“You never have, and never will.”
Mila sighs and turns back to Eric.
“Are you sure there’s a job for me here?”
“I wouldn’t have called you otherwise.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll take you over to him. Come on.”
“Good luck!” is all I can say before she and Eric disappear into the staff area.
I decide to sit at the bar – a glass of wine would go down nicely. I ask the bartender for a red and look around. The place is almost full tonight, but Eric still found time for us, for my sister.
Don’t get your hopes up: this is what I have to keep telling myself. Don’t start hoping for a happy ending between the two of you, because there won’t be one.
“Am I late?” A familiar voice to my left makes me jump.
Jake has just sat down next to me.
“What are you doing here?”
“Well, I knew you’d be coming, so… I thought I’d stop by.”
“And who…? Forget it.”
I’ve always known Jake and Eric were close – what I didn’t know is that they’re constantly in contact.
“Has Mila already gone for the interview?”
“Yeah, she just left with Eric.”
“It’ll be great, I’m sure.”
He orders a beer from the bartender at the precise minute Eric joins us.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he asks Jake.
“All these questions! I just came for moral support.”
Eric glances at him before turning to me. “She’s talking to the manager.”
“Was she nervous?”
“No, she was fine, Sean.” He brushes his hand against mine on the bar; a gesture which doesn’t go unnoticed by our mutual friend. “I’d never have created any problems for either of you.”
“Thanks, although you didn’t have to.”
“I didn’t have to get your sister a job interview?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Actually, I don’t.”
“I don’t, either. Why doesn’t someone catch me up?” Jake says.
“Are you just always here?” Eric says.
