
Kat bumps me with her hip. ‘Shut up. I’ll happily be anywhere you are.’
‘It’s not exactly comfy and cosy like your place.’
‘You’re a bachelor, I’d be more concerned if youdidhave as many cushions and blankets and shit as me.’
Every crack and stain as we head up the stairs becomes more visible to me than it ever has before. I want to strangle the neighbours as they wail at each other next door.
The lock clicks, and I let the door swing open, bending to scoop Kat into my arms. She gives a delightful squeal as I carry her over the threshold and kick the door closed behind me.
‘What are you doing?’
‘Starting as I mean to go on.’
The moment her feet hit the floor, anxiety spikes into me. Every corner of the place comes into sharper focus. We’re in the kitchenette-come-sitting area, with the bedroom area sectioned off to the rear of the studio. The floor is bare wood, and not the kind people pay thousands for. The dining table and chairs are the only sitting space, and even they are held together with wood glue and duct tape.
My coffee mugs are stacked unclean by the sink.
Fuck.
I watch her face and wait for the verdict.
The cracked skirting board. The damp bleeding into the corner above the window. The bare bulb. The chrome coffee machine gleams on the counter like it’s from a whole other world.
Her eyes go to it.
‘Make me a cup?’
‘I don’t know if I can…’
‘Why?’ she asks.
I swallow and think of the panties.
‘I once stole your knickers and used them as a coffee filter for a day or two.’ In for a penny.
Kat’s eyes widen. ‘That’s heinous.’
‘I know. I’m not sorry. Best coffee of my life.’
‘Have you cleaned itsince?’
‘Multiple times, it’s my pride and joy. And I have regular filters,’ I say.
‘Good. Well, I need a cup of coffee more than my dignity right now, and I kiss you after coming all over your mouth, so I suppose it’ll be okay.’
