They laughed aloud, until a well-spoken voice interrupted from behind, ‘What are you saying about those studying Law then?’
No-one spoke, as Caitlin turned around. She recognised the voice, but was apprehensive about checking her suspicion. She could not stop her jaw from dropping as she came face-to-face with those amber eyes again. It was him.
***
Steven tried to play it cool. Yet, his lips twitched as he smiled at her – he could not resist. Her expression and fidgeting hands gave her away. He was making her nervous. Conscious of the others sitting around the table, he turned to face them.
‘Hello, I’m Steven and I’m reading Law. Am I welcome?’
‘Of course, you’re welcome,’ a blonde haired girl slurred. She had huge teeth. ‘I’m Megan, nice to meet you. Here, sit next to me.’ She shuffled up the bench and patted the space.
He took the seat, which happened to be opposite the girl he was really interested in. It was convenient.
‘Thanks, so, you were saying?’ he queried, his gaze fixed on the redhead.
She fumbled over her words, ‘Erm, well, just that anyone doing Law or Medicine knows what they want to do with their life.’
The brunette ran her hand through her thick brown hair and laughed aloud. ‘Well, actually, Caitlin was saying anyone doing that was hard core. I’m Lisa, by the way. Have you met Caitlin already?’
He wondered whether it was that obvious.
He turned to Lisa and replied, ‘Briefly.’ Then he faced Caitlin. ‘Caitlin, is it? So, am I hard core?’ He suppressed his smile.
‘You bet.’ Megan wiped the corner of her mouth with her index finger and gave him the eye. ‘You can be my lawyer any day of the week.’
Steven ignored Megan. He was tired of girls who came across as desperate. He continued to watch Caitlin and waited. She looked unnerved. It was fun to see her squirm.
‘I don’t know you well enough,’ Caitlin said, ‘I’ll let you know about that.’
‘I look forward to it.’ He noticed her pink cheeks were starting to revert to their normal colour. It was endearing she blushed so easily. Something told him it was the second time that day he’d had the same effect upon her.
‘Anyway, Steven, is it? Do you play pool? I’m John, fancy a game? Anyone else up for it?’ John looked around, a twinkle in his eye.
‘Count me out, I’m rubbish,’ Megan sighed, and folded her arms.
‘Another time.’ Abbi stood up. ‘I’m going for a drink.’
Dan got up to follow. ‘I could do with one.’ His eyes seemed to linger on Abbi’s exposed long legs.
‘I’m in for another drink,’ Megan said. As she stood, she wobbled. She seemed oblivious of the fact that in the circumstance, three was a crowd.
For her sake, Steven hoped she was not planning to drink any more.
‘So, I guess it’s the four of us then. Will you partner me, Lisa?’ John asked, giving her a decidedly flirtatious smile.
‘Sure. You can play with Steven,’ Lisa grinned, making eye contact with Caitlin.
‘Are you alright with that?’ Steven eased alongside Caitlin.
‘Of course, but you better be good. I’m used to playing against my brother, and I don’t usually lose.’
Her quick and assertive response surprised him.
‘The gauntlet is set,’ he said, standing aside and holding his arm out. ‘Ladies first.’
‘Great, no-one is playing,’ John said, as he took three pound coins out of his wallet and placed them on the table. ‘Best of three?’
‘If you insist, but you’ll save a pound. I can personally guarantee it,’ Steven said. ‘Caitlin here is apparently a pro.’
‘Really,’ John smirked. ‘Don’t let me down Lisa, the stakes are high.’
‘Good one, Caitlin,’ Lisa grumbled.
John winked at Lisa and gave her a little nudge of encouragement. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said, ‘we’ll annihilate them.’
On the flip of a coin, John beamed victorious as he held the cue and got ready. With a professional pose, he took aim. The white ball pelted forward and smashed into the triangle. A stripe landed in the pocket immediately.
‘Yeah!’ Lisa whooped for joy and punched the air. ‘I guess we’re stripes then?’
‘We can choose,’ John replied.
‘I didn’t know that,’ she pouted, confused, ‘Oh well, I like stripes.’
