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“Oh yes, that’s right, you turned your nose up at free Krug. Alcohol’s not really your thing.”
“Not really,” she agreed. “But also, it’s eleven o’clock in the morning.”
Jay squinted out of the window. “Shit. Is it? I should probably go to bed.”
She didn’t laugh or look appalled or do anything really except examine him coolly for a moment and then look away. Jay scratched at his stubble and wished he felt less grimy.
“I came to see how you were. After the crash.”
“Basically grounded, but I’m fine.”
“You have a splint on your wrist.”
“It’ll be off soon.”
“I heard you were drink-driving.”
Jay shot her an annoyed look, but she was adjusting the perfect pleats of her dress’s skirt and not looking at him.
“I was, yes. Drugs too. All the fun things.”
She glanced up at him. “Why?”
“I was coming back from a party.”
“But I mean... Why take that risk? It’s not...logical.”
Jay laughed. “That’s one of the mildest criticisms I’ve ever had. It’s almost a compliment. I’ll take it over my father’s approach any day. He’s said I have one month to pay back the forty-five to replace the car or I’ll lose my allowance. Don’t suppose you have the cash to lend me?”
“Not to hand.”
“Pity. Next time I’ll take his Lamborghini out. On a wet day. Maybe I could pay him back with a kidney. Much money in organ harvesting, do you think?”
“I do realise you’re joking. But you could have hit me. Or anyone.”
He scrubbed a hand through his hair, wondering where the beer he’d ordered had got to.
“Sorry,” said Sophia, “I didn’t mean to attack you. I was just pointing out the possible consequences. I’m actually very grateful to you for swerving to avoid me.”
Jay startled, then laughed without humour. “Oh god! Now that’s the mildestpraiseI’ve ever had. It almost feels like a criticism. You’re grateful I didn’t run you over? My reputation must be worse than I thought.”
Sophia flushed, returning her attention to the pleats on her skirt. “I always say the wrong thing, Jay. I’m sorry.”
“No, I didn’t mean—”
“It happens all the time. I came here attempting to be kind, but it’s not working, is it? What am I doing wrong?”
Jay sat there with his mouth open like an idiot. It sounded like she was being completely genuine. “Erm… It’s not that you’re doing anything wrong. It’s just...”
She glanced up at him again, eyes unusually bright with curiosity. “Just what? What is it? Tell me, please.”
“Well...you’re just a bit stiff and formal... A bit like a clergyman come here to try to save my soul.”
“Maybe that would be a good thing,” she said seriously.
Jay let out a breath of laughter and rubbed his hair again. It really needed a wash. And where was that damned beer?
“Are you religious, Clements?” he said, not sure why he’d added the nickname. Maybe just to break his discomfort a little, help him turn this conversation into a joke, because life was easier that way.
