Page 10 of One Night With You

‘Timingiseverything,’ I acknowledge.

Ruby nods in agreement, and as Candice rolls up the last part of her pizza to make a tidy package to pop in her mouth, she says to me: ‘Anyway. Ruby thinks she isn’t going to miss us when she’s gone, but she’s wrong.’

‘I am going to miss you!’ Ruby cries. ‘Of course I am. But that doesn’t mean leaving is the wrong thing. I can miss you, and know it’s right to take this scholarship.’

Jackson nudges into her shoulder. He’s got the best spot in the room, down there on the floor beside her. Her cheeks are rosy from the food and the drink, and I can’t lie: when she licks grease from her fingers I can’t help but think rudethoughts. I’m trying not to, but I do. I think of holding her hair, a hand either side of her head, those fingers unbuttoning my jeans.

‘Stop being earnest,’ Jackson instructs. ‘You’re creeping me out.’

Ruby rolls her eyes.

‘So you’ve all lived together for a while, I take it?’ I ask. They seem like siblings, ribbing each other in the same way Ollie and I do. It’s really lovely to see – and a bit overwhelming. Their in-jokes move at the speed of light.

‘We have,’ says Ruby. ‘I moved here after uni and replied to the advert Jackson had put up.’

‘And I met Ruby … what, Rubes, a year after that?’ adds Candice. ‘We ended up in the smoking area at an event I was a waiter at, and Ruby, as a guest, was hiding from …’ She stops herself and turns her focus to the woman in question. ‘Sorry,’ Candice says to her.

Ruby shrugs. ‘Some guy.’

‘Somearseholeguy,’ Candice clarifies, but then it’s as if she’s said too much and is pivoting quickly. ‘And we shared a menthol and got chatting and followed each other on social—’

‘And when the other room came up she saw Ruby’s post about it …’ says Jackson.

‘And the rest is history!’ finishes Ruby.

They pass the cues of the story off to each other effortlessly.

‘And now, the story ends!’ cries Candice, with mock hysterics. She flings the back of her hand to her forehead and wails. ‘Jackson! How will we go on without her?’

I wait for more laughter, but we’re interrupted by a small Asian man stood in the doorframe. You can practically hear us all turn to the disturbance in unison.

‘Bao!’ says Ruby vibrantly. ‘We didn’t hear you come in!’

Bao bows slightly in greeting, dipping his head and clutching his chest. ‘Hello,’ he says in stilted English. ‘How are you today?’

Ruby returns the head bow. ‘I’m good, thank you. How are you today?’

‘Very well,’ Bao replies, followed by a smile. ‘Thank you. Please enjoy your meal.’

‘There’s plenty,’ offers Jackson. ‘Would you like some?’

Bao shakes his head. ‘Now, I go,’ he says. ‘Thank you. Enjoy your evening, everybody.’ He points a finger upwards, and everyone says goodbye.

‘Let us know if you change your mind,’ Ruby calls after him, kindly.

‘I thought it was just the three of you,’ I say, curious as to how Bao fits in with them all.

‘We rent out the small room at the back to foreign students,’ explains Jackson. ‘Keeps things interesting. And cheap.’

I nod. They’ve got a great place here. Full lives and so much love. A feeling close to longing, or maybe jealousy, bubbles in my stomach. I want this in my life, too. I know I’ve been missing something, and seeing them together is making me realise what it is. It’s fun. Plain and simple. I want morefunin my life.

‘More beer anyone?’ says Jackson, picking his up and taking the last swig.

‘Please,’ says Candice, handing over her empty.

‘Sure,’ I say. ‘And am I okay to have that last slice of thediavolo? It’s some proper good scran, is that.’

‘Isn’t it?’ agrees Ruby. ‘Giuseppe’s will be a new staple for you now you’re around here. I’m going to miss it almost as much as I’ll miss …’

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