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Chapter 5
Leyna
‘Iswear if I didn’thave rent, and I didn’t have to pay for electricity, and water, not to mention my mobile phone bill, then I would be out of there!’ I take a gulp of the cool, fizzy cider.
Candace looks at me with that all-knowing look that she is so good at giving. ‘Except that you do have rent, electricity, water, and a mobile phone to pay for. We all do. That’s why we’re all stuck in shitty, thankless jobs.’
‘Cheers to that!’ I cry as Candace and I clink our pint glasses together and cider sloshes all over the table. ‘Where are the straws? On our salaries, we’re going to have to slurp that up.’ We both laugh.
It’s Friday night and the pub is buzzing. Candace and I aren’t the only ones starting the weekend off with a few pints at the Head of Steam. This is one of my favourite haunts. There is always a lively atmosphere and it’s one of the only places in Castle Eden where you get a mixedtown and gowncrowd. Most of the other pubs are either filled with locals, thetown, or students, thegown. It’s also big on the inside. That might sound like a minor detail, but in town, there are so many pubs that are just a hole in the wall with cramped seating and conversations everyone can overhear.
The Head of Steam is tucked down an alleyway just off one of the main roads. The inside features a combination of styles: exposed wooden beams, brick walls, and a mixture of beer and brewery posters cover the walls, the doors, and parts of the ceiling. Most importantly, it has one of the best selections of drafts and ciders in Castle Eden. Candace and I had once promised one another that we would try every single one they had to offer. We’ve been coming here for three years now and we’re still nowhere near completing our list.
Candace arrives before me and she’s managed to get our favourite table. I sayourbut really, I meanmyfavourite table. It’s the one in the corner and provides views of the whole bar, the door, and two other seating areas. As per the décor, there is a slew of posters fixed to the wall, some of which is panelled wood, some painted a dark grey. Our corner has a small license plate on the wall, like the kind you find in North America or affixed to the back of a trailer, in white and navy blue, with the word ROGUE in caps.
‘So, I want to hear all about this new evening class you’re taking,’ Candace says in her rich, south London accent.
I slowly swallow my drink, taking my time, searching for the right words. In truth, I’ve been dreading having this conversation. I had decided a while ago that I would definitely tell Candace the truth, but I had not been looking forward to this conversation.
I needed to face this full-on. Just come out and say it.
‘I knew when you texted me that something was up. Oh my God, what is it? Are you even doing a night class?’ Candace presses.
I’m not sure why it seems so hard to open up to Candace. ‘Sort of...’ I trail off.
‘You had better start talking ‘cause my mind is starting to get very creative and now I’m thinking all sorts of things!’
‘First off, it’s not what you’re thinking.’
‘Oh, you have no idea what I’m thinking but, please, go on.’
‘It’s just a bit of fun, something to pay the bills—’
Candace pretends to gasp as she reaches out and grabs my arm, ‘Oh my God, hun, you know you can always ask me for money, you don’t have to—’
‘Would you quit it! It’s notthat.’
Candace laughs out loud. ‘I’m only winding you up. What is it then? Come on, it’s me. Spit it out.’
Looking down into the amber liquid I blurt out what I’ve been keeping from Candace for the past few months. ‘I’m posing as a nude model for an evening art class in town.’
Candace’s mouth drops open as she stares at me. And then, in true Candace style, she bursts out laughing.
‘What’s so funny?’
‘That is so much better than what I was thinking.’
‘I don’t even want to know what you were thinking!’
‘Couldn’t help it, love. You had my imagination running like it was my ex-boyfriend after I caught him on that blonde.’
‘He was a jerk.’
