‘We should have a game when you get back. See who’s the winner after that, shall we?’
‘Do you know what?’ I say, turning back to face Dylan. ‘The drinks can wait.’
I pick up my pint glass and tap my index finger against it. ‘See? I’ve got a quarter of a pint left which gives me plenty of time to beat you before I get another round in.’
The smug smirk on Dylan’s face turns sour and he reaches out for a couple of paddles.
‘I doubt that, but I admire your confidence,’ he says, pushing a paddle against my chest and stalking over to the ping pong table.
Thwack. Run. Thwack. Run. Lunge. Thwack. Run.
Beads of sweat are moving down my hairline and I’m concentrating so hard that the headache is not getting any better.
‘Nice shot,’ Dylan says as I take the point. ‘You’re not as bad as I thought.’
I take a pointed sip of beer. ‘Don’t sound so surprised.’
Thwack.
‘I thought artists were too busy brooding over landscapes to keep fit.’
‘Low blow!’ laughs Alice, watching us from the side with Octavia.
‘Yeah, that’s a sweeping generalisation,mate. You’re not bad either but then you’ve probably got the time and the money to spend every day in the gym,’ I retort.
‘I have, actually.’
Thwack.
Dylan sends the ball back over to me so fast that I miss it.
‘Why don’t we focus on the game,’ I suggest, trying to calm down.
‘Good idea. You’ve had a busy evening talking about your ex with Octavia.’
Alice’s ears prick up, confusion written across her face.
‘Really?’ She asks.
‘No, that’s not what happened at all,’ I answer, feeling the injustice of Dylan’s words so keenly that my blood boils. That self-entitled fuck is deliberately messing things up. ‘You’re the one who can’t stop talking about my past relationships. What’s that all about? Ulterior motive?’
THWACK. The game is mine.
I serve again, fast and hard.
‘What kind of ulterior motive?’ Dylan pants as he runs to make the shot.
‘Trying to put Alice off me?’
Dylan laughs. ‘Just protecting my best friend actually.’
I stop playing now. ‘What does she need protecting from?’ I ask.
‘You, mate. Dangerous.’
What the hell? I’m seriously angry now but I don’t get the chance to reply because Alice has stood up and she looksfurious.
‘What is wrong with you two?’ She shouts, slamming her hand down in the middle of the ping pong table.
