Page 77 of Hidden Gem
Jason sat across the table. His head felt light and giddy like he was inhabiting someone else’s body. The cartoony figurines of politicians decorating the walls seemed to come alive, their eyes following him, creepy smiles widening as he looked up at them. What the hell was in that pill? He was high as a kite.
“I hope you don’t mind, I ordered a round of drinks,” Luna murmured as the waitress appeared with a tray of shots.
What was he supposed to say? That he didn’t know how whatever he’d taken would mix with vodka? The carefree looseness coursing through his veins carried fragments of panic.
Jason took out his phone and texted Malcolm.
What was in the pill? What happens if I drink? Heart attack? Anyoureiysm?
He stared at the last word, vaguely aware of not having spelled it correctly. He added some expressive emojis, hit ‘send’ and tried to lower his shoulders before looking up at Luna. “Sorry, just have to figure something out.”
“No worries.”
After a moment, his phone pinged.
You’ll get drunk. And your dick will be fine.
Jason blinked at the screen, realising that one of his ‘sick face’ emojis was an eggplant. Oops. Jason shrugged and reached for a shot. Alcohol would probably make an evening with this woman more tolerable. She had a predatory air about her.
On the way in, he’d noticed heads turning. It was time to put on a performance.
Winking at Luna, he downed another shot. “Cheers. I’ll get the next round.”
“All good,” she purred. “How’s your week been? I heard about the tax presentation. You’re really stirring some trouble out there.”
“Trouble?”
She laughed, tilting her head back. “Don’t worry, I’m on your side. Those fat cats deserve to be taken down a notch. They think they’re untouchable with their portfolios and high yields. I was at an event last weekend and one of those property investor group guys started chatting me up, bad-mouthing you. What a pig.” She watched his face for a reaction.
Jason dropped his gaze to his empty shot glass, wishing he had his wits about him. Luna was clearly well-connected and digging for dirt. He cleared his throat, putting on his politician voice. “There are some misconceptions about this law. It’s not going to hurt most of them at all. Just a wee incentive to help people make better decisions with their property. Especially overseas investors.”
Luna’s hand slid across the table and her pale pink nails curled around his hand. “Relax. I told you, I’m with you on this one. Good on you for challenging the status quo. Millennials are cheering you on. You have huge support.”
Jason shrugged. “I’m not a Millennial, you know. I’m a geriatric Millennial.”
“Geriatric?” Luna’s laugh was a little forced. “You’re not that old.”
“It’s just a term I learned recently. And I feel geriatric, so it fits.” He looked up, a silent challenge in his eyes.
A pair of carefully painted cat eyes stared back at him, defying age and decay. How old was she? It was hard to tell. There were no physical signs of ageing. It was weird, just like the halo of colours reflecting off his glass, dancing in the stream of light on Luna’s shoulder. Since when did he see colours dancing in the air in a dusty pub? What had Malcolm done to him?
Luna’s eyes narrowed as she leaned in, her hand still grasping his. “Let me make you feel young again.”
“I just want to sleep.” The words burst out. This wasn’t what he’d come here to discuss. He must not talk about his issues to this woman. She was not to be trusted.
Luna’s eyebrows shot up in animated sympathy. “A rough week, huh?”
“Forget that. I’m okay.” Was his speech slurring?
“Honestly, you don’t seem okay. Maybe—”
A slick young man approached the table, clapping his hands in exaggerated excitement. Jason recognised him as one of the freelance reporters, the hungry ones always out and about, putting on a gay-routine. “Oh, it’s you! Jason Hallett! I haven’t seen you for so long I thought you were dead! And who’s this gorgeous lady? You haven’t settled down, have you?” He pouted in mock-horror. “You’d break my heart!”
Luna straightened her spine, giving him a seductive smile, ready for her photo.
Jason raised his hand to send him packing. The guy had already pulled out his phone.
“Oh, Jason! Just one photo, then I’ll leave you alone, I promise. You’ll look great. I’ll make my rent. Win-win.” His pout was so over-the-top that Jason considered simply handing over cash to cover his rent. No. That would probably look bad.
