I shook my head vigorously. ‘Working.’
‘Amy?’
‘Marcusss-ing.’
‘You know that’s not a word, don’t you?’
‘It is now. I’ll get the bus.’
‘You’re not getting the bus. Not in that state.’
‘Excuse me? I am not in a state.’ I was totally in a state, but I wasn’t in enough of a state to not at least attempt denial at said state.
‘If you say so. But I’m still not letting you loose on the night bus on your own.’
I let out a dramatic sigh. ‘Fine. I’ll get a taxi, then. Happy?’
‘No. Not really. You’re pie-eyed and you expect a taxi driver to let you in smelling like a brewery, and besides, you’re still on your own whilst not entirely in control of all your faculties.’
‘My faculties are just dandy, thank you. And I do not smell like a brewery.’ I bent my head and started trying surreptitiously to find a way to confirm this.
Charlie studied me for a moment then shook his head.
‘You can stay here tonight. There’s plenty of room.’
‘I can’t.’
‘Why not?’
‘I didn’t bring anything else to wear. Or my toothbrush.’
‘So, just put that dress back on tomorrow. It’ll only be to go back home in. And I have spare supplies for guests in the bathroom.’
‘I am not going to do a walk of shame from your house, Charlie Richmond.’
He raised an eyebrow. ‘Walk of shame?’
‘Yes. I mean, we’ll know it’s not but to everyone else, it’ll lookexactlylike a walk of shame if I’m in the same clothes.’
‘Everyone else who?’
‘Everyone who sees me.’
‘Who’s going to see you? And even if they do, they won’t care.’
‘I’ll care!’
‘Libby, you won’t have done anything!’
‘I know! That’s what makes it even more annoying! I’ll know that. And you’ll know that.’ I was now pointing at each of us in turn for emphasis. Suddenly realising this, I stopped and sat on my hands instead. ‘But to your neighbours… well!’ I pulled a face that I imagined said it all. Charlie looked at me but said nothing so I continued. ‘So, unless I’m going to wear a sign that says, “This is not a walk of shame. I did not sleep with Charlie Richmond”, then it’s a no go.’
‘You’d need quite a big sign to fit all that on.’
I blinked at him.
‘And it wouldn’t really do my reputation much good.’
‘You have a reputation?’ I asked, my eyes wide.
