Hey There, Stranger

Bang on 8 o’clock, Jeremy was banging on my door. Everly moodily paused her film, she was now watching a crappy horror film, and glared over at me. Groaning I picked myself up off of the sofa and trudged over to the front door.
“Ready?” He grinned as I opened the door.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I smiled.
“This way m’lady.” Jeremy chuckled as he linked his arm with mine.
“Bye Everly.” I weakly waved.
Everly didn’t respond but harshened her glare towards me and Jeremy before turning her movie back on. Gently, I shut the door so as not to anger the beast more. Jeremy gave me a questioning look.
“You interrupted her movie.” I shrugged.
Jeremy made an ‘O’ shape with his mouth before gesturing towards the stairs.

We stupidly skipped to his car, parked on the street in front of my block of apartments, laughing as we did so.
“Who’s going?” I asked as he began to drive
“Everybody from our floor.” Jeremy explained. “Brighten up, you might hook up with someone.”
“Ooo, yeh.” I laughed sarcastically
“It was just a suggestion.” He shrugged. “Maybe you’re being so agitated because, you know, you haven’t-“
“My sex life is not up for discussion, end of conversation!” I put my hand up, signalling the end of this topic.
“Well mine is! You should’ve seen this girl at the pub last week, new waitress I think…”

Quickly, I zoned out. The thing with Jeremy is, he’s a decent guy, funny and all that. But my problem with him is the way he talks about girls. He speaks to me as if I understand where he’s coming from, like I’m one of the guys. Which is nice in a way. I guess he doesn’t like to limit our friendship but I’m not one of the guys and all these conversations about sex and girls is pretty uncomfortable for me. I would much rather be in my PJs, eating cookie dough at home with Everly and discussing which guy is cuter from Everly’s lit class.

“Do me a favour?” I interrupted Jeremy
“Sure.”
“Don’t let me get too wasted tonight. If I come home drunk and make the slightest bit of noise, Everly will definitely erase me existence.” I pleaded.
“You’re not really selling it to me.” Jeremy smirked.
“Well I mean, I guess I’d enjoy myself. Plus you like drunk me. Getting all loud and lovey and fending off all the annoying girls that want to screw you.”
“Alright, alright! I’ll be the good friend that I always am and keep an eye on you.” Jeremy laughed, although I could sense the hint of nervousness in his voice.

“Here we are.” Jeremy announced as we pulled up in front of a quaint, little pub.

Not one of those with all the girls stood outside in their skimpy dresses smoking cigarettes whilst the lads are loudly and drunkly chanting football songs with a pint in their hands. A small, cosy looking pub with a clearly well maintained beer garden to the side of it.

“Not too shabby.” I commented, almost surprised.
“C’mon.” Jer ushered me out of the car.
Upon walking in, we were immediately welcomed by the cheers of our colleagues.
“Now the real party is here!” One of them called out.
I laughed and headed straight to the bar.

There was a small group guys sharing some drinks and chatting at the bar. In the corner, I noticed a young couple keeping to themselves, comfortable watching TV together. Apart from the two bartenders, most likely husband and wife, there was nobody else in the pub. I glanced back over towards the group of guys at the bar and awkwardly made eye contact with one of them. Embarrassed, I shyly smiled before swiftly turning my attention towards my group.
“Want a drink, Jer?” I called over.
“Pint of beer will do.” He winked. “We’re heading out into the beer garden.”
I smiled and nodded before turning to one of the bartenders and ordering a beer for myself as well as one for Jeremy. Subtly, I glanced back over to the guy from before who now seemed to have lost all interest in me. I lightly chuckled to myself knowingly and took the drinks over to the group.

Notes