Page 19 of The Vow We Made
6
Misunderstandings
AIDEN
The Quiet Room is owned by the prestigious Critique club next door, but is more of a gentleman's club. High-back leather chairs, wooden tables, well-worn Chesterfield sofas and Union Jack cushions fill this quiet, comfortable space and above all else, it's an excellent place to end the night. Once I realised Victoria wasn't coming back, I grew irritable with my surroundings or maybe I was annoyed at myself for letting her slip through my fingers. Again.
I’m sprawled across a chesterfield when Will crashes next to me, consequently, spilling the beer from his bottle. “I hope you’re proud of yourself,” he barks.
“For fuck’s sake Will, watch it.” I ignore his comment while swiping the splashes of liquid from my shirt.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with you.” He shakes his head, then takes a long swig of his beer. “Nice girl like that. You dickhead.”
I scrunch my brow at him. “I’m lost mate. You need to give me more.”
He squints his eyes to peepholes and screws up his mouth. He’s not as drunk as he wants me to believe. I know I’m about to get a lecture.
“I thought you were the good one; the reliable one, but no, you’re just as bad.”
“Alright, what’s going on?”
He’s shaking his head while tutting which usually means I’ve really pissed him off. “She was bloody gorgeous, Aidey.”
“You mean Victoria?” I ask, slouching back into the soft leather sofa. “What can I do? She had to look after her mate and said she’d be back, but it was the last I saw of her. I assumed she’d taken her friend home.”
“You prick. That’s what you get for trying it on with another woman. I mean, she was gone for what? Less than half an hour?”
I’m baffled at his insinuation. “What the hell do you mean?”
As if on cue, I hear the click of heels followed by heavy footsteps heading our way.
“I’m off now Aiden. See you soon.”
I stand and say goodbye to Georgie, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Marcus, her fella, shakes my hand while she places a kiss on Will’s confused face.
“Where did you spring from?” he asks with a touch of annoyance. “I thought you were going home.”
Marcus leans over to give his hand a shake too when Georgie answers, “I did, but Marcus fancied a drink, so we came out again.” She smiles while cuddling up to her man. “Why? Is there a problem?”
Will’s charming smile breaks through. “Course not. I’m just sorry I didn’t catch you earlier.” Then he turns to Marcus. “I don’t need to tell you to look after her mate. You know the score.” We’re all a little protective of Georgie, but Marcus takes it with a pinch of salt.
He huffs out a laugh. “More than my life’s worth.”
They head off while Will asks twenty questions. “What time did they get here?”
“Not sure, why?”
“Just a thought.”
“A thought about what exactly?”
“Unless you were with another blonde tonight, I’d take a guess Victoria saw you with Georgie.”
We’re back to Victoria again but he isn’t making sense. “So what if she did. You’re talking gibberish Will.”
He taps his mouth with his index finger before giving me the benefit of his wisdom. “Victoria saw you with another woman, a blonde. Getting it yet?”
I close my eyes and give a deep sigh when his point sinks in. “Shit.”
