We’d better keep you away from the kitchen then .
How rude.
I grin. Now it’s time to execute the rest of my plan. I call up the venue and book us a table, and then scroll through my emails to find one from Natalie. She sent me a few back when her company was organising my first exhibition and I’m pretty sure I remember seeing her phone number in her email sign-off.
Bingo. I save her mobile number to my contacts and start up a new message, which feels a bit weird given this is the first time I’ve spoken to her without Alice around, but this is for a good cause. As soon as I’ve asked if she can make it Natalie sends back three thumbs up emojis and says she can’t wait. Which means there’s only one person left to invite.
Dylan.
Alice mentioned that he’s back up in Sheffield this week and we didn’t get off to the best start when we first met; there’s just something about him that got my back up. But he’s Alice’s best mate so it’s time for me to be the bigger person and make an effort, for her sake. I know that she’d love to hang out with him and things have changed since Dylan and I last met. I feel more secure in my relationship with Alice now that she’s my girlfriend, so hopefully that’ll help me not to overthink everything he says.
After asking Natalie to send over his number, I tap out a message to him too.
Hi Dylan, it’s Zach. I’m planning a night out for Alice on Friday. Would be great to see you there if you can make it? Cheers.
The ticks go blue immediately but he doesn’t reply, so I put my phone away and crack on.
Three days later I’m eating an unimpressive chicken salad for lunch in my studio when I finally hear back from Dylan.
Thanks for the invite. I always love seeing Pickle when I’m back so I’ll be there.
Hmm. It’s a friendly enough reply but I’m slightly annoyed nonetheless. I think it’s the nickname he has for her, which feels territorial even though I know I’m being unreasonable. Not to mention the time it’s taken him to reply to my message. I know he’s a hotshot comedian and everything but seriously, how does it take three days to type thanks and I’ll be there? I try to shake it off, knowing that Alice will be thrilled that he’s coming which is the main thing, really. She’s had a rough few days with being ill at the weekend and then on top of that she’s had such a busy start to the week that we’ve barely had a chance to talk yet, let alone see each other, so I figure she’ll be ready to let off some steam come Friday night.
Mind if I bring a date?It’s Dylan again, obviously struck with an afterthought.
No problem, the more the merrier.
Feeling like I handled that quite well and could do with a treat after the sub-standard salad, I lock up my studio and walk to Division Street. It’s a swelteringly hot day so I grab an iced coffee and a doughnut from Steam Yard, taking a picture and sending it to Alice before I demolish the lot, because I know how much she loves these.
WTF where’s mine?!She replies immediately.
As it’s date night on Friday we could always come back on Sat morning and get one each?
You’re assuming I’ll stay over? Bit presumptuous
I’m wondering what to reply but she gets there first.
Joking! You had me at doughnut.
As the first to arrive, I order a round and head to our reserved table, taking a swig from my beer bottle while I look around. It’s already getting busy in here and I watch a couple getting seriously competitive at their ping pong table, smiling as they get more and more into the game. I think Alice with her competitive nature is going to be in her element.
Dylan’s bringing a date, which brings our group up to five, but I grab four paddles because you can’t play ping pong with five people. If needs be, I’ll be happy to sit out for a bit.
People are piling in after work now, poking their head into the room where all the tables are set up in the hope that there might be one free but it’s fully booked already. And suddenly there’s Alice, walking in arm-in-arm with Natalie.
‘OMG ping pong? I’m so into this idea,’ Alice grins. ‘Hey, you.’ She’s still smiling at me as we kiss and hug and I feel a rush of adrenaline, chuffed that she’s happy.
‘I thought you could do with cheering up after our last date.’
‘Urgh. Romance and I definitely don’t go hand in hand.’
‘Don’t say that! Maybe we should make a no seafood rule from now on?’
‘Yes,’ she laughs. ‘That sounds better.’
‘No Dylan?’ I ask as Alice and Nat drop their bags and Alice starts inspecting the paddles on our table.
‘He just messaged to say he’s been out with Octavia and they’re running late. This one looks good!’ Alice adds, holding up the newest-looking paddle. ‘Not that I’m trying to find the best one for myself or anything.’
