Page 52 of The Tape Job
“You don’t date,” I say, before the starting buzzer has even sounded.
Johnny shrugs, “Bettsy didn’t want to come alone.”
ReLinda announces the start of speed-dating.
“Then why did you get a haircut?”
“Because I needed a damn haircut. Quit it.”
We bicker back and forth for a bit before Johnny changes the subject to Dad.
“He’s due on Friday, you remember?” he says. “He wants to catch my game on Saturday.”
I scoff. “He’s never cared about your games, John. Why would he care now?”
“Jayne’s interested by all accounts.”
“How much do we know about Jayne?” I ask him.
“I think she’s younger than him—” he starts, annoyingly the buzzer sounds putting a stop to our discussion. It’s now a conversation I need to follow up on.
I have a whole load of questions. How much younger is she? Is she someone who aspires to start a family? Surely Dad’s too old for babies at his age.
Bettsy slides into the seat next, and I compliment him on his teeth before asking how he is. We briefly chat about nothing in particular, but then he turns the conversation to Liam.
“I don’t know what happened last week, Vic, but whatever you said to Lee caused him to bail early.” He’s talking about the day I slipped my thong into Liam’s pocket after practice. “It was pointless him coming out. He had one pint and then made his excuses. I reckon it’s got something to do with your brief encounter,” Bettsy grins.
At least I can surmise that it didn’t take him the full week to get around to recording that video. But before I can respond to Bettsy, the buzzer sounds, and he moves on to Kirsty. Thank fuck.
But, by the time I’ve spoken to the next few guys, I’m wishing Bettsy was back. Or, dare I say it, Johnny.
Relief washes over me as the buzzer sounds for a longer period, signalling the half-time break. I make my way to the bar to get a fresh drink, deciding that I should be more drunk than I am for this sort of thing.
“Meet anyone you like?” Kirsty says, squeezing into a gap next to me.
“Not really, but we’ll see how it goes. How about you?” I ask, not expecting Kirsty to blush as much as she does.
“Your brother is quite charming, Vic.”
“Let me stop you right there,” I say, holding my hand up.
“You asked,” she giggles, nudging me. I recognise that look: it’s the same one Jen had when she was just friends with Ryan.
I decide not to ask Kirsty any further questions, and we make our way back to our chairs to start the second round. Just before I settle into my seat, my phone vibrates in my purse. I sneak a peek.
Liam
I know I offered to be there when your dad visits, but he’s just called me and invited me to have dinner with you guys. Is that cool?
I read the message at least three times to understand what he’s saying. My dad rang him. He rang him. Stuart Koenig rang Liam Preston. Liam and I were together for years, and Dad never called him. What the hell does this mean?
Vicky
Did you ask why?
Liam
I didn’t get a chance. He just said he wants me there specifically. I’ve got no idea Vic.
