Page 34 of One Hot Summer

“Not at all, Zack’s looking forward to it. He even went back to his flat to get his toolkit.”

“Thank you, I owe you both a meal out. I might bring you to this place, actually.”

“I’m not sure about that, I hear people fall asleep in your company. See you this afternoon.”

CHAPTER TEN

Iwas grateful that the office had quietened down by the end of the day as it meant I wouldn’t be delayed in getting away on time. Zack had phoned me to say he’d been called into a last-minute meeting so would be late back to my house too, so I fully expected Bing to be a pain in the arse later. Sarah had texted me to say she was already at Wetherspoons and had secured us a booth. This way we could sit together and go through the dating app. Perhaps we could make alterations to her profile and make it clear the age group she was looking for so there could be no more Nigels weeding their way into her dating life. Although I do wish I’d been able to read his blog.

“Hey!” I found Sarah and slid into the booth next to her. “I’m so hungry, only had a ham sandwich for lunch today. Can we order straight away?”

“Course we can,” Sarah said. “Go ahead, I’m not that hungry. I ate Dr Pineapple’s food as well as my own before I left.”

“How long before he woke up? He must have been mortified.”

“Well, unless the staff woke him up, there’s a chance he’s still there.”

“You left him asleep?” I was both shocked and highly amused.

“Of course I did!” She laughed.

“I can’t believe you. I’ll be back in a minute, I’ll go order. Are you sure you don’t want anything? I doubt that fitness instructor you dated is in here, so there’s no one to shame you if you want a bowl of chips.”

“Go on then,” she said. “Get me some chips, and maybe some chicken goujons. I’ll go grab some condiments when you get back.”

I walked over to the bar and just as I gave my order, I stepped to the side and almost bumped into a young man. He barely looked old enough to be in there.

“Sorry,” I said, as my shoulder grazed his.

“Don’t worry.” His voice was nasal. “Accidents happen.” There was something about him I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Something familiar. “Is that Sarah I saw you come in with? Sitting over there in the booth?”

“Sarah? Yes, it is. Do you know her?” I looked over at her, but she wasn’t looking our way.

“We had a romantic rendezvous. I must speak to her.”

Before I could stop him, he was making his way over to an unsuspecting Sarah.

“Wait,” I called out.

“That’ll be fourteen pounds and eighty pence,” said the barman, holding out the card reader.

Dammit. That was absolutely one hundred per cent Nigel on his way to speak to Sarah and I was going to miss it!

As soon as the payment transaction was completed, I rushed over to our booth so I could witness the alleged sex blogger in action.

“Jenny, you’re back!” Sarah was relieved at my return. “I’m so sorry, Nigel. We were having a private catch-up, so…”

“No, don’t apologise.” He had slid into the booth, making himself comfortable in my space. “I was just telling Sarah how much I enjoyed our date but, unfortunately, I don’t think another one would be sensible.”

“Really?” I had to bite my lip. I looked at Sarah, who rolled her eyes at me. “Why’s that, Nigel?”

“Well,” he began, as I sat on the other side of Sarah. She kicked my leg as I joined her. “Although Sarah is obviously a very, very beautiful lady, stunning in fact, I don’t think she is quite what I’m looking for in a partner.”

“Oh, no, that’s so sad! What a shame. She had been filling me in on your romantic meeting.” I winced as Sarah nipped me under my arm. “Sarah, are you okay? Do you need comforting?” I put my arm around her tense shoulders.

“I do think it’s for the best,” Nigel continued. “I certainly need someone not as advanced in their years.”

Sarah stiffened, and I willed myself to remain composed until Nigel had left us alone.

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