Accompanying soundtrack: Michael Gray – "The Weekend"
Unlike last night, their usual bar was packed, and there was barely chance of standing room, let alone a seat, and the music was on full blast
"I'm not staying here, it's just too bloody busy", mouthed H, and they headed back outside.
"That's probably for the best anyway", said Jen, wondering if last night's liaison would be in there again, and thinking that'd probably be pretty awkward. "Let's go to the student place over the road".
Still within the Gay Village, the student pub was exactly that – cheap and grubby. That didn't bother Jen much as the atmosphere was usually pretty good, and H's track record was equally successful wherever she frequented so she didn't care where they went really.
"Get me a beer Jen, I'll grab those seats", and she pointed to some in the corner. Jen watched her walk over and sit down, typically facing the room so she could check out the rest of the people. She walked over with the drinks and sat down with H.
"I thought we were supposed to be here for me to look at the ladies not you", said Jen sticking her tongue out, adjusting her seat so she was half facing the room, half facing the wall.
H raised a single eyebrow, "Have you ever known me not to factor myself in the situations I engineer just a little?" she said, smiling broadly and making a 'teeny-weeny' gesture with her thumb and forefinger in front of her right eye.
Jen shook her head knowingly, whilst H let out a small gasp of air at an arse that was walking past. Spotting Jen scowl, she put her hands up, "ok, ok, she'll keep!" she said laughing.
It was a pleasant enough evening, the girls chatted, discussed the merits of the pubs existing customers, and spent time talking at length about 'what on earth are people wearing these days'.
"Jesus, you make me feel fucking old, Jen! We're desirable 'twenty-somethings', so lighten up and get back on topic. You see anything you like in here?"
"Not really, and for those 'not really's to even vaguely qualify I need more booze! Another?"
"You need to ask?" said H sounding sarcastically surprised. Jen walked over to the bar, which was still busy, hoping that clutching her crisp £10 in plain view would attract quicker service. The other bar flies seemed to have drunk a lot more than she had already, and from what she overheard they sounded just plain dumb. And then she caught herself and her thoughts 'Jees, I am fucking old!' and promptly ordered doubles when the bar girl eventually came her way. Realising the bar girl was actually pretty cute, Jen wondered why she hadn't noticed her more earlier. She probably was only about 19, average body with short dark hair and green eyes. She was wearing a tight black shirt and baggy jeans – a perfect practice subject. Changing the note in her hand to a £20, she said "And one for yourself", and flashed a broad smile.
"Thanks", the girl said, "I'll just take a Pepsi", smiling back.
"Been busy in here tonight? It was rammed over the road." Jen continued. "I've not been in here in ages, but it's been a pleasant change."
The girl handed Jen her change, "Actually it's not quite as busy as normal, but I prefer that, I get a chance for a break and to chat to people more."
Jen took that as a positive sign.
"My name's Jen – and I'd love to stay and chat a bit, but my friend's waiting for these", she said, nodding towards the drinks, "so… could I get your number? And maybe we can have that chat when you're next free?"
The girl smiled, "Well, hello Jen, I'm Jess, and here…" she said, pausing to scribble some numbers down on to the back of a receipt, "is my number. I'm usually on different shifts, but I'll do my best to fit you in," she winked.
Jen took the paper from Jess, raising an eyebrow, and smirking. "See you later", she replied as she picked up the drinks.
"You took an age, I'm dry like a fucking desert!" she said waving her empty glass at Jen and pouting.
"Shut up you whinging bugger! You wanted me to be more assertive and… " putting down the drinks and waving the phone number in H's face,
"…I was just asserting myself with that cute barmaid."
"Ohh, nice choice actually, I'll let you off then. You coming back to pick her up when her shift finishes?"
Jen shook her head in disbelief. "I'm not actually you, remember. I like the whole dating thing, you know, getting to know them, learning stuff about them a little bit before I sample the merchandise."
H sighed waving her hand, "I can't be arsed with all that right now babe, they get clingy or want more, and I only have time for me, and so I only need one thing from them. I'm basically the fucking Fonz!", and H did a thumbs up 'eeyyyyyyy' mimic.
"The Fonz was a middle aged man picking up teenagers you dirty girl. You wanna watch out, they're gonna lock you up", Jen laughed.
"I do hope so, I look ever so good in cuffs. Just nipping to the loo," and H jumped up out of her seat. Jen barely got time to respond when she realised H had seen 'The Arse' go past and was following in hot pursuit.
"Don't be long!" Jen optimistically shouted after her, with a knowing exasperation. She got out her phone, hoping that a quick surf would help pass the time, but she had barely time to look at anything.
Jen looked round slowly, and as she did her heart stopped. She'd heard a familiar voice and was hoping her ears had been playing a trick on her. Sadly she wasn't mistaken – it was a voice she'd dreaded to hear all this time. A voice she thought she'd left behind a long time ago.