‘Stripes it is.’ John nodded and smiled. A set of dimples formed as he did so. He surveyed the table, leant in again and took aim. Another stripe landed in a different pocket.
‘You know, you should give the rest of us a chance to play.’ Caitlin pretended to yawn.
As John took aim for the third time he struck out. The white ball remained beside a stripe ball, within a shot of a spot.
‘Our turn,’ said Steven. With his cue, he walked around the table, planning his move. ‘What do you think, partner?’
‘Well, personally I’d bounce it off the side and pocket the red spot.’
‘Okay then.’ He passed her the cue. ‘I’d like to see that.’
Even though her eyes widened at the challenge, she held out her hand for the cue and positioned herself. With a look of deep concentration, she held it like an expert, took aim, and did exactly what she claimed. The spot cruised in, as the white ball magically aligned itself for the next victim.
Caitlin raised her chin, and grinned, ‘Do you want to take the next shot?’
Her expression made him smile.
‘No, no, I don’t want to rain on your parade,’ he replied, ‘you go ahead.’
After potting the next spot ball, she was left without an easy shot, so she tapped the white behind a group of spot balls instead, effectively snookering Lisa.
John huffed and shook his head. ‘Dirty tactics,’ he muttered.
‘What goes around comes around. Can’t give the game away,’ Caitlin said, with a snigger.
Lisa looked towards John for help, ‘Did I mention that I’ve never played before?’
‘No, you didn’t,’ John replied, with a scowl. ‘However,’ he paused, as a smile eased across his face, ‘I’m happy to instruct you.’
John took position behind Lisa, and showed her how to hold the cue. Steven watched the chemistry evolve, and wished it was him flirting with Caitlin. A minute later Lisa misjudged, barely hitting the white.
‘Good effort,’ John said.
Lisa shrugged her shoulders, and kept her eyes to the floor. ‘Sorry I played.’
‘Hey, it doesn’t matter. I’m glad you’re my partner. With a bit of practice, and my expert tuition, your playing would improve,’ John added.
‘This might not be a fair match,’ Steven whispered in Caitlin’s ear. He was sure he had detected a shiver when he got near. ‘I’ll play nice.’
Taking aim, he misdirected the white ball. It teetered into the pocket.
‘Nice one, Steven,’ John said. ‘Now, move over and let the experts show you how it’s done.’
Steven gave an easy grin, his eyes gleaming, and made to stand next to Caitlin. ‘Sorry, about the lousy shot.’
‘You faked it,’ Caitlin said, as she rolled her eyes.
‘No, I didn’t,’ he retorted. He liked the way she tried to read him.
***
Tomas tapped his finger on the dashboard in a steady rhythm. With a grunt, he turned to Eilif, ‘What do we do now?’
‘We wait,’ Eilif stressed. Even though Tomas was doing well for his first time away from home, he was far too impatient. Eilif hoped that given time his son would learn.
‘This waiting around thing is not as much fun as I thought it would be,’ Tomas continued, his lips in a firm pout.
Eilif had been through this before, which did not make it any easier. It was difficult to control his temper; Tomas was testing his patience to the limit. ‘What did you think? This is no game, Son, it’s serious. You have to take it for what it is. We’re not welcome here.’
<
br /> ‘Well, only if they suspect what we are,’ Ingrid blurted. She raised her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.
‘Exactly.’ He faced them both and narrowed his eyes. In a steady voice, he stressed through gritted teeth. ‘And no-one must ever find out about us – ever! Do you understand?’
‘Yes, Dad,’ they both sang back before staring out of the windows. Conversation over.
Eilif was frustrated. He remembered his first visit. The excitement and anxiety entwined in one. He did not blame his children. They were entitled to have their own views and ideas. Yet, he knew, deep down, they had to understand. This was just a visit, nothing more. It was a small concession. They paid a heavy price for what they were capable of.
Chapter 4
Banter
Caitlin watched Steven miss an easy shot and gave a half-smile. It was obvious he was not playing to the best of his ability. Regardless, she sealed the deal on her next go and they beat John and Lisa.
