Page 50 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

‘Good holiday?’ I ask. ‘You certainlylooklike you enjoyed it. Where were you?’

‘Corfu.’ He runs his hand through his hair casually; my eyes involuntarily follow the movement. ‘It was roasting for the time of year. We weren’t expecting that, so we all got a bit burnt in the first few days.’

‘Lads’ holiday, was it?’

‘Yeah. Six of us. Wasn’t quite the party-hard holiday you’re imagining though. There were nights out, but not Ayia-Napa style. Not really our scene.’

‘Sounds fun.’ As I say this, an unexpected thought pops into my mind.Were there women? I bet there were women. Six guys away – how could there not be women?

I shake my head exaggeratedly to disperse this ridiculous speculation. Like I care.

‘You OK?’ Josh cocks his head to one side curiously.

‘Err… yeah. Course.’ I straighten up to accentuate my point.

‘There weren’t any women, by the way.’

‘What?’ Flustered at his ability to read me so easily, I turn away and start to rearrange the bottles on the shelf. ‘Why would that matter?’

‘It might. Or it might not.’ I can’t see him, but I can hear the satisfaction in his voice. ‘Thought I’d be upfront, you know, keep the lines of communication open… just in case.’

‘OK… thanks. I guess.’ I continue to tidy the shelf.

‘You’re welcome. Now, if I’m right, it must be about time for your break. Fancy getting your arse whipped at pool?’

Relieved at the change of subject, I dive right in.

‘Ha! You mean like last time?’ I turn to face him, hands on my hips.

‘You duped me; I’m ready for you now.’ Josh looks so sure of himself, I simply can’t resist the opportunity to wipe the smile off his face once more.

‘Hey, Amir?’ I call. ‘OK if I go for my break now?’

‘Sure,’ Amir replies. ‘We’re well on top of things here.’

‘And… that’s one each,’ Josh boasts, as he sinks the black ball in the top right pocket.

I grit my teeth in frustration. I so badly wanted to win again.

‘Good game.’ I shake his hand grudgingly. ‘You were lucky there.’

‘Luck had nothing to do with it.’ He oozes cockiness. ‘As I said, didn’t know what I was dealing with before.’

‘Well, I guess we’ll find out for sure when we play the decider.’

‘We sure will.’ He looks me straight in the eye. ‘Maybe we could do that on a proper date?’

‘Nice try, but my situation hasn’t changed.’ I smile sweetly, trying to act cool.

To my displeasure, my heart starts to pound a little.

‘Can’t blame a guy.’ He puts his hands up in defeat, then pauses and looks at me for a moment. ‘You do seem a bit happier than when I first met you. Is that because Clara’s gone?’

‘That, among other things,’ I reply.

‘I’m glad. At least you don’t need to worry about being late back from your break anymore.’

‘Yeah, totally… oh, shit… what time is it?’ I glance at my watch and see that Iamlate. ‘Woops. I’d better get back.’

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