Page 6 of The Vow We Made
He laughs. “You seeing her again?”
I take the tea handed to me from the young waiter as it splashes over the side of the mug. “Shit, that’s hot.”
“Yeah, that’s what she said.” Will looks to Luke’s open mouth, and they both make this weird ‘arrrrrhhh’ noise as if it’s the funniest joke ever heard. The idiots.
I roll my eyes. “Fuck off you two.” They both recline back in their seats, legs akimbo and pleased with themselves.
“Seriously bruv,” Will says after he’s stopped laughing, “What was wrong with her? She looked alright.” He winks at Luke, unaware I know exactly what he did.
“I’m sure she was, just not my type.”
“We can help you out, can’t we Lukey?”
“I don’t mind fixing him up, but he seems to be doing alright by himself.” Luke signals towards the table where she sits, his grin idiotic.
“I’ll pass thanks. The last thing I need is Casanova and Hugh Hefner setting me up, I’ll take my chances.” I gulp my tea and watch as Will’s expression changes. His attention is once again distracted by the table behind.
“You alright bro?” Joining him as he glances over to the table of four women, is also an excuse to catch another glimpse of the beautiful brunette. Then I notice the redhead staring at my brother with the same startled expression as his own and I realise, “Oh Christ Will. You didn’t—”
“Don’t start with me,” he argues.
My brother, Will, is a handsome bastard, all thick curly black hair and chiselled chin, making him irresistible to the opposite sex and a law unto himself. He’s not good at the whole relationship thing and with two failed marriages under his belt he doesn’t have the best track record. The truth is, he can’t keep it in his trousers. It’s ironic; he’s the only one with a girlfriend right now and Chloe’s a lovely girl, but she’ll probably join the long list of girlfriends never lasting longer than an open bottle of milk. I hope he changes, but I can’t see it happening anytime soon. He’s also just hit thirty-five and isn’t in the best position to give relationship advice of any kind. He’s a serial lover.
“What is your problem? I’m having a good time,” he tells me in his defence. “Which is what you should be doing too. You’re thirty-four for fuck’s sake and you live the life of an old married man, except you don’t have a woman. You’re married to that hospital, which is just wrong.”
I laugh and shake my head with incredulity. “If your track record is anything to go by, I’m not in a hurry.”
My breakfast arrives and I stuff a whole piece of bacon in my mouth before I start on the rest.
“You up for a pint tonight?” A nice change of subject from Luke doesn't manage to swerve him off the topic.
“Can’t. I’m busy,” I tell him between mouthfuls.
“Seeing the blonde from last night? What was her name again?” Will knows I don’t have a clue.
I knew I wouldn’t be taking her home so there was little point in asking. “You can talk, what was the name of the last woman you slept with?”
Rapidly and in quick succession, he combs his fingers through his ridiculously dark curly hair. “Keep your voice down you idiot,” then scans the café in case we’re overheard. “London is a small place if you know a lot of people.” He doesn’t, but likes giving the impression he does.
I point my fork at him. “Exactly. You’re meant to be exclusive with Chloe. Sort it out, Will. She’s a nice girl and you’re a dirty dog. In fact, I bet if she found out what you got up to, you’d be gone.”
He sits back in his chair and folds his arms. “Bruv, if you ever got to a second date with anyone, it would be a fucking miracle. Sort your own house out before you come knocking on my door.”
I’ve hit a nerve and give him a sideways glance. “Fair play.” I know I can’t argue. I’m a picky bastard and the one-night stand thing doesn’t work for me.
Will reclines back in his seat further, clasping his hands behind his shaking head. “What happened to the boy who charmed the ladies with his ‘I’m a doctor’ routine? You should be out enjoying yourself.”
“I don’t need it thanks. I hate all that awkward shit in the morning. I don’t have time for it. I’ve got so much on at work which has to take priority, so I might give up women altogether.”
“Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard it all before. You spent years training to be a doctor, and even more years becoming whatever it is you are.” Luke waves his hand in the air before taking a slurp of tea.
“A&E Consultant,” I add.
“Right,” he says giving a pained expression after taking a gulp from his hot tea, “and you still think you need to get your head down? Give yourself a break. Enjoy it. Use it.”
Luke is my oldest friend and I’ve known him since we were at primary school together in Dorset. We were only twelve when I moved to London, but we never lost touch. As soon as he finished University and got the travelling bug out of his system, he moved to the city, cementing our bond further. He's like another brother to me.
Despite how close we are, I can’t tell Luke or my brother how work is taking its toll. The Royal Hospital, on the outskirts of Westminster, is one of the busiest in London. Every day is this endless conveyer belt of patients and not enough hours to treat them. Something’s got to give, so while there’s no significant other in my life, I’m working my arse off. I can’t tell them how drained I am or about the pounding my physical and mental health is taking right now. They’ll take the piss and moan about me working too hard.