‘I think I’d like a drink after that.’ John ran his fingers through his spiky hair. ‘Do you mind if we call it a day?’
‘Not at all,’ Steven replied, as he turned to face Caitlin, ‘Would you like to play against me?’
Caitlin nearly melted every time he looked at her in that way. She took a deep breath and mustered all of her confidence. ‘Of course I’ll play you and you’ll only need two pounds, trust me.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘You’re on.’
After ten minutes of play Caitlin was seething. Only two pounds had been played and she had lost. She had been thrashed.
‘Can I buy you a drink?’ Steven’s voice was low, tempting.
She refused to look at him and mumbled, ‘I think I’m going to head back now.’
Lisa and John had not come back and she was tired. In fairness, it was not the main reason she wanted to go. She was annoyed and confused. He had humiliated her by playing like a professional. Chivalry was dead.
‘You did play really well, for a….’
‘Girl,’ she snapped. She did not care if he was gorgeous and attractive. She wanted revenge. ‘Don’t worry. This girl can up her game. I will beat you.’
‘I’m sure you will,’ he chuckled, ‘and I promise that it won’t be because I let you.’
‘Ha,’ she said, as an unattractive snort escaped. He really brought out the worst in her. Could he be any more arrogant?
‘Do you really have to go? Can’t I get you a drink?’
If he was trying to apologise by getting her a drink, he had the wrong girl. He could not sweet-talk her with alcohol. Yet, she could feel her resolve crumble under his stare. She lifted her head to face him and was confronted with that look again. She was not going to let him think she was a walkover, even though she accepted she had always been a very bad loser.
‘It’s nice of you but I should go. See you around.’ She walked away quickly. She did not want to give him a chance to counter. If she did, she might have been coerced to stay.
Caitlin stormed out of the student bar. Once the cold night air hit, she shivered. She hadn’t thought to bring a coat. The sound of her footsteps clunking on the pavement distracted her as she listened to the steady rhythm. A few students laughed here and there, mainly from indoors. She grimaced at the sky as she started to feel the constant drizzle on her arms and face. It was just what she needed, more rain. In a bid to get back quicker she started to jog. As she did, she mulled over the decision to go out. She was glad to have braved it alone.
On the outcome, she was torn.
It had been great to mingle with other people and meet Lisa and Abbi. Yet, if she was honest, the only person on her mind was Steven. She could not deny the attraction. He had got to her. This was unbelievable when you considered he was one of the most annoying men she had ever met.
Mr. Perfect.
The weird thing was she actually got the impression he was interested in her. As much as she did not want to think it, she could not help wondering if he wanted to get to know her as more than just a friend. Her track record so far was pathetic – a lot of male friends, nothing more. She just could not understand why had he had thrashed her if he was interested? He had played so leniently with the others. It was puzzling. He was puzzling. She just could not figure out why he was showing her attention. She knew she was nothing special. If he was interested, it would be nothing short of miraculous.
***
‘Hey, wait up,’ Steven called out. Caitlin’s look of bemusement as she turned to face him was priceless.
‘You startled me,’ she gasped. ‘You know, anyone would think that you’re stalking me.’
‘Definitely, I am stalking you.’ He kept his face serious and resisted the urge to smile again. ‘But, I’m also starving. So, do you fancy going to get some fish and chips from the local?’
‘In this rain?’ she sighed, forlorn.
‘We can go get an umbrella if you want?’
‘Nah, it’s just drizzle.’ She shrugged her shoulders.
‘So, you’re coming then?’
‘Why not?’
He was sure she blushed again.
In silence, they walked up to the end of the road. Steven could not understand why he was apprehensive about saying the wrong thing. No girl had ever intimidated him before. The truth was he did not even know if she was actually intimidating him. It was hard to put the feeling into words. Taken aback by his apparent stupidity, he braved it and asked the first lame question that popped into his mind.
‘Are you catered or self-catered?’
‘Self-catered, I like making my own food. What about you?’
‘Catered.’ He was relieved she had replied, and with a question of her own. It was promising.
