“You going home or coming with us?” His face seemed twisted with an emotion. I was convinced it was anger but maybe confusion? I shook my head at him and watched as Haz made his way out of the kitchen and up the stairs, my eyes following him as he walked away.
“I’m gonna go home?” I don’t look back towards him but feel him step closer to me.
“Is there anything going on with you two?” He raised his brow in the most charming way and I laughed slightly. I planted my half full cup on the side and I reached up towards his face. I gripped his chiseled jaw between my hands.
“Absolutely not, he’s a prick.” Lying was getting easier the more I did it. He simply smiled and as I loosened my grip on his face, his shoulders relaxed instantly. His eyes looked darker today, more tired and this made me worry. My sibling like feelings towards him grew stronger the more I was around him and I planted my head on his shoulder as I hugged him. His hands wrapped around my back and I inhaled the smell of his clean clothes. They smelt like washing powder and his shampoo and I smiled. He coughed a little and I squeezed him slightly. “Please look after yourself Jay? I don’t like seeing you so tired?” I heard his breathing lower and felt his chest constrict.
“I know.” His voice sounded like it was underwater because my ear was so tightly pressed against his neck. He loosed me and I rubbed his shoulder softly. He offered me a weak smile and I watched as he pinched my chubby cheek between his thumb and finger. “Stay safe.” He turned away from me and made his way upstairs too. Stay safe? What’s that mean? My heart was beating at a steady pace until he said stay safe. Safe from what? Or who?
Chapter Four
Vens - Thursday
We got into my car and I drove for around an hour, maybe longer. Her bravery had completely written me off. I had her pinned to a wall, raising my voice at her, I was high and she was still sitting next to me. I glanced across at what she had chosen to wear. Her jeans were a lighter denim with some rips here and there, her top was a loose black blouse and she had paired it with heels. I liked her in black but I loved her in white. I fought off a smile from my lips. The radio was playing a Kings of Leon album and she was singing. One for my favourite sounds.
“I didn’t have you down for a KOL fan?” She was watching my every move.
“I like them. They’re different.” She flashed a smile and I watched as she placed her head back on her hand and went back to looking out of the window. I desperately wanted to reach for her hand and say sorry about last night but I was scared. I was scared she was going to make me promise I’d never do it again and I couldn’t do that. I didn’t have control over myself when I was that far gone. I shook the thought away. I pulled onto the extremely long car park which was full of cars and smiled as she tried to suss out where she was. “We all used to come here a few years ago, before Alf opened the Top Hat.” She still didn’t look at me. I swung the car into a space and watched as she exited the car. She was so steady in heels and I wondered where she learnt that skill. She didn’t work in them all day.
“It looks beautiful.” She stopped walking and stood looking at the old pub. They had recently changed up the exterior, it had a fresh coat of cream paint and the beams where a light mauve colour. I stood next to her and felt wrapped her hand in mine. I ran my thumb over it slowly and it was like all of my problems evaporated. She looked up in my direction, her sea green eyes were twinkling in the light of the car park and I pulled her inside. We took our seats on a small table at the bar, a man placed his hand against my arm and smiled.
“Long time no see! How are you!?” Luis was smiling so brightly at us. It had been a long time and he’d matured, his cheeks were still chubby and red but it seemed as though he’d learnt how to fix his beard a little better. I smirked as I shook his hand.
“I’m good thanks Luis how are you?” I was shocked as I found myself genuinely intrigued by how his life has been while I’ve been running around all over the country.
“Oh you know still the same, I’m still here,” he chuckled a little and I smiled before I glanced towards Avaya, she was tucking her hair behind her ear and that was her biggest give away that she was uncomfortable. I placed my hand in hers and squeezed before I looked back at Luis.
“This is Avaya by the way.” His eyes lit up and my brow furrowed. He was like a deer in headlights.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she offered him her hand and he took it. He was like a lovesick puppy and I decided I’d let him have his moment.
“Likewise.” I watched the sweat beads forming on his forehead and held in my chuckle. “I’ll get you both a table shortly and I’ll be back.” He disappeared quickly into what I can only presume was the kitchen and glanced at Av.
“What did I do wrong?” She whispered up at me, her eyes almost looked
