Page 52 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

Aaron looks at me for a moment, and I wonder if, for the first time ever, he’s going to respond in an equally meaningful way.

‘No problem, Liv. Now get back to work.’

I smile as he gives me an awkward nod and disappears through the door. Not exactly a man for heartfelt interactions, I remind myself, as I retreat.

Turning back to the bar, my eyes land on Reyes. ‘Right, you. I want a word.’

‘Is this word…romance?’ She flutters her eyelashes at me.

‘No. Actually it’s four words.Butt. The hell. Out.’

‘I am sorry, Chica. I do not understand this phrase.’

‘Don’t you pull that trick with me. You know exactly what I’m saying.’ My face is stony, but I’m struggling not to laugh.

‘Aww… Chica. I am so excited for your first date with Josh. It will not be long. I know this.’

Defeated, I resort to swiping her playfully with a glass cloth.

Chapter 14

‘So, where are you on the countdown to eviction now?’

It’s Monday and I’m having lunch with Dylan in a dingy pub just around the corner from his office near Haymarket Station.

‘Ah, great.’ I put my fork down on my plate. ‘Some nice, light-hearted chat over lunch. Just what I was hoping for.’

‘You expected that fromme?’ Dylan gives me a sarcastic look.

‘You’re right. I should have known better.’

‘What’s the number then?’ he prompts me.

I sigh and place my cutlery in the six o’clock position on the plate, my appetite having suddenly scarpered.

‘I make it about twelve weeks. But that’s obviously when I’ve run out completely. I’ll have to start making arrangements well before then.’

‘I was thinking about that myself.’ Dylan gives me a pained look. ‘I even considered offering to move in with you and split the bills, but I’m tied into my lease for another eight months.’

‘Probably for the best.’ I laugh. ‘I appreciate the gesture, but I’m not sure I could live with your stinking trainers.’

‘I would have considered buying a new pair,’ Dylan huffs.

‘Thanks anyway.’ My face softens. ‘Honestly. That was sweet of you.’

‘So, what are you gonna do then?’

‘I don’t actually know.’ I exhale heavily. ‘I’ll probably have to sell up regardless. Unless something comes up in the next couple of weeks. Problem is, I checked with my mortgage provider and it’s borderline whether I’ll be in negative equity. I bought my apartment brand new three years ago, on a ninety per cent mortgage, and unfortunately it hasn’t held its value.’

‘Balls.’ Dylan stabs at his chips, his frustration at being unable to help me evident. ‘What size of hole are you looking at?’

‘Worst-case scenario: a couple of thousand – that I don’t have. Best case: I’ll break even or get a few hundred in equity.’

‘Aww… Squirt. This totally sucks. I’d lend you the money, but me ma needed a loan to pay off some debts, so my money is tied up there for now. Best I can offer is a week or so at mine – on the couch – but my flatmates will kick off if it’s any longer than that.’

‘It’s fine.’ I wave my hand at him. ‘I’ll just need to start looking at other options. On the money I’m bringing in, I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford anything more than a rented flat on the estate – possibly even a flat share. They’ll all love that – I’ll be the talk of the Broken Arms. Seeing me come crashing down. Back to the level I shouldn’t have aspired above in the first place.’

‘No one will be like that,’ says Dylan. ‘No one worth giving a shit about, anyway. Anyone who does will have me to deal with.’

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