Page 51 of Be More Lucy

‘Yes, but all the same.’

‘Am I going to be the youngest one here?’

Why was he asking that? ‘I think so. Though I’ve not met Hannah yet.’

‘Hannah?’

‘Mark’s girlfriend.’

‘Oh yes. You did say. So we’re not likely to be out partying all night then?’

‘You and I can if you want. I’ve never been clubbing with the rest of them. I’m guessing Jack and Em won’t want to go. I wouldn’t have thought Mark would either.’ During the brief time they’d dated, Mark had always preferred to prop up a bar rather than get on a dancefloor, though Hannah might have changed him. She looked like she might enjoy going out to a club based on her Instagram posts. Lucy had spent half an hour yesterday scrolling through Mark and Hannah’s feeds to assess how happy they were together. Blissful by the look of it.

Lucy heard the front door open again and Em’s voice. ‘Shall we be sociable?’ she suggested, pulling a gift-wrapped box out of one of her bags.

‘If we must.’ Josh looked sulky.

‘You don’t sound that keen.’

‘I guess I’d have preferred to stay at home with you.’

‘Why didn’t you say that before?’

‘I didn’t think it through. It’s going to be a dull weekend.’

‘Dull?’ Lucy was shocked. ‘We’re in London. We’re off to a concert at the O2. We can go out partying afterwards. How is that dull?’

‘They’re all old and stuffy. I was hoping I’d make some new friends.’

‘How have you jumped to that conclusion? You’ve only met Jack, and he’s barely said two words to you yet. He’s not old. He’s only six years older than me.’

‘He dresses like a typical grown-up public school boy.’

‘What does that mean?’

‘Open-necked shirt and cashmere sweater with jeans. Not exactly cutting edge fashion.’

‘What were you expecting? You don’t exactly look like Mr Unconventional yourself.’ Lucy looked Josh up and down, taking in his black cargo trousers and plain grey t-shirt.

‘We’re here now. I’ll just have to put up with it.’

Lucy sighed. It wasn’t a good start to the weekend. ‘Come on, Josh. You’re not going to make any new friends by stopping in here all afternoon.’

Em and Jack were in the living room.

‘Hi, Josh. Nice to meet you,’ Em called from the kitchen.

‘You too.’ At least Josh sounded perkier with Em.

Em got a couple of mugs out of a cupboard. ‘The kettle’s on. What do you want to drink? Tea or coffee?’

‘Tea, please,’ said Lucy sitting down next to Jack on the sofa.

‘What coffee have you got?’ Josh asked.

‘All sorts. It’s one of those coffee pod things. The pods are all on the holder next to the machine. I don’t like coffee, so it’s a mystery to me. Feel free to help yourself.’

Lucy leaned over to Jack and gave him a peck on the cheek.

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