“They were my parents’ favourite band. Especially that song. The first time I heard you sing, it brought back memories.”
I plugged my ears as another voice screeched in the background. “Look, do you want to get out of here? I can take you home if you want, or call you a taxi.”
I looked closer. He had a bruise developing on his cheek. I reached out to touch it, but once again, he pulled back.
“Please. Don’t touch me.”
I held my hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I promise.”
What was it with this guy? I couldn’t figure him out. He was firm with his friend to the point of being rude, yet he kept talking to me. Why was I any different?
He rubbed the spot on his cheek and winced. “I have no idea how I did that.”
“It’s colouring up nicely. You’ll have a proper black eye. Come on, let’s get you up and home.”
I already had my bag with me, and I slung his rucksack over my back.
His friend approached. “Are you okay, Harvey?”
“I’m taking him home,” I said and helped him to his feet. He weighed nothing. Ash was heavier than he was, and he was only a few inches shorter than Harvey.
“You don’t have to go with him, you know. Sally and I could take you home.” He glanced nervously at me.
“It’s okay, Ed. I’m going home alone. You and Sally enjoy the rest of the night, and apologise to Vivian, too. I kind of ruined things.”
“No, you didn’t.” He glanced at me again. “Will you be, um…”
“Will he be safe? I’m not a fucking serial killer.” My temper rose. I might look rough, but I’d never hurt anyone intentionally or without good reason.
“That’s not what I meant.” But his face told a different story. His eyes darted between Harvey and me. He didn’t trust me, but then, why should he?
“Look, if it makes you feel better, you take him home. I’m not arsed either way. He’s your friend.”
I handed him Harvey’s backpack and was about to walk away when Harvey spoke.
“Stop. Please.” His voice was weak, almost inaudible. Was there something else going on? “Ed. I trust him, and you have the girls to look after. I’ll see you at work next week.”
Ed eyed me again, distrust screaming from every fibre. “If you’re sure, but if I find out you’ve done anything to him.”
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. The audacity of some fucking people, thinking they knew you when they didn’t have a fucking clue.
“He’ll be safe with me. I’m not a fucking threat.”
I took Harvey’s arm again, and we manoeuvred our way through the crowds to the door.
“Why do you trust me?” I asked as we made it out onto the street. A bitter, icy wind had set in; rain like ice pellets battered our faces.
“I just do. Now get me out of this fucking wind. We’ll both freeze to death.”
I hustled him to the nearest bus stop, making sure he was wrapped up, that his scarf was nestled snugly around his neck.
“Do you have any gloves?” His hands were like blocks of ice.
He shook his head. I put his hands in his pockets, then wrapped myself up as best I could. Now, where to take him?
I couldn’t go to my place. I’d tidied it up a little, but I was still ashamed of its state.
“Taxi to yours? If I bundle you into one, can you manage the other side?”