Chapter ten

The typical bar music was playing. There is that one person who always puts the same song on and whoever they were they were here. Zoe was in her work clothes but she looked different in a sense. Perhaps it was the change of scenery or maybe the fact she had a worry crease in her brow.

Dylan walked over to their table in the far corner carrying the drinks. "One tonic for me and one gin for you."

"You didn't really get that did you? I was joking when I suggested those."

"Oh really? Well it's a good job I didn't listen to you then isn't it." He said as he placed her vodka and orange next to her and took a sip of his own cranberry juice before sitting down.

She smiled at him and took a swig of her drink.

"So how was your day?" he asked politely.

She looked at him dead in the eyes and at that moment she wanted to come clean and tell him everything. She wanted to tell him about James and how it meant nothing to her. She wanted to confess about what happened with James' mum and have him cuddle her whilst whispering in her ear, "It's alright". She wanted to kiss him right then and there; in the pub for all to see. She put a false smile on and simply replied, "It was good, and how was yours?"

He raised one eyebrow and leaned in closer to her. "Your day was not good. Whilst I was buying our drinks you were constantly checking your phone which means you're waiting for something important. Judging by the crease in your brow I can tell it's not going to be good news. You took a swig of your drink as though there was something you were trying to forget which backs up my previous point of saying that this message will not be good news." He looked her in the eyes, "Now, tell me what's wrong Zoe."

She sighed and dropped her head, she began by speaking to the table not wanting to look at him because she didn't want to see his reaction. "You know that boy that came in this morning with internal injuries and a compound fracture to his left leg. John Doe."

Dylan nodded showing he was paying attention.

"Well … that wasn't the first time I have had an encounter with him. Last night, when I was at that club, things got a little heated and we got close, too close."

It was now his turn to sigh and look down. Zoe lifted her head to look at him. "But I didn't feel anything towards him. I was hammered. I regretted it the moment I found out. I swear Dylan it didn't mean anything."

He met her gaze, "I know you know."

She was taken aback by this, "Know what Dylan?"

"That I like you. Don't deny it, I know Sam told you. She had no right and this is why you're acting so guilty over a kiss."

She reached out to touch his hand but he pulled it away. "Dylan, I like you too. And I'm not just upset over a kiss. Something else happened today as well involving him."

"What? What happened? Is this why you've been checking your phone constantly?" He was beginning to get agitated, "Are you waiting for him to call you? This is why you look so worried isn't it? You don't want me to find out. You want to play us both. Lead us on. Is that it? Hm, play your little manipulative games with us then toss us away like a piece of no good, worthless, meat." He was standing now. "Well I refuse to be a part of your games. Screw you Zoe." He kicked his chair out of his way and stormed out of the pub, leaving Zoe sat there alone with tears building up in her eyes. With one blink they were rolling down her cheeks.