Page 149 of How We Began

Ben just poked his head up between our weird cupboard desks.

“Lilah, remember I mentioned having another date?”

“Um, yeah.” I think we’re way past the date part of a relationship.

“If it’s okay with you, can you keep the afternoon free after the Museum trip?”

“Uh, yeah. Sure.”

“Excellent.”

Then he started to scribble away again whilst tapping my foot.

That’s a bit weird. What’s he up to?

26th May

Shit. I hope everyone doesn’t feel as rough as I do. I’m not sure if it was the crazy volcano Pimms or the chicken.

Yesterday, Tristan and I decided to be grown up hosts and throw a BBQ for everyone. The flaw in this plan is that Tristan and I can’t be grown up, no matter how hard we try, as my hangover today clearly proves.

Ugh, chicken. I’m going to be sick again.

(The Volcano BBQ)

“This is nice, being all grown up together.” I stirred my frothy, bubbling concoction. It was supposed to be Pimms but I don’t know what goes in Pimms, and my Google search made it sound a bit boring so I tipped half a bottle of vodka in there.

Trist watched me with a smug expression on his face. “Lilah, we’re twenty-six. I think we are grown up.”

I flashed him a zap sign, and he stuck out his tongue. Trist had fruit chopping duty for the Pimms. It seems people still aren’t comfortable with me touching sharp knives when cooking. I think they are all being grossly unfair.

“So what are we cooking on the fire, big brother?” I asked, grabbing another jug out of the cupboard which I also planned to fill with vodka, Pimms, and fruit.

I wondered what would happen if the McCannon children stopped drinking stuff? Would the whole vodka industry grind to a halt? Go bankrupt? What do they make vodka out of anyway? I think potatoes may be an ingredient, but that might be an idea I came up with after drinking too much of the stuff.

“Sorry, Tristan. Were you saying something? I got side-tracked.” Alcohol duty was a serious task that needed my concentration.

“For goodness’ sake, Lilah! You are such a bloody daydreamer. What time is Ben getting here anyway? You might wake up then!”

“Soon, I hope. Otherwise we might go hungry!”

Tristan dropped his smile. “You’re going to be okay, aren’t you?”

“What? When the love of my life leaves me and goes to have an amazing career, which I’ll only get to hear about via other people or, heaven forbid, through pictures in newspapers, magazines or online.”

“Yeah, when that happens.”

“Oh yeah, I will be fine. Vodka and I have a long-term relationship planned.”

I chuckled, but Tristan didn’t look amused.

“Lilah, I’m being serious. I don’t want to lose you again, and I’ve a bad feeling he’s the thing that brought you back to me.”

“Nah, it’s okay, Trist. I think I have found myself.”

“Good.”

“Right. What’s for dinner?”