Suck It And See

7) Ever Thought Of Calling?

7) Ever Thought Of Calling?

As he sat trying to drown out the demands of his mental to-do list, Alex wondered if he was making the right decision. Moving was a big deal. And not just house but countries. Continents even.

All because of a girl.

He was pathetic. He knew that. But he still didn't think he could face going back to Los Angeles. Everything there - from the 'sidewalk' to the sky - was stained by Her.

How could he go back to their home when there was no longer a 'them'? (Although referring to it on separate terms felt even worse.) It wasn't even home anymore - just a house really. Nothing more than a place on Memory Lane and it looked like the lease was up.

It didn't seem fair at first glance. She was the reason for the split. She hurt him (in more ways than one). So why should he have to leave? At least, that's how he'd viewed it before when he'd left on tour. When he'd left her, once and for all.

He didn't like to remember that night. Some of her words still stung him. Not as much as the hair straighteners she'd thrown at him, mind you.

Some fucking Boxing Day.

Since then, he'd wasted his time within those walls getting, well, wasted. Drinking, smoking, snorting... any kind of stupor that let him escape from life for a while.

Pulled from his bitter nostalgia, Alex toyed with the phone in his hand. He had to phone the lads and tell them his plans. He said he'd make plans with Miles as well. Plus he ought to phone his mum.

Alex succumbed to the phone call.

It picked up on the second ring.

"Hiya! You alright, mate?"

"Yeah, man. I'm good, thanks. You?"

"Great, ta. Congrats on your awards, by the way - and your latest conquest!"

Alex's laughter sounded unconvincing alongside the other boy's. Miles picked up on it straightaway.

"What's up?" he asked. "Post-bedding blues?"

"Pffft, don't start, Kane," warned Alex. He was in no mood for teasing. Not about the girls in his life at any rate. "Look, I'm still in London. So I was thinking..."

"Pub?" Miles knew his friend too well.

"Pub," agreed Alex allowing himself a smile.

***

The pub they chose for afternoon drink was a typical friendly affair; all pine and plush cushions, a faux fireplace in the corner. More like someone's living room than a bar. Just the kind the boys liked. Neither one of them could really stand the hip, high-end hospitals waiting rooms that were masquerading as clubs these days.

When Alex arrived, Miles was already sat in a seat by the back. Two pints greeted him on the table, one of which Miles nudged across to him as he sat down. Greetings weren't really necessary.

Alex took a swig as Miles scrutinised his demeanour.

"Something's definitely up with you," he concluded.

Alex raised his eyebrows, pint glass close to his lips.

"Ooh, do tell, Derren Brown."

"Hey, I'm no mind reader," Miles held up his hands. "But I'm guessing... lady troubles?"

"... How'd you guess?"

"First off, it usually is with you. Girls or drugs. And you're looking clean so..." Miles sipped at his beer before continuing. "Plus, I was actually joking about it being your time of the month there."