Page 18 of Never Too Late to Date

‘I agree. But at least if you collapse, you’re with a fully-trained nurse.’

‘But what about you? You can’t treat yourself.’

That set Vicky off again, and Suzie tried and failed to hold it together. It was like being back at school.

When they’d both got their breath back, Suzie handed Vicky the half-drunk bottle of beer.

‘Here, get this down you.’

‘Thanks. And yes, I can come to yours around one.’

‘Great. I’ll make you lunch, as you’ll be missing yours.’

‘You’re on. Go and email the promoter…’

‘Frank.’

‘Go and tell Frank this minute that you’ll do it. Before you change your mind.’

‘Aye, aye, captain.’

Vicky finally put her bottle down on the table.

‘I know it’s not that late, but I really do need to leave, as two hangovers in a row isn’t fair on the animals, let alone the other volunteers.’

Suzie touched her cheeks to mimic tears running down them.

‘I’ll be thinking about those poor little animals tomorrow morning, being suffocated by your beer fumes.’

Suzie realised she was drunker than she’d thought. She rarely let loose in the bar while on duty. It was a new and not unpleasant experience. But not one she’d be repeating in a hurry. Thankfully, she had an excuse. This was a momentous day, a day for being brave… After leaving it all behind so long ago, she was going back for more. The roar of the crowd rang in her ears once more, and the slight burning smell of the powerful stage lights curled up into her nostrils, along with the aroma of perfume and sweat that arose from the mass of bodies below her, cheering her on.

Vicky’s pat on the arm pulled her back to the present.

‘That’s exactly why I don’t want any more beer tonight. It’ll be obvious I’ve been drinking as it is, but as long as I’m not working with Alex the Vet, it’ll be fine. I don’t want one of his sanctimonious lectures.’

‘Oh, you mean the gloomy but good-looking dark-haired one? I’ve seen him in here a couple of times with Angeliki.’

Vicky put up her hands.

‘Please, analysing him will take far too long and keep for another day. Text me your address with the confirmation you’ve done the deed.’

‘Will do.’

Suzie raised the bottle, which now held only dregs.

‘Yamás! To my newest friend.’

‘Yamás! To mine, too.’

Vicky dispensed with the rest of her bottle, and Suzie watched her stagger a little as she got up from the table before righting herself.

‘Whoa, easy there.’

Suzie moved in for a hug, her head colliding with Vicky’s chest.

‘I’m so pleased that we’ve met.’

‘Me too.’