‘I can’t make it up here on school nights,’ Harry said, ‘but maybe you can come to my place next weekend? Matt will tell you all kinds of embarrassing stories about me, and you can meet Kirsten if she’s not at work.’

It was just before five and the Mini was parked on the brick driveway in front of OIL.

‘Sounds great,’ Charlie said. ‘I’ll let you know how school goes, and if I hear anything about Ed.’

‘You know what Vegas traffic is like on a Saturday evening,’ Harry said. ‘I’ll pop in and take a leak before I head home.’

As Harry peed in Charlie’s bathroom, a guy said something from out in the hallway. Harry aimed his stream down the side of the pan, so he could overhear.

‘It was insanity last night!’ Brad told Charlie, grabbing the top of the door frame with his big hands and smiling. ‘Where you been hiding all day?

Charlie felt wary. Was Brad the sweet guy who’d cooked steak and told her she was sexy? Or the snarling drunk who’d smashed some kid’s nose and accused her of drinking too much?

‘Swallow Park, with my friend, Harry.’

‘Schmaltzy,’ Brad sneered. ‘Bunch of us are seeing a movie tonight if you’re up for it?’

Harry awaited her answer before flushing.

‘I’m hungover,’ Charlie said, shaking her head. ‘I’d like to settle in. Sort my room out, watch some bad TV.’

‘On Saturday night!’ Brad said, outraged. ‘C’mon! I’ll let you share my popcorn.’

‘Some other time,’ Charlie said, a touch firmer.

Harry came out of the bathroom and hated Brad instantly. Handsome, hunky, confident. Harry would have given anything to be like him.

Charlie introduced the boys to each other.

‘Hey,’ Brad said grudgingly, narrowing his eyes like Harry was gum stuck on his shoe.

‘Guess I’d better shift if I’m gonna get home before sunset,’ Harry said. Then awkwardly added, ‘Good to meet you, Brad.’

Brad snorted, but Charlie cracked a smile and put her arms out for Harry to hug.

‘It’s been such an awesome day,’ Charlie said as she squeezed. ‘Thanks for everything.’

Harry couldn’t enjoy the hug with Brad staring.

‘I’ll be in touch,’ he said, then checked the time on his phone.

He needed to leave, but Brad kept holding the door frame and only backed up six inches, making Harry duck slightly and almost have to stick his face in Brad’s armpit.

That meathead lives right across the hall, Harry thought jealously as he walked towards his car. He’ll see Charlie six times a day. He’s got moves; I’ve got acne. Why didn’t I put my arm round Charlie at the lake when she was laughing at everything I said? Such a great day, but now this Brad prick is all I’m gonna think about …

• • •