I laugh. “I know it’s been a long week. Want Mummy to make you a special burger when we get there?”

Melly claps. “And fries?”

“And fries. Then we’ll leave the others to it and go home and watch a movie if you want.”

“Can we watch Zootopia again?”

I sigh. “Yes, we can watch Zootopia again.”

Me? I just want to go home and have a much stronger drink than the ones we sell at work.

After my afternoon, I think I need it.

Seven

Josh

I don’t close the door right away.

The icy blast coming from outside should be enough to make me, but there was something about that woman, and I can’t put my finger on it.

I couldn’t see her face, and her voice was muffled, but she seemed familiar.

It’s probably just because I’m so tired.

When she reaches the car, she pulls off her jacket, and then her hat, shaking out her hair.

Brown curls spill out.

I catch my breath. The simple action brings back memories of an earlier time.

Saturday night at our local nightclub is good for two things: Cheap drinks and getting laid. Since I met Dee, the latter’s not of any interest to me. I’m here for the alcohol.

One drink later, and my best friend, Reece, has disappeared with a blonde. I’m left with Jessie and Clarke, two of our older acting class buddies. Jessie wants more. She always did.

“Come home with me,” she says.

I shake my head. “It wouldn’t be fair on either of us. I like you, Jessie, I really do, but …”

“His heart’s been stolen by an antipodean barista.” Clarke pretends to swoon, and all I do is roll my eyes at him.

A flash of brown curls catches my eye. It can’t be. I guess she’s staying somewhere in the neighbourhood.

Dee scoots around the outside of the dance floor, a drink in her hand and her eyes scanning the room. I assume she’s looking for a seat.

“I’ll be back.”

I stand and smile as I walk up behind her.

“Dee!” I yell.

Despite the loud music, she still jumps, her drink spilling over her hand and onto the floor.

“Oh my God. Canadian boy.” She grins.

“What are you doing here?”

She pokes me with her index finger. “I could ask you the same thing.”

I shrug. “This is where I come to blow off steam.”

Her nod is slow as she seems to take me in. “That’s why I’m here. I’ve only got a few weeks left and I’ve barely done any partying since I arrived. The drinks are so cheap.”

I laugh. “That’s why we come here, too.”

“We?”

“I’m with some friends of mine.” I suck in my bottom lip. “Want to dance?”