Page 73 of Endgame

Bloody hell. We were doing so well. I suppose we were going to start coming last again, sooner or later. See you there.

I have a quick shower but take my time washing my hair with Ariella’s shampoo and conditioner. Apart from the stuff actually working, it makes me feel close to her. Once the cleaning crew arrives, I leave our flat to them and make my way to the pub.

‘Bad Boy Black!’ Jack laughs out loud when I enter the warm pub, and his piss-taking puts me in an even better mood.

‘I’ll sign your arse if you like, mate.’ I laugh as I pull him into a hug. I’ve missed this loser.

‘Would you? Can you make it out to the Thirsty Girls and Boys With no Standards Club?’

‘Absolutely, Mr President.’

‘You both need to get a room,’ Tim says, walking up behind us.

‘Mate.’ I turn to hug him.

‘What’s up with you?’ Tim gives me a quizzical look.

‘Ariella. That’s what’s up with him.’ Jack raises an eyebrow. ‘He’s radiating happiness, smelling like her and everything.’

‘Shut the fuck up, Jack. What are you two drinking?’

It takes the entire trip to the bar and back with our beers to wipe the grin from my face. They’re right. It’s her.

‘What’s been going on?’ I ask as I sit.

‘Want to tell him or shall I?’ Tim asks Jack.

‘Lou and I are over.’

‘Champagne. Shots. We need to celebrate! When did this happen?’

‘You’re such a dick, Caleb.’ Jack laughs. ‘Last week.’

‘How does it feel?’

‘Freeing. Obviously, we were together for years and that comes with its issues, but it’s all right.’

‘Mate, the only thing I’d miss is that huge apartment.’

‘Wait for it,’ Tim says, holding his palm up.

‘Well…’ Jack starts.

‘Oh, bloody hell, now what?’

‘I’m still staying there at the moment. We agreed I could stay until I found somewhere.’

I put my face in my hands.

‘Jack, for fuck’s sake.’

‘That’s exactly what I said,’ Tim says as he sips on his half pint.

‘She’s in Milan for the next few weeks. I’ll be gone by the time she gets back.’

‘Wait.’ I stop him.

‘Yup,’ Tim says as he crosses his arms, looking exhausted. ‘Ask him, Caleb.’

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