‘Lucky you, you don’t have to cook.’
‘I don’t mind cooking. My dad recommended taking the easy option, just for the first year.’
‘And you’re still hungry, even though you already ate?’
‘I’m always hungry.’
‘Fair enough.’
He noticed she was keeping her eyes firmly on the ground, refusing to make eye contact. Of course, it could have been his imagination, and all she was doing was keeping the rain off her face. ‘What are you reading?’
‘Mathematics with Spanish.’
He could not resist. ‘That sounds intense – if a bit hard core.’
She flinched and sighed, ‘Sorry about that.’
‘I’m just jesting with you. So, do you speak Spanish then?’
‘I’m fluent.’
‘Mucho gusto de conocerte,’ he added, in his near perfect Spanish.
In shock, she stopped in her tracks and stared. ‘How do you know Spanish then?’
‘My step-mum is Spanish. But hey, it’s not that difficult to say ‘nice to meet you’ right?’
***
Caitlin found Steven’s voice melodic as he laughed in an easy-going manner. A series of butterflies flitted through her stomach and she winced at the unexpected reaction. She took a deep breath, and added, ‘Your Spanish sounds Andalusian.’
‘You’re correct.’ He raised his eyebrows, and tilted his head to the side. ‘I only know how to speak the basics, as I learnt what I know from my mum. It’s the only way I know how to say the words. She came from Torremolinos originally.’
‘I’ve been there on holiday loads of times. It’s a small world, isn’t it?’
‘Yes,’ he mused.
‘So why did you choose Law? I didn’t mean to be rude earlier. I don’t usually stereotype.’
‘It’s alright, but I don’t intend to become one of the typical blood-sucking corporate types that are only in it to get as much as they can. I just like the idea of helping people.’
‘Sounds very noble.’ She could not believe it. He was too good to be true.
‘Although,’ he added, sheepish, ‘I have a confession to make. I’m actually doing a degree in European Legal Studies. So, I am also planning to take the third year out oversea
s. We have something else in common, other than the fact we both speak Spanish.’
‘And swimming,’ she paused, and then gritted her teeth, ‘I mean, I think you were looking at the swimming stand.’
‘I was. I’m impressed you noticed.’
She could not believe her ears. He was impressed she noticed him. It was laughable.
In an attempt to change the conversation, she added, ‘I have no idea what I want to do in the future, other than to leave my family and start out on my own far, far away.’
‘You don’t like your family?
‘Oh, they’re okay, I guess. But, I just want a place of my own, away from my bratty sister and annoying older brother. And parents always telling me what to do,’ she rambled, ‘Sorry, you’re probably not interested in this.’
‘No, you carry on. I think I know what you mean. I’m an only child so I can only guess what it’s like to have other siblings around. I always thought it was boring to be on my own. I guess it was not such a bad thing after all.’
‘Trust me, you’re so lucky. Sharing sucks, big time.’
The sight of the chip shop made the conversation ebb. The smell of greasy chips beckoned and Caitlin’s stomach lurched. With all the excitement she had forgotten to eat at teatime.
***
Ingrid watched as the couple made their way into the fish and chip shop. It was such a British tradition. She did not see the charm in food that was deep fried and dripping in fat. The way he smiled and pressed up alongside the girl left her in no doubt. He was interested in her. How much was difficult to tell. Either way, she knew that kind of attention. She had received it often enough. It was a shame she rarely reciprocated. All of the men back home were so boring.
Head skewed to the left, she focused on his features. He had raven black hair, an athletic build and a certain way of carrying himself. Confidence, she guessed? There was something else about him. She was sure he was the boy she had stared at that morning. She vaguely remembered being intrigued by his eyes. She remembered he had looked away. Usually, they all held her gaze. For once, her charms had failed. She could not put her finger on it, but there was something about him – something familiar. The thought niggled.
‘Can we go now?’ Tomas whined, as he slouched on the back seat.
Her younger brother was a brat. If it was up to her, she would have sent him back home already.
‘Fine,’ Eilif conceded. ‘We’ll move on. Something else will turn up.’