“You lying bitch. Spill. I know you’re keeping something from me.”
“I’m not,” I lie, raising my head and meeting her steely gaze. When a smile creeps onto my face she reaches out and pinches me. “Ouch.” I start to laugh as I rub my arm to try and relieve the pain.
“I’m waiting,” she says impatiently, raising her hand like she’s going to pinch me again.
“Okay,” I reply pushing her hand away. “We may have snuck into each other’s room and did some things. Not sex. Other stuff.”
“What? When? Why am I only hearing about it now?” she screeches in a high-pitched voice. I drag her towards the café, promising to tell her everything once we’re seated. She’s never going to shut up about this, I know it, but I don’t really have a choice. I can’t lie to her.
I tell her the whole sordid mess as we wait for our food to arrive. We’re sitting outside the café. I told her I wanted to sit out here for privacy so we could talk, but my real reason was so I could keep an eye on the pub where Carter is. I’m still wondering why he’s in there. I hope he hasn’t gone in to meet, or even worse, pick up a girl.
That thought makes me feel sick in the stomach.
“I can’t believe all this has been going on behind my back and I’m only hearing about it now. I tell you everything about my hook-ups,” she complains.
“Yes I know,” I reply rolling my eyes. “All the sordid details as well. Sometimes after talking to you I feel the need to bleach my brain.”
“Fuck off,” she says and we both laugh. We both stop talking when our food arrives so we can eat, although the whole time my eyes keep drifting over towards the building that houses Carter. Half an hour has passed since he entered.
When we’ve finished eating we ask for the bill. We split it and make our way back towards the car park. We don’t make it far when Meg turns and starts dragging me across the street. “Where are we going?” I ask.
“To see what lover boy is up to.”
“What? We can’t go in there, we’re underage,” I say horrified.
“So is he. We can both pass for eighteen. Well I can. Not sure about you,” she laughs.
“Ha ha, bitch. Just because I’m short …”
“Undo those buttons,” she says reaching for my top. I slap her hand away.
“No!”
“Do you want to see what Carter’s up to?” she asks. Do I? I’m not sure. If he’s in there with another female, I don’t know how that’s going to make me feel. Not good that’s for sure. “Your only chance of getting in is those perky little tits of yours,” she says reaching for my buttons again.
“Fine.” I slap her hand away again and undo the top two buttons of my blouse. I’m not sure it’s going to help, but it’s worth a shot. I’m glad I wore my black lace, push-up bra today.
“Ladies,” the bouncer at the door says when we approach. I shouldn’t have even bothered with my buttons—he didn’t even look my way. Of course he couldn’t take his eyes of Meg’s girls. They’re huge and put mine to shame. What is it with men and boobs?
He opens the door and gestures for us to enter without even asking for any ID. He winks at Meg as she passes. I roll my eyes. My stomach is churning as we enter. This place is a dive. It smells of stale beer and cigarette smoke. If my dad knew I was here, he’d kick my arse and probably close this place down.
“I can’t see him,” I say as my eyes dart around. “Let’s go.”
“Oh, stop being a big baby.” She grabs my arm and drags me further into the establishment. This is the first time I’ve been in a place like this. I hope none of my dad’s friends are here. I grab hold of her hand and clutch it tight.
As she pulls me further towards the back, I scan the room. I feel like everyone’s eyes are on us. We walk past one table and this guy with a shaved spiky head and tattoos all up his arms looks me up and down before licking his lips. Ewww.
“Can we just go, Meg,” I beg. “This place is creeping me out.”
“Not until we find your lover boy.”
“He’s not my lover boy. Stop saying that,” I angrily whisper. “He’s probably already left.”
“The way you were scoping out this place from across the street, I think you would’ve noticed if he had.”
“Ha ha. Please, can we just go?” Pulling me over towards the wall, she places her hands on my shoulders.
“Stay here and don’t move.”
“Where are you going? Don’t leave me here alone,” I plead. I can hear the horror in my own voice as I speak. Meg just laughs.