Thirty Five

'Nina?'

She looked across at me, surprise widening her eyes. 'Oh, Des, hi.'

Yeah, hi to you to. Flirting with my mate were you?

Gary frowned and pointed between us. 'You know each other.'

'Sure,' I said, moving down the counter to stand close to Nina. 'We had a date yesterday.'

Gary knew what I was saying. He nodded slowly, disappointment clouding his face. Nina tennis-watched both of us, probably feeling as awkward as she should.

Gary chewed his tongue for a moment. 'So does that mean...' he motioned to him and Nina and shrugged.

I ice-stared Gary and then checked on Nina to make sure she was going to turn him down flat. I mean, yeah, technically we didn't have anything official going on, but - well it wouldn't be right to go out with someone right in front of me - the next day - especially a mate.

Gary stared at her too.

'That was sweet, thank you,' she said to Gary. 'I've got to be going-' She backed away from the counter.

'Hang on,' said Gary.

'Me too,' I said following Nina's lead.

Nina waved to Gary, and probably to me, but I wasn't letting her get away that easy.

'Where you going?' asked Gary as Nina reached the stairs.

'Muffin break,' I said and followed Nina out.

Thirty Six