everie, and someone grabbed my arm, almost tugging me

ll, with more gel in his hair than I would have thought possible and his pale pink polo shirt, with the collars turned up, stretched tautly over the sligh

me a full, close-up view of the inside of his mouth, black fillings lining both sides. I pull

ping back as if his mouth might s

ing the lid and taking out a cigarette before gripping it with the corner of his mouth. He patted down every pocket, finally finding his cheap Bic green lighter and cl

e, darlin'?"

ead. "No, thanks

Says so on the packet, don't it?" He took another drag,

ew exactly wher

ered, wondering how I could make a h

wayed closer, grinning. "Still, another drink

ank you anyway." I turned to go and he g

going?" he smiled. "I was

nside," I said through gritted teeth and tr

sparing you for a quick drink with me. I don't buy doubles mind you, so don't go thinking you can get a free n

aking much notice. Great. Trust me to get stuck with t

ed, his fat tongue poking out an

into the cool green eyes of the man at the bar, who returned my gaze with a small smil

d my best to go along with the ruse, tugging

left hand in the guys face, waggling my ring finger. "H

amusement dance

light lilt to his voice; an accent I couldn't quite work out. He lifted his eyes from mine and star

he intense gaze, his cocky leer soon replaced by uncertainty, his brow crinkling anxiously. Quickly, he looked away as if he could