#paper-diva

Not nearly as good as the atmosphere in the Abbey, the group of men settled for an American bar that occasionally showed football games. They’re hard laughter and conversation was always the loudest, beer bottles collecting at their table, yet Pete never took her eyes off his phone.”Oi! Whatta we got here!” Swill called out, snatching away Pete’s phone.”Fucking…Swill!” Pete yelled. Dave leaned to the side to look.”Charlie.” He smiled, looking back over to Pete and laughing. The guys joined in laughter.

Pete reached over to grab his phone, but Swill held it back.”You want to tell us about her, mate?” He asked, lighting the end of his cigarette and bringing it to his mouth.”Yeah Pete, who’s Charlie?” Dave pushed.”Is she a yank or something like Matt?” Ike joined in with a raised brow.”Man, shut up!” Matt replied, pushing Ike’s arm. Pete’s eyes crossed all of their own and Matt stared at his best friend. Matt looked over to the guys.”Look, it’s none of our buisness-” “Pshhhh, shut up, yank! None of our buisness my arse, let him speak for himself!” Swill interrupted.”Hey hey, Pete babied him, already.” Dave laughed and so did the guys. Matt frowned.”Would you guys fucking stop this! I thought we were done with this fucking shit when we moved here!” Pete shouted. The guys joined in cheer.”We’re never done with the yank!”

Pete couldn’t help but smile and then laugh along with them.”Fucking true,” he replied, ruffling Matt’s hair. Matt furrowed his brows.”Charlie’s his girlfriend.” The sound of ‘oh’s’ and Dave’s and Swill’s ‘what?’ rang throughout the group. Followed by laughter.”Hey mate! You don’t have a girlfriend.” Dave stressed with a smile and a laugh.”When’s the last time you had a girlfriend?” Swill laughed.”You sure this isn’t just another shag?” Ike asked, inquisitive as ever.”Hey, hey, give him a chance to speak. I want to hear this…” Keith chimed in, watching Pete.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah fuck you too, mates…" Pete sighed, looking away then back to them. He licked his lips."Yeah, her name’s Charlie…she’s my girlfriend. My love. I like her and I don’t want you guys messing this up for me." "Okay. I got to meet her." Swill stated."What? No." Pete shook his head, leaning back into his seat."Somebody’s got to warn the lady about you…" Swill shrugged. Pete furrowed his brows."Swill’s right, mate. You’re not remotely romantic and if football’s on, that’s all you care about." Dave added."You do fuck up your own relationships, Pete…" Ike said, taking a drink."You’re not half bad looking, you love kids, but I’m pretty sure you’re going to end up a bachelor, lad." Keith couldn’t help but add.