Here's a little bit more. Sorry for the delay, but my husband gets annoyed if I spend too much time on the computer
. He's going away for a few days later in the week, so I should be able to get the next few parts done!
*****
Taking the El – LukaI went back into the bar to settle the bill, disappointed that Abby was outside smoking. She’d been trying to give up for a while and had been doing really well, but I suppose this evening hadn’t been great. She probably wanted that shot of nicotine to calm her down, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. I could remember that feeling, the calmness that seemed to wash over you with each drag on the cigarette; I could also remember how hard it had been to give up.
As I stood at the bar while the waitress totalled the bill, the guy I’d been playing pool with came over and I ended up getting involved in conversation with him. He told me his father had recently been diagnosed with cancer and he asked my advice, but most of all he wanted someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on if you like. I felt torn, I knew Abby was waiting for me, wanting to go home, but I also knew that this guy needed someone he could share his worries with.
And I could listen to people’s worries, I was good at that.
Except Abby’s – she never shared her worries with me. I wondered whether she shared them with Carter. I sincerely hoped not. Before I had a chance to offer my apologies Abby was there behind me, her face like thunder. “I’m getting a cab.” She snapped at me as she started walking away.
“Where did you go?” I asked her, wondering where she had been all this time. I thought she was coming back in once she’d finished her cigarette.
“I was waiting for you outside.”
“Oh, I thought you were coming back in.”
Could nothing go right this evening? First the apartment, then the lack of food here, then the phone call from Carter.“Sorry.” I said, getting off the bar stool and moving towards Abby. I wanted to put my arm around her, hug her to me and try to make things right again. “That guy’s father got diagnosed with prostate cancer last month. He was asking about treatment options.”
Abby’s expression changed a little and I could tell that although she was still angry with me, she felt bad about interrupting that conversation. “You can go and talk to him.” She said, quietly adding “I’m fine.”
“It’s OK, he’s calling tomorrow.”
Let’s just get out of here, while you’re still speaking to me.We were heading down the street when the waitress came hurrying out behind us. “Luka,” she called, “You forgot your credit card.”
“Oh, thanks.” I took the card from her and pocketed it, feeling awkward. She looked as if she wanted something, but she just stood there, looking at me.
“The last two were on the house.”
Now I did feel awkward. I couldn’t let her pay for drinks, she probably earned next to nothing working there. “No, how much?”
“My treat.” She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “We want to make sure you come back.”
Even without looking at Abby, I knew what her reaction to that would be. She would be rolling her eyes, thinking how corny it sounded. And she would have been right, it did sound corny. But I still couldn’t let it go; I pulled a note out of my wallet, handing it to the waitress. “For you.”
“Thank you.” She smiled at me, “Goodnight. Nice meeting you.” The last part was directed at Abby, who was doing her best to ignore the exchange, sighing and staring into the sky in her impatience. I could almost sense her foot tapping on the ground.
“Yeah.” Abby responded in a tone that couldn’t have been less enthusiastic if she’d tried. I knew I’d upset her, but was that really cause to take her annoyance out on a complete stranger, who was only trying to be polite and friendly.
Abby started marching off down the street and I really had to hurry to keep up with her. There were waves of anger seeming to leak from every pore, even her departing back looked angry. Her attitude was starting to wind me up now. I could accept a lot of things, put up with a lot of Abby’s moods and tantrums, but I hated rudeness. Especially when there was no cause for it. “Could you be a little bit more rude?” I said as I caught up with her.
“Could
you be a little bit more friendly?” She retorted, not slowing her pace in the slightest.
“I’m glad one of us is.”
She quickened her pace, marching down the street, the high heels of her boots clipping noisily on the pavement, accentuating the vibes of anger.
“Where are you going?”
Oh, come on Abby, please. I’m sorry. I know it’s been a crappy evening.“I’m taking the El.” She snapped back, not breaking her stride for one second.
*****