Page 41 of Asking For a Friend

“Who?” Scottie asks.

“Hesketh. He was here.”

“That’s great, Dylan. I’m happy for you.” It’s true; I am, but it’s another loved-up friend, and I’m on my own again. I’m thirty-two and have yet to have a serious relationship. As much as Connor said Lando would welcome hearing from me, I haven’t got in touch. I’m not sure it’s the right thing to do. Everything Connor said could be wishful thinking on his part. I need to stop moping about and get on with my life. Which means dating again, not hook-ups and casual sex. It means trusting that not everyone is after my money.

“So, will you come?” Dylan asks. “To Oscars tonight. I want you to meet my man. He’s got a couple of friends coming too. You’re not going to be a third wheel.”

I should go, but seeing a loved-up friend is hardly fun, even with other people around. “I’m not sure, Dyl. I’m not great company at the moment.”

“Which is exactly why you should come. Stop being so maudlin. Get over yourself and get that delectable arse back in the game. You’re not going to meet anyone by sitting at home alone.”

“Cheers, thanks, mate. I can’t promise you, but I’ll try. What time are you going?”

“About nine-ish, and sorry to be so harsh, but you need to get out again. How many Saturday nights do you ever get off at this time of year? I’ve got to go. Please consider it.”

“Yeah, okay.” We say goodbye. I toss my phone onto the sofa next to me and let out a sigh. All week, Ellis has been nagging at me to get my head out of my arse, while Sophie has been sending me pictures of single, gay friends. Most of them are models and way too high maintenance for me. If only they would leave me alone. I’ll meet someone when I’m ready.

So, why am I walking into Oscars at ten thirty? Boredom at home is the main reason, and I have to admit I’m curious about Dylan’s new boyfriend. What I don’t expect to see is Lando and a guy who’s not looking too happy about whatever Lando has said to him. Without thinking about it, I walk up behind Lando. The guy is holding Lando’s arm in a tight grip.

Even over the heavy beat of the music, Lando’s protest is loud enough to hear. “I think he told you to fuck off.”

Lando stiffens. He’s recognised my voice, but he doesn’t look at me. Now others have noticed what is happening and join in. It doesn’t take long for one of the bouncers to turn up and remove the arsehole assaulting Lando. Before Lando can turn around, I slip back into the crowd.

Where’s Dylan? He doesn’t seem to be on the packed dance floor. Plenty of hands stroke over me as I squeeze through the dancers. Ah, there he is. He’s watching someone and doesn’t see me approach.

“Hey.” I step up to his table.

“Hesketh, you made it.” He moves around and hugs me.

“Yeah, but I can’t stay. Lando’s here.”

“I didn’t know he’d be here, I promise. He’s Scottie’s friend. Don’t go, mate. Maybe this is the right time to talk to each other again.”

“No, it’s not. Some arsehole was all over him just now. The last thing he needs is to see me. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

Before I can get away, Connor blocks my path, his hand on his hip. A sardonic cocked eyebrow tells me he’s not impressed. “Where do you think you’re going? Lando is looking for you.”

“I’m going home. This was a bad idea.”

Lando stands a few metres behind Connor, talking to the guy whose birthday party I briefly went to. This must be Scottie, Dylan’s new boyfriend. Lando hasn’t seen me, but Connor has. Excitement and expectation are written all over his face. I can’t do it. When I dropped him home, Lando made it clear he wasn’t interested. With a shake of my head, I say goodnight to Dylan and Connor and weave through the throng of gyrating bodies.

The tube station is only a short walk from Oscars, and I’m quickly underground, the warmth washing over me after the cold December night. My phone rings, loud in the stillness of the platform. The few people waiting ignore me.

“Hello.”

“Thank you for stepping in and helping me get rid of that arsehole,” Lando says softly, his voice barely above a whisper, without any background noise of the club.

“Where are you? Are you okay?” What if the man is still hanging around after he was removed from the club? He could be waiting for Lando and bother him again.

“I’m in a cab on my way home. I’ve had enough excitement for the night.” He doesn’t speak for a long while, but I don’t think he’s finished, so I wait. “I’m sorry I didn’t invite you in. After the lift home, I mean. I wish I had.”

Silence again. This time from the dead line. He’s ended the call.

Well, fuck me.

“How was your weekend?” Ellis walks in later than usual and places a cup of coffee with The Coffee Bean logo on my desk. Since when does he go there? It’s in the opposite direction from his house.

My weekend was crap, full of regret, missed opportunities, and Jack Daniels. “It was okay. I didn’t do much. You? Are the girls hyped up about Santa coming?” Christmas is only a week away.

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