‘You’ll be fine,’ Noah says. ‘Just laugh at his jokes and try not to puke your red wine on his shoes this time.’
I grunt. ‘Not funny.’
‘It is a little, though.’ He chuckles. ‘If you need an out at any point, just itch your nose.’
He demonstrates the gesture.
I start fretting. ‘But what if my nose is actually itchy?’
‘Good point. Make it clear that it’s a fake itch.’
‘How do I do that?’ I ask.
‘I don’t know...’ He ponders. ‘Make it super aggressive?’
‘An aggressive nose itch? He’ll think I’m a weirdo!’
‘The perfect out – problem solved!’ he says.
We cut our conversation short as they start to come over. I get a proper look at his face. This man is gorgeous. Strong features that still remain soft, a mesmerising smile and dark, glowing skin. I understand Eléa’s hug. If I had their closeness, I’m unsure I would have ever let go.
Noah whispers. ‘Breathe. And unclench your shoulders. You look like you’re holding in a massive shit.’
I have no time to retort because before I know it he’s here, towering over me, looking the way he does. We hurry through gleeful intros and only semi-awkward hugs, and El gushes over him before ushering him closer to me.
‘Shall we all sit? Let’s all sit!’ She rushes ahead, already on her way to a table.
I can’t help but notice the four seats... One for every single one of us. I risk a quick glance at Noah and see that he’s just as perplexed. He touches Eléa’s arm as she goes to pull out a stool.
‘Another drink?’ he asks.
She softens, grin stretching wide before snapping shut.
‘But the table! We’ll—’
‘Leave it. They’ll be fine on their own.’
His voice grows more hushed towards the end as he lightly pulls her away, throwing a quick wink over his shoulder as they head to the bar. Sam catches it before I do, chuckling gently. His laugh is low and warm, thick like honey as it soothes my nerves.
‘I’m guessing he’s your friend?’ he asks.
I nod.
‘Good man,’ he says, before pulling out a stool for me at a smaller table for two.
I sit and he tucks me in, his fingers accidentally brushing my thigh. I hold my breath as a cascade of warmth ripples through me, quickly brought to a halt as I look ahead of me. My new seat has a clear-cut view of El and Noah at the bar. Her hand suggestively strokes his forearm as he looks deep into her eyes. That can’t be good.
‘How’ve you found the crawl?’ Sam asks, breaking me from my snooping. ‘I did this same one last week. It’s where I met El, actually.’
‘It’s been fun!’ I say.
It’s far too enthusiastic. His eyebrow arches animatedly, prompting a redo.
‘It’s been fine, honestly. Just a lot of beer.’
He nods in approval this time. ‘Not a beer girl?’
El’s leaning forward, practically tiptoeing on the soles of her boots. Her chest pushes out as she does so, with Noah holdingher hand for stability. I try to peer closer, but my view cuts as Sam’s face comes into view and I remember where I am.
