Me:
When are you wrapping up for the day?
Snowflake:
Why?
Me:
I don’t want to miss you.
Snowflake:
I need at least two more hours.
Me:
OK. See you later!
“Is everything OK?” Grace asked when she returned to the table with a pint. It was Friday evening, and the pub was full to overflowing. The air was stuffy and stale, heavy with the smell of beer and greasy food. The music coming from the speakers was drowned out by laughter and conversations.
I put my phone away and shouted above the hubbub. My cheeks glowed, and although I was only on my second pint, I was already feeling the alcohol. “Yes! I was just messaging Henry.”
“He should come if he wants!”
“He’s still at the office.”
“Really? It’s so late.”
“He always works late,” I said, wondering how much Grace knew and if I could tell her just how badly things at The Darlington were going. But I didn’t want to ruin the evening, so I decided against it.
“How’s the hunt for a second job going?” Grace asked.
“I have an interview next week.” It was the only positive response I’d gotten to my applications. Otherwise, I’d received only rejections. Either I was underqualified, or I wasn’t flexible enough, thanks to my job at The Darlington. I wanted to ask Tilly about a position at Hope Harbour—my dream job—but I hadn’t been able to get a hold of her by phone for days.
“Where?”
“A 24-hour corner shop,” I replied. “They’re looking for someone to cover the night shift. The pay isn’t great, but the hours wouldn’t be a problem.” Except I’d probably see even less of Henry. But we would find some way to spend time with each other.
Grace made a face. “Sounds like a dangerous job.”
“No more dangerous than...” I bit my tongue. I’d almost let slip that it was no more dangerous than sleeping alone on the streets at night. “...than going out clubbing at night. Anyway, I’m sure the place has CCTV, and it’s card payments only. It’ll be fine.”
“If you say so,” Grace said, still sounding doubtful.
I changed the topic. “Have you signed up for that dating app yet?”
“Yes! Do you want to see my profile?”
“Of course.”
Grace moved Rose’s bag aside and shuffled closer to me. While she opened the app on her phone, I glanced around for Rose. I spotted her almost right away. She was still at the bar with the same man, her hand resting on his arm, their faces just centimetres apart. I had watched Rose flirting hard all evening, but the sight still caught me off guard. She always seemed so reserved at the hotel, but here, she was anything but.
“Look!” Grace said, and held her phone in my face.
I took it from her and scrolled through her profile. It was a colourful mix of photos and entertaining facts about Grace. “Have you had any matches yet?”
“Yes, but none of them have really impressed me.”
