Chapter 14

I left John Paul's that night with so many different thoughts in my head. What just happened? Did John Paul confess his feelings for me? As my head hit the pillow all I could see was images from tonight. I could still fell our lips touching.

I was woken up by my mum who insisted that I go downstairs and set up the bar for the day. My head was killing me. Hangovers are the worst.

"Rough night?" I looked up to see Spike smirking at me the other side of the bar.

"Yeah alcohol is not my friend." I did not want to look him in the eye.

"Is John Paul stopping by later?" What? Can't he just leave my mate alone?

"I guess. Not sure actually."

"I thought you two always knew where each other were." He smiled and walked away. I hate him I hate him.

"Hey you," Sarah said as she, John Paul, and Hannah walked in the door. I could not look at my best mate. "Tried to call you for breakfast but you never picked up. I was a little worried about you, Craig." She smiled and kissed me on the cheek.

"Oh you know, I just overslept. Needed it." I wiped off the countertop.

"We are going for a walk later if you two want to join," Hannah chirped.

"Hannah, they probably have other things to do," John Paul urged.

"No, we would love too, won't we Craig?" Sarah piped up.

"Yeah sure thing." John Paul suddenly looked up and our eyes met.

"John Paul, I have this new mix I think you will like," Spike said and he made his way over to our location.

"Oh nice one," John Paul said as he followed the man to the DJ booth. I instantly had a grimace on my face and my girlfriend noticed.

"What's that look for?"

"What look?" I tried to smile but I just couldn't.

"The look you have on your face as soon as Spike opened his mouth."

"I don't like him. Everyone thinks he so nice."

"I don't like him either," Hannah added. At least someone was on my side. We sat around chatting for about an hour. Then Sarah got up to go fetch John Paul for our walk.

"Alright boys, let's go and have a nice walk." She was clearly very excited for this.

Sarah put her hand in mine and I noticed Hannah did the same thing for John Paul. I had to stop thinking about him and put my focus on my girlfriend. Her hand felt warm and soft and she leaned her head on my shoulder. She smelt really good, a sort of combination between flowers and citrus. There was a beeping sound and she looked down towards her phone.

"Oy, just got a text from Nancy. She needs us, Hannah."

"Yeah got the same one. Sorry John Paul. Can I see you later?" She looked sad and I wish I felt bad but I didn't.

"Yeah, of course. Let me know if you need me there."

"Will do." She kissed him and then Sarah squeezed my hand and they left.

"So," John Paul said. "I better go then."

"Do you wanna do something? I figured since we're both out." I rubbed the back of my neck and forced myself to not seem desperate.

"Right sure. Wanna finish the walk then head back to the Dog for a round of pool?"

"Yeah sounds good." We walked for a while listening to the sounds of our breathing and the footsteps of people passing by. I did not know what to say to him and I'm guessing he did not know what to say back.

"So last night," I said. I couldn't stop thinking about it. We needed to talk about this.

"What about it?" Could he really not remember? Did it not matter to him? He didn't really look at me.

"Well are we gonna forget it ever happened?" I didn't know what answer I was hoping for.

"No because it did happen and we can't change the past but it was just the alcohol right? We just have to be more careful."

"More careful?"

"Yeah, you know. I think for the sake of our relationships we should just not stress over it."

"What about you not wanting to be with Hannah?"

"That's for me to figure out. I don't want to burden you with that."

"So is Spike just a friend then? Or is he the one you like?" I couldn't help it. I had to say what was going on in my head. He laughed.

"I don't know. I don't think so."

"Are you gay?"

"Craig, I am definitely not gay." Those words were clear.

"Alright, so well you wanna go play a round of pool?"

"Sure thing." We made our way to the bar without talking. Once we got to our destination, I grabbed us pints and we started to play the game. I was winning this round and notice John Paul's agitation. I saw him immediately calm down when my archenemy appeared.

"Who's winning?" Spike put his hand on John Paul's shoulder. I could feel myself tense up.

"Craig. He always wins." I couldn't help but smile at this.

"I bet I could take you down," Spike countered.

"Bring it on. Mate." The last word stung as I said it. The next round was me versus Spike. I knew I needed to win. To Spike it's a game; to me it's war. At first I was blowing it. I was distracted by the blond man in the corner.

"I think your game is a little off mate," John Paul smiled.

"Maybe it's just not his night," Spike added and with that he sank the last ball. "Don't worry Craig, we can't always win." My urge to punch Spike seems to escalate every time I am around him. "Beers are on me!" Spike added and John Paul gave him a pat on the back. The door opened and in walked Hannah. John Paul's face changed.

"Got your text. You said you wanted to see me." She smiled and kissed John Paul on the cheek.

"Yeah, let's go for a walk." I watched the two of them leave the bar. About ten minutes later John Paul came back without Hannah. "I ended it." He grabbed a pint and sat down in a stool.

"You ok, mate?" I ask.

""Yeah," he says as he finishes his beer. "I think I just wanna be alone."

"Sue thing. Let me know if you need me." I watch as he finishes his drink.

"Will do." He put down his empty glass then gave me a pat and walked out. I arranged to meet Sarah for a dinner when I felt my phone vibrate. I looked down to see a text from John Paul.

Craig I really need to see you. Please come over. -JP