never let me down | a. wilder (depeche mode)

7 - I'll Drink To That

Charlotte

The day in the studio passes by very quickly.

I thought it was interesting, but, the guys looked like they needed a few beers.

I think Daniel was wary of me at first, but I was quiet the whole day and only spoke when I was spoken to.

After a few days, I realize I can't come to the studio with them everyday, so I decide to get a job at the restaurant in the hotel.

The interviewer was less than pleasant.

He asked me why I quit my last waitressing position, so I told him the truth.

I don't know how I got the job, he didn't seem to believe me.

When Andy, Alan, Martin, and Dave come back to the hotel, I'm waiting for them in the lobby.

"Did you get the job?" Andy asks.

"Yes!" I say, and they all congratulate me.

We decide we should celebrate, so Alan and I run to a liquor store nearby to get some wine.

We enter the store, and I follow him around.

"Which one do you like?" He asks me.

Oh shit. Well, to be quite honest, I've never drank any alcohol, ever.

My aunt was very against it, so I never saw any company drinking it.

It would be embarrassing for anyone to find out that in my 23 years of living, I haven't done anything. Drinking, smoking, you name it.

"Well, you know, whatever." I say, trying to sound convincing.

He looks puzzled. "Come on, you must have some preference."

"Not really," I say.

He looks at me again and smiles.

"You've never drank wine before, have you?" He says.

I blush. "No. I know it's pathetic, that a 23 year old hasn't ever drank anything. I'm not against it, I just don't know anyone who drinks." I say.

"It's fine. Look, I won't tell the guys. Let's pay and go." He says.

"Thank you, Alan."

Alan

We leave the liquor store, and we're both holding a bag.

"Since it's your first time, I'm going to give you a few tips," I start.

"That would be very helpful," she says.

"It's your first time, so only have one drink. Andy only drinks a little, he's the dad friend. Dave and I drink a little too much, so we get a little tipsy. Martin, oh geez, he gets quite interesting when he's had too much to drink." I explain. "Don't get carried away, because you'll feel like hell in the morning."

She nods. "Sounds good."

I'm a little surprised that she's never had a drink, but it's not that big of a deal.

We talk the whole way back.

She's very nice, and I'm starting to develop feelings for her. I know Dave does, and I'm not going to battle him for her.

Andy

Martin gets a little too carried away, and starts to strip.

"Oh no you you don't!" I say, stopping him.

Martin giggles and speaks gibberish.

"We have a guest, and I don't want you to scare her away." I explain to him.

He ignores me and strips anyway.

I sigh. "Charlie- just don't look over here," I call to her.

She's not facing me and Martin. She turns around.

"Andy what- Why isn't Martin wearing clothes?" She laughs as she turns and quickly looks away.

"I told you, he gets interesting when he's had to much to drink!" says Alan.

"Dave, can you stay with Martin? I have a robe in my suitcase, and I'm going to get it." I say, and run out.

When I get back, Dave is chasing Martin around the hotel room with Martin's pants, while Alan covers Charlie's eyes.

I throw the robe to Dave, and he quickly covers Martin up.

"I'll take him to his room." Dave says, and guides Martin out.

"He won't remember any of this in the morning," I say to Charlie.

"That'll be awkward for us, won't it?" She asks.

"Nah," says Alan. "We just get to mock him for it the whole day."