Extraits

This pub is one of those posh gastro-pub places, with overpriced wines and fancy guest ales. Strange-looking furniture, and artwork on the walls, instead of the rustic plastic flowers and musty smells that Joshua would have preferred. Not that he has a choice right now as his feet lead him into the place, almost like he has no free will of his own anymore. The music is blaring as he takes a seat by the bar, half wanting to turn around and flee back out the door again, but his legs are tired. His body is exhausted, and the music is in some strange way soothing. It drains out his own chaotic thoughts.

“Don’t you look a mess, babe.” Comes from across the bar, where the overly cheerful bartender is giving him a wide smile.

“What?” Joshua replies. Because. Yeah.

“Sweetie, you look like you have had a rough day and it’s only just gone lunchtime. So, what will it be? Our lunch special is sold out but I’m sure our Trina in the back could make you a fancy sandwich. We have a Vegan burger with sweet potato chips special, with Chipotle dressing on the side. It’s to die for. Promise.”

“My mum just died.” Joshua glares back. Because he can, and this dude is just the kind of person Joshua needs. Someone who is full of shit, who he can peg down a piece, or two. Some fancy snowflake idiot, with all those piercings in his ears, and a twatty pink tight-fitting t-shirt, and there are muscles showing through the fabric that Joshua doesn’t even know the names of. He’s not into all that. The gym. Keeping fit. This guy obviously is, and does, alongside the reddish-blond hair on the top of his head and the masses of tattoos down his arms. He should look scary, but as soon as the dude opens his mouth it’s clear he’s absolutely nothing to be scared of at all.