The Suburbs

Chapter eleven

"You certainly have dressed to catch a few eyes, haven't you?" Patrick jeers at me, all the whilst staring at my chest again.

"Well, just trying to mimic a woman from the twenties." I answer quietly. I came here for a good night and this really wasn't what I had in mind.

I feel so uncomfortable, I have nothing to talk to this man about and it's obvious he only really wants one thing and I'm not the one to give it to him.

"So Mia, tell me about yourself?"

"Uh, well I'm a sports journalist, I moved here only recently from London and that's about it really, I don't have anything that interesting going on at the moment." I giggle awkwardly.

"How about you?"

"Well, I'm a lawyer, In the last five years I have taken over three law firms and last year I made my first million. Does that interest you?" He says with a flirtatious smirk as if all girls gush at the mention of his wealth.

"Er...well, congratulations. I'm sure you worked very hard for it."

"A double gin and tonic for the lady, please." Patrick asks the hired bartender. Oh brilliant, now he's trying to get me drunk. What a classy move. Dickhead.

"Double? I was just drinking singles."

"Oh come on Mia. Don't be so boring." Patrick winks at me suggestively.

"Erm, okay, just the one double then." I try to force a smile but inside I feel ready to go home. I have only been here an hour but so far I haven't had any fun.

"I'm just going to nip upstairs to the bathroom first, I won't be long."

"Ok, baby. See you in a minute. I'll look after your drink."

Eurgh. Baby. Cringe.

As soon as I make my way upstairs to Elle's bathroom, I splash some water on my chest and neck. I don't know why but I have suddenly come over with anxiety. I haven't suffered with it in so long but tonight I feel so uncomfortable. I just don't seem to fit in here and to top it off it looks like my night is going to be spent standing with a creep whose only interest in me is what's underneath my dress.

Deep breath's Mia. I tell myself over and over to stay calm. I can excuse myself and go home, I don't have to stay. I have been polite, I came by for Elle, I dropped her off a birthday present and now I'm sure it's fine if I leave. I take a deep breath and readjust my dress in the mirror and spruce up my hair a little bit. One more drink and then I'll go.

As soon as I open the bathroom door, I'm surprised to see Jacob leaning against the wall with his arms folded and his typically stern look on his face.

"Mia?" He looks at me sheepishly.

"Yes?"

"Why are you talking to Patrick?"

"I don't know really...Elle introduced us and now he's just buying me a drink."

"He's no good for you Mia. I wasn't going to get involved but I saw the way he was gawping at you..."

"Gawping at me?" I question with almost a giggle.
"And why does that worry you?"

"It doesn't. But you're too good for him. Trust me when I tell you he isn't good news."