Page 10 of Inbetweeners
“Eight words. You could have had two more.”
“You dickhead.”
The man laughed. “Which makes ten. I should introduce myself. I’m Nix.”
“Why would I want to know who you are? Of what possible interest would that be to me? Please leave me to enjoy my lunch in peace.” The spark of interest felt by Emmett had been obliterated by the man helping himself to his food. What awful manners.
Emmett picked up the fork, wiped it thoroughly on the paper napkin, delving between each tine, then recommenced eating. The guy watched him.
“Are you deaf? I asked you to leave,” Emmett said, once he’d emptied his mouth.
“I’m Nix.”
“So you said. Is that supposed to—oh.” It had taken Emmett too long to get it. He deplored nicknames. Partly because he’d been called Emma at school. But Nix was short for Phoenix. This was the guy who’d be sharing the job, the flat, the bedroom, his brief return to the world.Oh shit.
“Have the lights finally gone on?”
“What? You arrogant arsehole.”
Phoenix chuckled.
“How did you know who I was?” Emmett demanded.
“You left your driver’s licence in the folder.”
Emmett ground his teeth. “You went through my folder? I didn’t look at yours.”
“Knowledge is power.”
“Not always.”
“When is it not?”
“When it causes you to believe you understand how another person is thinking.”
Phoenix furrowed his brow. “Let me guess what you’re thinking.”
“Don’t bother. I’ll tell you. You’re a despicable thief and you have appalling manners.”
“Ah. You sweetheart. I knew you’d like me.” Phoenix beamed at him.
“I don’t like you.”
“Everyone likes me. I have guys knocking on my door all the time.”
“Are they trying to sell you cleaning products?”
Phoenix chuckled. “I like you.”
Emmett rolled his eyes. “And a liar too. Wonderful.”
“Fine.” Phoenix let his smile slip. “I don’t like you but we have to work together.” Phoenix wrapped his fingers around the lemonade and held up the glass. “Here’s to a beautiful friendship.”
Emmett left his glass where it was. “It’s not beautiful and it’s not a friendship.”
“I’ll grow on you.”
“Like a fungus, maybe.”
