The Subcrawl (A Romantic Comedy)

Chapter 6

Glasgow Subway

Chloe

On the subway between West Street and Kinning Park, I finally work up the nerve to peer at the bingo card. The rules of the card have not been explained but from a quick glance at it, I can 100 percent conclude I have no desire to take part in the game.

Granted, there are a couple of easy ones on there like getting a beermat from one of the pubs, or taking a shot. In fact, I already completed that last one in the last pub - we all did as Luke bought us shots of tequila. And acquiring a beer mat wouldn't be a bother, but then would be an indication of wanting to actually participate.

And I'm not going to be doing that.

Because the other tasks include things like ordering a drink in a foreign accent (I can barely order one in my own accent), acquiring a telephone number from a stranger and - worst of all - kissing a stranger.

I feel panic rising in me at the thought of doing any of those things. This is exactly what I was afraid of when I agreed to come on this subcrawl.

"Just because it's on a list doesn't mean you need to do it," a voice speaks suddenly in my ear. A soft, Irish-accented voice. I turn my head and meet Liam's dark eyes - I hadn't even realised he'd commandeered the seat beside me.

I also had never noticed how pretty his eyes actually are until now. I've always been too thrown by the knowing way those eyes look at me, to actually appreciate their beauty. But, wow . . . they're chocolate brown flecked with gold, and are framed by ridiculously long black lashes. One good set of eyes. Well done, Mother Nature.

For the first time, I feel a spark of attraction towards him. And instantly feel uneasy because I can't be into Liam McCall. He's not my type. And I hate him. Don't I?

I sigh in response to his comment. "You know what Lola is like. She won't rest until we all do these tasks; she's like a dog with a bone."

"She's not the boss of us though," he argues. "Just say no; refuse to do it."

It's weird because I'm obviously not going to do anything I feel uncomfortable with but I'm also scared to say no. I basically feel trapped in a situation of constant dread. It's really hard to describe unless you've ever been in that situation yourself. If you have, trust me, I feel your pain.

"If it's any consolation I'm refusing to get involved too." Liam invades my silence again.

I snort. "Too cool to take part?"

He shakes his head. "I don't feel comfortable doing things like this either," he admits quietly. "A subcrawl would never be my first choice for a day out, and I've never liked dares. I'm doing this for Luke."

His confession makes me soften slightly towards him. Maybe we have more in common than I thought.

"I'm only here for Becky," I tell him. Finding that I'm smiling at him despite myself.

The train screeches to a halt. We've reached Kinning Park. "Come on folks!" Lola calls, indicating for us all to follow her off onto the platform, like she's the teacher and we're her wayward pupils. I roll my eyes and try to remind myself she means well.

We weave our way through another subcrawl group who are waiting for the train going the other way, and head for the stairs. As we reach the top Liam, who is still next to me, pulls me aside. I look over at him, surprised.

"I think we've established that neither of us really want to be here," he says in a rush, like he's worried I'll run away before he can talk to me. I nod. "So, look, I'll try and have your back and protect you from having to get involved in the dares if I can." He grins. "If you can do the same for me, of course."

I hesitate briefly and then extend my hand. "Deal," I agree, as we shake hands. I'm glad to note there's no spark at his touch; the last thing I need is to catch feels for this guy.

I have to admit it does feel nice to have another ally though, even if it is the person I would have least expected it to be.

We catch up with the others, who thankfully hadn't noticed we weren't with them. The fact there's no love lost between us is well known amongst the group so I hate to think what might be said if they saw us actually - gasp - having physical contact!

Lola seems to be missing from the group but, looking over Becky's shoulder I spot her . . . She's getting a piggy- back from a random. Which is one of the dares on the bingo card. Dammit. This means she's taking it seriously.

Liam and I exchange glances. I bite my lip. He gives me a reassuring smile and winks at me. "Don't worry, I've got you," he seems to be telling me.

The stranger runs back and deposits Lola on the ground. She's shaking with laughter as she thanks him and he leaves. "That was a bumpy ride," she stage-whispers. "I think he was already steaming."

He obviously hears. "I am, hen." His voice drifts back towards us.  That causes a collective laugh from all of us as we enter the next pub.

Ah Glasgow.

Never change.

So the frenemies have made a pact - will they successfully manage to avoid any dares?

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