Drawn To You (GirlxGirl)

Part 9

Allie's P.O.V

The pub was buzzing with the usual Friday night energy, laughter and conversation blending into a comforting hum that filled the air.

Lola, Casey, and I had just settled into a cozy booth near the back, our drinks already in hand. The familiarity of this place, with its dark wooden tables and warm lighting, had a way of making me feel at ease, even though I couldn't shake the strange tension that had been building inside me all week.

"So, what have you been up to all summer?" Lola asked, taking a sip of her cocktail as she gave me a curious look.

I hesitated for a moment, knowing I didn't have much to say. My summer had been a blur of studying, more studying and the occasional movie night or walk with Mark. It was all so... predictable.

"Not much, really," I said with a small shrug. "Mark and I did some hiking. We've mostly been keeping things low-key, you know how it is."

Lola and Casey exchanged a glance, and I caught the sympathetic look that passed between them. It was subtle, but I knew it was there. They didn't say anything, though, just nodded and smiled, letting the conversation flow on to other topics.

Lola's boyfriend had recently been promoted so they had spent the summer celebrating. Casey, being her usual self, only celebrated the amount of boys she had slept with this summer. But that's the way she liked it and I loved how unapologetic she was for being herself.

As the drinks kept coming, I felt the familiar warmth of alcohol loosening my tongue, the earlier tension melting away. I was beginning to feel quite drunk and before I knew it, I found myself word vomiting about the painting gig.

"I uhh, I actually did something else this summer" I told them, taking another gulp of my wine.

"Oh my god, you're pregnant" Lola almost shouted and I almost spat my wine at her.

"What? No way! I got myself a little job actually" I said coyly.

"Oh, well I guess that's exciting too" Casey rolled her eyes sarcastically.

"No actually that is exciting Allie, you haven't had a job in what.. 10 years? Well done" Lola smiled encouragingly.

"That doesn't sound exciting, that sounds depressing! I wish I didn't have to work" Casey said bluntly and swigged the remainder of her beer.

I laughed at her as she caught the waiters attention to order more drinks.

"It's small and it's only for a couple of months so I can pay for the textbooks we need" I told them, knowing that they've always known how I felt about Mark funding my life.

"Well go on then, tell us what it is" Casey goaded me impatiently.

"It's modelling" I paused and watched their facial expressions change to sheer surprise. "For a painter".

Lola leaned in closer, clearly intrigued.

"Who's the artist? Anyone we know?"

"Her name's Jessie," I said, trying to keep my tone casual, though just saying her name sent a little jolt through me. "She has a studio just down the street and it's amazing. And she's so talented and cool and.." the words came to a quick halt when just over Casey's shoulder I caught a glimpse of the long blonde hair I couldn't mistake "and.. she's here" I slumped back in my chair, trying to make myself smaller.

Lola and Casey looked each other with a confused gaze before following my eye line to look at Jessie. She was sat at a small table in the corner of the bar, opposite a very beautiful red headed girl in a silver dress that was far too fancy for a place like this.

"Is that her? The blonde one?" Casey asked, not even trying to be subtle.

I nodded, trying to keep my cool, but the sight of Jessie was making my head spin in ways I didn't want to examine too closely.

I watched carefully as Jessie sat back in her chair and crossed her legs, a burst of confidence oozed out of her which made my stomach fill with those now familiar nerves. The red head said something and Jessie's expression changed to seductive and flirty, and I very quickly realised they were on a date.

"Oh she is cool!" Lola said, her voice dripping with admiration. "Let's go say hi!"

"No, wait—" I tried to stop them both but it was too late. The alcohol-fueled boldness had already taken over, and before I knew it, Lola and Casey were on their feet, dragging me along with them.