Double Take

Chapter 5 - Social Feeding Time

My groggy mind is still in a state of shock, reeling at the fact I've slept the morning away and now my nephew's football match is in less than an hour. Even if I high-tailed out of the apartment right now, the train and bus probably wouldn't get me there in time. A taxi is an option, but I don't even want to contemplate my account balance after how many drinks I guzzled last night. The thought of Justin's sad little face as he scans the crowd asking why his Aunty didn't show breaks my heart. Ugh, I need my phone.

"Kyra?" Jay prompts after a moment, concern etched in his handsome features.

"I'm OK, I just realised I have somewhere to be, but I'll never make it in time... Ugh, Justin's going to be so disappointed." Jay's hand immediately drops from my back.

"Justin? Is he your boyfriend?" I swiftly shake my head but then hate myself for the sudden movement. Goodness, I need painkillers and bacon.

"No, my nephew. Today is his first footy game, and he's beyond excited. I promised him last week that I'd cheer him on."

"Where's the match?"

"Steel Blue Oval."

"But that's only a 20-minute drive away. When does the game start?"

Internally I sigh; it's not so simple for someone solely-dependant on public transport. The train lines are a joke considering Perth's urban sprawl. Just as I'm about to explain, Elsie scurries back into the room, positively beaming as she brandishes her mobile phone.

"Oh my god, Kyra! You have to see Emberz FB page!" She bounds up to the island bench and shoves the device in front of me. I stare at the image displayed on the screen with raised eyebrows.

I remember posing for it, vaguely. We're standing on either side of Aiden as his arms wrap around our waists. The three of us are positively beaming at the camera. Damn, thanks to Elsie's wardrobes and makeup skills, I scrub up well.

"Wow, that's awesome!" Truthfully, it is an honour that the nightclub made us their cover photo. Yet, at the same time, a little voice in my head is surprised they didn't ask our permission to use the photo. Though perhaps I did sign a waiver last night. Goodness knows I was drunk enough — nothing would surprise me at this stage.

"It's so exciting we're literally the face of the club! I still can't believe it!" Elsie squeals while showing her phone to Jay. I hardly register his sweet compliments as my mind wanders back to Justin.

I could ask my sister-in-law Beth to pick me up, but she's still annoyed over my late appearance at Justin's birthday party last month. It didn't help that I forgot to bring a plate of food too. Juggling his present on the bus was hard enough, let alone a platter of sandwiches. Everyone seems to forget how hard it is to get around this city without your own wheels.

"I'm so tagging you in this Kyra." Before I can comment, the sound of a notification on my phone echoes through the apartments thin walls. "So, are you guys hungry? I'm starving! Oh, I know we could go to General Zhao's for Dim Sim." Elsie prattles on as she plays with her phone. My stomach churns at the idea. Hard pass on the Dim Sum.

"I'll have to take a raincheck on that. Sorry, but I really need to get going. I didn't realise it was so late." Elsie raises an eyebrow when a wave of pain makes me clutch my head again as what feels like steak knives carve behind my eyes. I'm never drinking again!

"Her nephew's football game starts soon," Jay explains while I cringe in pain.

"Well, why didn't you say so earlier. I can take you." Elsie's kind offer takes me completely by surprise. I had figured she'd be adamant about getting some food since she claimed she was starving. Plus, shouldn't she want to spend the afternoon with Jay, not drive my sorry ass around town.