Suzy selects a chip and bites into it. ‘What else? If Alex is going to become a regular here, he needs to know what to order.’
Alex takes a bite of his pie and lets out a low whistle. ‘That’s it! I’m moving here permanently, job or no job. I’ll just become an unemployed twenty-something living in his parents’ basement.’
‘I don’t somehow think you’d enjoy that,’ I say.
He takes another bite. ‘It would be totally worth it. This pie is amazing.’
By the time we’ve finished our meal, I’m feeling less exhausted. Alex and I talk about our university courses, and Suzy tells him about her plans to take a childcare qualification.
‘Looking after children isn’t the most exciting thing in the world,’ she says. ‘But if you get the right family, it can give you amazing opportunities. Beautiful houses, travel, you name it.’
‘Would you like to travel?’ Alex asks me.
‘I’d love to. Maybe I will once I’ve graduated. In fact, the university runs an exchange programme with a place in Paris. I’ve applied, but I don’t suppose there’s much chance of me getting it. The competition is pretty tough. The course starts in January and finishes at Easter.’
‘I’m not sure whether to hope you get it or not,’ he says.
His expression is unmistakable. I can’t help glancing at Suzy, who looks as though she’s bitten on a lemon.
‘I find out next week,’ I tell him.
‘I’d love to hear the outcome,’ he says.
‘The pub’s about to close,’ says Suzy. ‘I told you we shouldn’t have stayed so long at that stupid hall.’
‘I should be getting back home anyway,’ says Alex. ‘It’s almost dark, and my parents will worry.’
‘Surely, you’re old enough to be out by yourself after dark?’ I tease him.
He grins. ‘They aren’t worried about me. Dad’s worried about his car. He loves that car, and he’s promised to throw me out on my ear if I dare to put a scratch on it.’
He hesitates. ‘It’s been really nice meeting you. Would you like to do this again sometime?’
‘We’d love to,’ says Suzy. ‘Annie has to go back to university on Friday, but I’m always free.’
He meets my gaze. ‘That’s a shame. In which case, would you like to meet up tomorrow evening?’
‘That’s a great idea!’ says Suzy. ‘Why don’t we come here again? We can have a drink, then maybe go on somewhere else.’
‘I suppose we could do that,’ he says. ‘Shall we say around seven o’clock?’
‘Great!’ says Suzy. ‘Come on, Annie. I’ll walk you home.’
‘I can drive you,’ says Alex, but Suzy shakes her head.
‘It’s just as quick for us to walk.’
I wonder whether she’s making sure I’m not left alone with Alex. It isn’t likely. The thought wouldn’t even cross her mind. I’ve never been any kind of competition for her, and it’s unlikely I am now, especially red-eyed and covered in paint.
I feel a flash of annoyance at the way she’s muscled in on tomorrow evening’s arrangements. But perhaps Alex intended to ask us both. Even worse, perhaps he intended to invite Suzy, and I got in the way.
But his eyes are warm as he smiles at me. ‘I had a great time today. I’m very glad my mother talked me into going along to this painting party.’
‘Me too,’ I say.
‘It was a lucky chance all around,’ says Suzy. ‘Come on, Annie. Let’s get you home. Your mother is going to freak out when she sees you.’
We say goodbye to Alex and walk home together. I’m too tired to talk much, but Suzy keeps up a stream of conversation.