You, Me and Him by Alice Peterson Read Free Book Online Page B

get it.’
    ‘No, thanks, you can keep it.’ I turned away with a wide smile and walked back to the bar.
    A couple of students walked in holding files and library books and sat down at the corner table. One of the girls blew onto her hands to warm them up. ‘Don’t look now,’ she whispered, followed by a huge sigh because the other instantly turned to gaze at Finn. Frustrated and destined to invisibility, Mikey took their orders. I touched him on the shoulder. ‘You OK? It’s only a few broken plates.’
    He nodded distractedly. ‘Josie?’
    ‘Mmm?’ I said, pouring coffee.
    ‘Do you fancy going for a drink after work?’
    ‘Sure,’ I said, still looking at Finn.
    ‘He’s an idiot, leave him to it.’
    Finn walked up to the bar and sat down on one of the stools, leaning towards me. I slid the cup of coffee over to him and then bent down to find the sugar sachets.
    ‘Great view,’ I heard. I tried to pretend I wasn’t thrilled by the comment.
    ‘Are you going to buy that coffee, Finn, or are you just going to hang around Josie all afternoon?’ Mikey asked, slamming ice into Diet Cokes.
    ‘I think I’ll do both, particularly the latter.’
    Mikey stomped off. ‘I didn’t know you could draw,’ Finn said with that smile that was about to happen.
    I crossed my arms. ‘I was doodling. I know I’m no Picasso.’
    He raised his hands defensively. ‘I’m sorry. Other people’s talent frightens me so much I turn into an immature monster.’
    That wasn’t what I’d expected. He smiled properly. ‘Seriously, I really like it. That kind of image would make a great flier for the club. Would you … I mean, I don’t suppose you’d consider helping me design them?’
    ‘I’ll think about it.’ Tiana would be so proud.
    ‘How about this evening? We could meet and work on them?’
    ‘Tricky. Not sure I’m free.’
    He shook the slim pink packet of sugar between his fingers and I watched him closely as he tore it open with his teeth and then poured it into the coffee.
    Another group of students piled in and sat down. Finn followed me as I walked over to their table with my pad and pen. ‘What can I get you?’
    ‘Hot chocolate,’ said one.
    ‘Cappuccino.’
    ‘Make that two. Ooh, I might have the chocolate fudge cake too.’
    They were gawping at Finn. ‘Come on, what do you say? Will you help?’ he persevered. ‘I’ll do anything in return.’
    I raised an eyebrow. ‘
Anything?
’
    ‘Anything,’ he repeated, running a hand through his hair.
    ‘Are you mad?’ one of the girls exclaimed. ‘Take him up on it!’
    ‘Or if you don’t, I will,’ another said.
    Then Dominique walked in. She was wearing skinny blue jeans which wrinkled under the knees because they were so tight, a pink mohair jumper and beige cowboy boots. ‘Finny!’
    Finny?
    ‘I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Didn’t you get my message?’
    He shook his head.
    She tugged at his arm proprietorially. ‘What are you doing here?’ She eyed me suspiciously. ‘Come on, lectures start in a minute.’
    There were disappointed sighs around the students’ table. The show was over.
    Finn grabbed his leather jacket from the back of his chair. Then he was ripping a piece of paper out of one of his books.
    ‘What are you doing now?’ Dominique asked impatiently.
    ‘Hang on.’
    She blew a large pink perfect bubble right in front of me. ‘I’ll be outside.’ She slammed the door.
    A piece of paper was thrust into my hand. ‘
Meet me outside Kings, under the arch at seven. PLEASE
,’ I read.
    *
    Finn and I were sitting together in the college library. The air was static with concentrated energy. Before meeting Finn, I’d had to call Clarky. He’d mentioned buying some food to make a curry tonight. ‘Is it a date?’ he’d asked.
    ‘No, I’m just helping him design a flier for the club.’
    ‘Ah, that’s what he calls it. I’m going out with Sandra anyway.’
    ‘Oh.’ I’d been worried about letting him