Page 43 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

‘You met Clara then.’ I smile gravely.

‘She’s a right piece of work,’ Dylan complains. ‘You weren’t wrong there.’

‘Dylan, why are you still out at this time? Are you not working tomorrow?’

‘Got the day off. Long weekend for me. Ch-ching! Where are you? I’ll come join you?’

‘Err…’

I try to think of a reason to put him off. My workmates apparently think he’s a stalker; I’m not sure I want to bring these two worlds together at this moment – but what to say?

‘We’re in the Granby Tavern.’

‘Ah… returning to earth.’ Dylan sounds pleased. ‘That’s my girl. I’ll have you back in the Broken Arms before you know it.’

I’m left staring at the phone in disapproval, as he cuts the call without saying goodbye. I look at Reyes and Amir.

‘That was… mystalker. He’s coming to join us.’

‘Right.’ Amir looks perplexed. ‘So, not anunwelcomestalker. Is he actually someone you’re secretly in love with?’

‘Definitely not.’ I shake my head firmly.

‘Then he must be… a friend?’ Reyes looks as confused as Amir.

‘Well, yes… but maybe closer to an annoying big brother… dishes out a little too much tough love… oh, Dylan, that was quick. Hi.’ I’m caught off guard as Dylan suddenly appears at our table. ‘You look smart.’

I take in his suited and booted attire. It’s not a look I’ve seen on him before – his workplace not having a dress code and his preference being for hoodies and jeans. It suits him. He actually looks quite handsome.

‘Thanks. Pints, anyone?’ Dylan asks, before I can even introduce him.

‘We’re on Tennent’s – cheers, mate.’ Amir signals for himself and Reyes, earning a thumbs-up of approval from Dylan.

He looks at my glass. ‘Gin and tonic, Squirt?’

‘Yes. Please.’ I sigh, embarrassed at his use of my childhood nickname in front of my workmates.

Dylan, oblivious to his error, heads to the bar to order the drinks.

‘Squirt?’ Amir looks amused. ‘That’s cute.’

‘Is it?’ I give him a sarcastic look.

‘What is this… this squirt?’ Reyes asks. ‘I do not know this word.’

‘I think it means that Liv was small when she was young,’ Amir explains. ‘Probably smaller than me by the sounds of things. And that’s the affectionate nickname she unfortunately ended up with from her friends. Is that right, Liv?’

‘On the button.’ I grimace.

‘I think it’s cute.’ Amir gives me a little wink.

‘Here we are, folks.’ Dylan plonks the first two pints on the table. ‘Back in a sec.’

‘Seems a nice guy,’ Amir comments, as Dylan returns to the bar for the final two drinks.

‘He definitely means well.’ I shrug. ‘It just doesn’t always come across that way.’

‘Right, so who do we have here?’ Dylan asks.

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