‘Maybe. It’s all on the condition of good behaviour, though.’
‘Oh, crikey. Then I’m sunk.’ I chinked my punch glass with his beer bottle and took a large gulp. Immediately my eyes bulged and I looked in panic at Alex, who was once again laughing.
‘Steady on! That’s potent stuff!’
I batted him on the arm. ‘You could have told me that before!’ I said, once my throat returned to normal.
‘I thought I did. I said it was legendary.’
‘That could mean anything!’
‘Sorry.’ He laughed. ‘I’ll remember that you need specifics next time.’
‘Isn’t that your job? Accurate descriptions?’
‘Absolutely. My apologies, normally I’m very—’
I cut him off. ‘If you’re about to say you’re very good at taking down particulars I’m going to make you drink that entire bowl of punch.’
‘You realise that would probably kill me!’ His smile was wide as his eyes danced with mirth.
I took another sip from my own glass. ‘I think you’re probably right.’
‘Come on, let’s get you something else that you prefer,’ Alex said, reaching to take my glass.
I moved it away from him. ‘I didn’t say I didn’t like it.’
Alex was close to me, having leant in for the glass, which I was now holding out behind me.
‘Told you. Legendary,’ he said, his voice softer, his gaze drifting over my face until his eyes locked back onto mine.
‘You’re flirting.’
‘You’re beautiful. It’s hard not to.’
‘Thought you two had got lost.’ Charlie’s voice came from close by.
Alex stepped back and I suddenly realised I’d been leaning backwards a tiny bit more than I thought. Oh, dear. This wasn’t going to end well. I felt myself tipping. I closed my eyes and hoped for the best, making a point to resist grabbing at the tablecloth and pulling everything on top of me. And then I stopped falling. I opened one eye. Charlie was looking down at me, his arms wrapped tight around my body.
‘How many of those did you have?’
I pushed myself up and away, a little indignant. ‘I’ve only had a couple of sips. I just lost my balance. I’m not drunk, Charlie!’
‘I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I should have warned you. That’s all I meant. I didn’t think you were drunk. I just know you can be a bit clumsy,’ he explained.
I raised my eyebrows at him. ‘Thanks. I think.’
He gave me a look and I immediately felt bad.
‘Thank you. For catching me.’
‘No problem.’
‘You can always chuck a bit of lemonade in the punch to water it down if you like.’
‘That’s probably a good idea.’
‘Do you not drink?’ Alex asked, concern in his voice. ‘I’m sorry, Charlie. I didn’t know she didn’t do alcohol.’
