“That’s about it, yes.”
“And they’re both dickheads?”
“That is something I can now definitely verify,” chipped in Prince.
“Spence, honey, you do know some interesting people, don’t you?”
“Strictly speaking, I don’t really know Joey,” said Spencer, grinning at the gentle ribbing. “But I know what you mean. In my defence, though, I think I’m doing a lot better lately, don’t you? In my choice of friends?”
“If you mean us, thenhellyes,” said Prince.
“Fuck, yeah,” said Nile, at the same time.
“Come on,” said Prince, finishing his cola. “If you want the designated driver to give you a lift home, drink up while I head to the john.”
“In which case, we’ll both meet you all out front,” said Nile. “I also need to use the designer washroom one last time before we head off.”
Outside in the car park, Bev and Spencer stood huddled together. Initially the chill evening air provided a refreshing contrast to the bar’s muggy warmth, the wind whipping around their legs and promising a night of frost. But in very little time, coldness began to seep into Spencer’s bones.
Even after meeting Blake then Joey, Spencer felt in an upbeat mood, the drinks and aimless chatter having relaxed and warmed him through. Before entering the bar, he had texted Marshall to let him know his plan. When he checked now, he had received a simple soundbite in response, requesting he enjoy himself and behave. Somewhat cryptically, Marshall had also quipped about them needing to sit down once he got back and have a chat about a brilliant idea he’d had. His tone sounded upbeat and endearing, nothing to worry about. Spencer thought about calling him once Prince had dropped him back at the Tube station, but realised with the time zone difference, that Marshall would likely be sleeping.
“Thanks for the invite,” said Spencer, nudging Bev’s shoulder, after noticing her look back at the bar doorway. “I was going to head home for a night in with Tiger. Even with the unscheduled entertainment, I’m so pleased I came out to play with you guys.”
“That Joey Hollingbroke truly is a piece of work, isn’t he?” she said, with a scowl. “Thinks he’s God’s gift. I honestly thought Prince was going to lose his temper at one point. What on earth did Marshall see in him?”
“It’s a long story best told by Marshall. But let’s just say he’s a friend of the family.”
“Okay, I’ll take your word for that. At least Marshall’s come to his senses now.”
“I think we both lucked out there, Bev. Like you and Prince.”
“Yes, he’s amazing, you know. We’re going to miss having you around at work.”
Spencer remembered something that Blake had said.
“And on that note, Muriel’s coming into the office tomorrow. Looks like Thursday might be D-Day.”
“Well, if you need a coffee afterwards, you know where to find me,” said Bev, before staring past Spencer and looking relieved. “Oh, here they are.Finally.”
Spencer turned to see Nile and Prince strolling towards them together, a conspiratorial smirk on each of their faces. Funnily enough, the way they moved and grinned, Spencer could see the family resemblance as clear as day.
“Where on earth have you two been?” said Bev, stamping her feet in the tarmac of the car park. “We were about to send in a search party.”
“Sorry, boys and girls,” said Nile. “My fault. Your Auntie Nile has just been doing a little bit of troublemaking, otherwise known as matchmaking. Don’t know about you, but I noticed Blake looked a little lonely, and thought that he and Joey would make the perfect match. So I went over and hooked them up.”
“You did not!” said Spencer, his mouth falling open.
“He bloody did,” said Prince, impressed and chuckling. “As we left, I peered down the bar and saw the two of them chatting together.”
“A match made in hell,” said Nile.
“Nile, darling,” said Bev, kissing him on the cheek, “you are officially a legend.”
“And don’t you forget it. Today’s lesson, people, is that you do not ever mess with my friends. Let’s go.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Spencer sat at his desk, staring at his email inbox, picking at small items of work to keep him occupied and psyching himself up for his meeting with Muriel. He knew he ought to be feeling something akin to relief, but anxiousness weighed on the pit of his stomach like too much pepperoni pizza.
