And then I’m laughing, full-on belly laughing. Nathan shoves his hands in his pockets and watches me with concern. Eventually, I calm down and wipe under my eyes, only for my fingers to come away with traces of my mascara. Fantastic.
“Sorry,” I say, looking up at Nathan.
He shakes his head. “Don’t be. Let's get you home,” he says, holding his arm for me to take.
“Can we get a chip pitta on the way?” I ask, feeling the effects of the alcohol kicking in more now we’re outside.
“Anything you want, Tink.”
I elbow him. “Why do you always call me that?”
He shakes his head. “Just because.” And with that, he keeps walking.
When we get to the kebab shop round the corner from my flat, I’m ready to call it a night and sleep in the plastic seating area. I lean my head on my arms and listen as Nathan orders the chips and pitta.
“Don’t forget the burger sauce,” I mumble.
“Come on, up you get.”
Big strong arms cup me under my arms and pull me to my feet.
“I’m tired.”
“I’ll give you a piggyback.”
We go outside, and he crouches down.
“Come on, hop on.”
He doesn’t have to ask me twice. I have to hike my dress up and undo my coat, but the length will at least hide any indiscretions.
“Why is it called a piggyback?” I ask as my feet dangle in front of me.
“No idea.”
I keep sounding the words out loud, which sound funny around my tongue, and then I’m laughing again.
ChapterTwenty-One
NATHAN
Okay, it would appear Violet and champagne equal somewhat of a lightweight. I’ll remember that in the future.
“Keys?” I ask, hoisting her up again under the knees as I feel her slipping, before holding my hand over my shoulder.
She struggles with her bag, lets out a “gotcha” under her breath, and then hands me a wad of keys.
“Okay, help me out. Which one?” I swear there are about twelve in total. Why did she go out with so many damn keys?
“You’ve got the key,” she singsongs. “But I’ve got the—” She hiccups.
“Yes, but which one?”
“Oh.” She points her index finger.
“This one?”
Her arm slaps back down.
