Page 31 of Death Kiss

THIRTEEN

ELLIE

The six people in the pub are having a wild night, for this place at least. Most of the punters are as old and grey as usual, but amongst them all sits one bright light, my bestie.

Kat’s shine seems to lack a little lustre tonight. There are dark circles creeping in below her eyes, and the usual pink and girly clothes have been replaced with a pair of jeans and one of Liam’s zip-up hoodies.

‘God, it’s good to see you,’ I say, topping up her white wine.

‘You didn’t charge her,’ Old Martin starts up.

‘Oh, shush, I’ll take it out of my pay. A woman can buy her friend a bloody drink.’ If I rolled my eyes at him any harder, they’d probably fall out.

Kat smiles with her mouth, but not her eyes. ‘I know. You’ve been working your ass off. Feel like I need to write myself in your diary.’

‘Excuse me?’ I say. ‘I’m not the one who’s spent so much time inside banging your brains out that you’ve become practically translucent.’

That elicits a laugh. ‘You don’t want me to fill you in on my love life, do you?’

‘Oh, fuck no,’ I say, dramatically shuddering for effect. ‘Keep that behind closed doors, thank you very much.’

The bar digs into my forearms as I lean on it, studying my friend and trying to put my finger on what’s wrong with her.

‘You look tired.’

‘Why thank you,’ she says. ‘So sweet.’

‘Seriously though⁠—’

Kat cuts me off before I can probe further. ‘Fill me in on how project travel’s going. Are you close to your goal?’

‘Uhm, it’s going well. I’m a little ahead of schedule, actually. I’m trying not to get myself too excited until it’s all booked and paid, you know?’ It’s a lie; I’m like a kid waiting for Christmas. Counting down the minutes.

‘I’m excited for you. Your dreams are finally coming true.’ Kat’s smile is wistful. ‘Love this for you.’

‘I’m still a bit salty that you’re not coming.’

Kat grins. ‘We’d find Liam in my suitcase. Or three steps behind us at any given time.’

‘Yeah, I don’t know what situation you’ve got going on down there,’ I say, nodding beneath the bar, ‘but it must be fucking mystical for how down bad you’ve got my brother.’

‘I’m just as obsessed with him, if I’m being honest. Can’t keep my hands off him.’

I want to believe her, but something doesn't sit right. Is Kat lying to me?

‘You know if you ever want to talk to me, you can, right? Whether it’s about Liam or anything else.’ I rest my chin on my hand and survey my best friend’s face.

‘Of course I know that. Reggie, however, will be furious that you’ve not been over to pay due homage to him with your undivided attention and a sack full of treats.

‘Aw, is my chonky boy missing me?’ I miss him too; I grew pretty fond of the fluffball for the time we shared the flat. I definitely don’t miss their absolutely-not-quiet ‘quiet sex’ every bloody night. Even if you stifle a moan, the sex noises are right there, slopping like a bear in custard. The groans would be better, really.

The bell above the door goes, and all heads swivel to see who’s joining them. I hope my face doesn’t look as hot as it feels when my gaze settles on Freddie. What is it about the damned guy that makes me feel like a blushing, bloody teenager next to his rebelling posh-boy vibe?

‘Pint, please,’ he says as he pulls up a stool two down from Kat.

‘You’re back,’ I reply, before cringing because duh, obviously he’s back. What a dope.

‘Couldn’t keep away.’