Page 10 of It Was Always You

She snorted. ‘Adam, we aren’t at school now.’

He felt a little stab of hurt at her tone and the fact that she seemed to be calling him Adam a lot lately. ‘Oookay… so, who is he then?’

She sat up straight. ‘His name’s Elliot Longthorne, he’s from Leeds and he’s studying music, and he can play guitar, bass and drums. He’s in his final year. He looks a bit like Paolo Nutini, and he likes Pearl Jam and all the other music I love.’ She smiled enthusiastically.

Okay, that was a lot of information. ‘Oh… great. When do I get to meet Elliot Longthorne?’ Adam was trying not to smirk, thinking that the guy’s name sounded like a cross between a Harry Potter character and something out of Lord of the Rings.

‘Dunno. He’s taking me out Friday. So, you’re not the only one with a date. We’re off into Edinburgh, probably to the Voodoo Rooms, and before you say it, yes, I’m going into my place of work on my night off but there’s live music on and Elliot wants to check them out.’ So, I’ll still be avoiding the place then, Adam thought. Lily continued, ‘I think we’re going to a party after at his mate’s house.’

Something twinged inside Adam and warning bells sounded in his mind. ‘Just be careful, okay? You hardly know him and going to a house party might not be a great idea.’

She rolled her eyes. ‘God, you sound like my dad.’ She huffed, folding her arms in a teenage-style strop.

Adam pointed a finger at her. ‘Yeah, well. Your dad trusts me to look after you while we’re here, remember?’

She sighed as she leaned towards him, narrowing her eyes. ‘For goodness’ sake, Adam, how many times do I need to remind you that I’m an adult and I can look after myself?’ She stood, huffed and stormed off.

He followed her with his eyes as she made her way over to a group of long-haired musician types who were clearly stuck in some kind of 1990s grunge time warp. His stomach flipped as she locked mouths with the only shorter-haired one, presumably Pippi Longstocking, or Frodo Baggins, or whatever the hell he was called. What did he care anyway? He had Friday night to look forward to with Eve. Aaaah… Eve…

After asking Lily’s advice about what to wear, Adam had settled for dark jeans, a plain white T-shirt, and a pale blue shirt open over the top. He pulled on his brown suede jacket and his boots and set off. Lily had told him there was no point taking her flowers because she wouldn’t have brought a vase to uni. And a basket of flowers was something you bought for your gran. Chocolates were a no-no simply because if Eve was like most women she’d be weight-conscious, and it was far too early for jewellery. So, he knocked on her door on time, but empty handed and feeling rather uncomfortable with the fact.

When Eve opened the door, he couldn’t help but inhale sharply. She stood there in a long flowing multi-coloured skirt, a fitted white T-shirt, and a cropped denim jacket. She looked just like a young Stevie Nicks. Her golden locks fell in waves just over her shoulders, and he had to fight the overpowering urge to take the shimmering strands into his fingers to feel their softness. She was utterly mesmerising. She smiled widely and blushed.

Realising he had stared open-mouthed at her – again – he felt his cheeks heat. ‘Wow… you… you look beautiful.’

Eve bit her lip. ‘And hello to you, too, Adam.’ Her warm smile melted his heart. He had to stifle a groan and cleared his throat.

‘Are you ready to go?’

‘Yes, I just need to grab my scarf and bag.’ She stepped over to her bed and did just that. ‘Ready now,’ she chimed, closing her door behind her. He held out his elbow and she linked arms with him.

After a walk filled with conversation, they arrived at the Jekyll and Hyde with its black paintwork and poster-laden windows. Dim lighting in the interior created an eerie, Halloween-esque atmosphere, which was enhanced by black chandeliers, dark gothic seating, and carved woodwork. The ambience was spooky but with an element of fun, too. There was a lively buzz of chatter, as it appeared that much of the student population had descended on the place at the same time. The bar staff weaved around each other with ease, many acknowledging their colleague with nods and smiles, and Adam and Eve chatted as best they could as they waited to be served. With drinks in hand, they went through to a quieter, separate little area off to the left and grabbed the last remaining table.

A shy silence descended on the couple.

After a few uncomfortable moments, they both began to speak simultaneously.

‘So, what music⁠—’

‘Have you made any⁠—’

They laughed and then both gestured, ‘You first.’ It was enough to break the ice and they both relaxed.

Eve took a breath. ‘Okay, I was just going to ask what type of music you like.’ She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He loved how she did that. So very cute. ‘I have quite eclectic taste myself… But I love Paolo Nutini⁠—’

Adam rolled his eyes. ‘Ugh, not you as well?’

Eve’s brow crumpled. ‘I’m sorry?’

Adam shook his head. ‘Oh, it’s nothing, sorry, go on. Who else do you like?’

Eve paused with a narrow-eyed glance at him before continuing, ‘Okay… erm… Pearl Jam, Florence and the Machine. And I’ve just bought Coldplay’s last album on CD.’

He frowned. ‘Mylo Xyloto? That’s been out ages.’

Eve cringed. ‘Yeah, never got around to buying it when it first came out.’ A wistful look washed over her face. ‘“Paradise” is my favourite. It sends shivers down my spine. Something in the lyrics really resonates with me.’

He smiled widely. ‘Hey, that’s my favourite too.’ He took a sip of his beer. ‘It’s funny, I never would have taken you for a Coldplay fan.’