I put my head down as we pass the pub, because I’m worried someone from work will see me and I’ll be forced to have a conversation in this state. Unfortunately, Tamsin chooses that location to fall over and almost pulls me to the ground with her. She’s laughing, which is entirely contagious. And now I’m laughing as I try to pull her up with little success.
‘Christ,’ says a familiar voice.
I look in the direction of the pub and see James standing sideways locking the door. Wait. He’s not sideways, I am.
‘Exactly how hard did you hit the sangria?’ he asks, walking over and pulling Tamsin to her feet.
I try to appear sober. ‘It’s possible they were stronger than we realised. Do you mind helping us get a taxi?’
He shakes his head. ‘No sane taxi driver’s going to take you two anywhere. Come on.’ He gestures towards the car park. ‘I’ll drive you.’
Tamsin wraps an arm around my shoulders. ‘Aww. He’s such a nice guy.’
All I can think is Please don’t call him a silver fox to his face. Thankfully, she stops at that, and we make it to the car without incident. Tamsin calls her mum for the address of the hotel they’re having dinner at, and her dad meets us out front.
The moment Tamsin steps out of the car, she says, ‘It’s all Annie’s fault. You know what a terrible influence she is on me.’
Her dad shakes his head. ‘Likely story.’
Tamsin winks at me over her shoulder. ‘See you next time.’
‘I think we’ll be leaving you home next time,’ her dad says as he leads her inside. ‘Thanks, Annie.’
‘Sorry,’ I call to him.
‘It’s not our fault,’ I hear Tamsin say. ‘The waitress just kept bringing them out.’
I close the car door and apologise profusely to James.
‘It’s fine,’ he says. ‘You’re a well-behaved drunk. Just don’t throw up in my car, and we’ll finish the night friends.’
I rest my head on the window. ‘Tamsin’s right. You are a nice guy.’ I close my eyes. ‘And I trust you.’
‘Don’t fall asleep yet. I need an address.’
My eyes remain closed as I tell him. ‘And don’t worry. I’m not going to have sex with you.’
He laughs softly. ‘That’s good to know.’
When I open my eyes, I see that we’re pulled up in front of the apartment building. I feel dizzier than I did earlier, and the feeling makes me panic a little.
‘You all right?’ James asks.
I nod and reach for the door.
He comes around to help me, then walks me up all six flights of stairs. He’s completely out of breath by the time we reach the top, and my inability to judge the steps may be the reason for that.
‘Want to come in?’ I ask.
He helps me with the key. ‘Not tonight.’
‘Not for sex,’ I clarify. ‘For coffee.’
He suppresses a smile. ‘I think you should save the coffee for morning and opt for a large glass of water tonight.’
I lean my head against the door. ‘Am I going to be really embarrassed tomorrow?’
‘Nah. You kept the sangria down and made a point of not propositioning me, so you’re good.’ He backs away to the stairs. ‘See you tomorrow.’