Page 19 of Ruby’s Outback Love

When Joel indicated we return to the table, I happily agreed – my feet were threatening to kill me.

I led Joel back to our table via the bar where I ordered another cola, he opted for a light beer. We settled at the table and took a few gulps of our drinks before he questioned me.

“I’ve seen you around the university, what are you studying?”

“Nursing. How about you?”

“Tim, Callum and I are all studying engineering.”

“Janeen is studying medicine and Renée, economics.”

“How did you all meet, did you know each other at school?”

I shook my head. “No, I come from Bourke. I met them at a café where I’m a regular customer and they work part time.”

“Do you go out to clubs often?”

“Rarely. You?”

“Every weekend. None of us drink much but we enjoy dancing and hooking up.”

When I frowned at his words, his expression changed to one of concern.

“We don’t hook up for sex, well not all the time. It’s nice to meet new people and chat, it doesn’t have to go further.”

I relaxed at his explanation. “So, you don’t have a regular girlfriend?”

“No, don’t have time between studying and working part time during the week. Do you have a boyfriend?”

I shook my head. “I’m definitely not interested at this stage of my life, if ever.”

“Do I detect hurt?”

“Yep. I was dumped for a past flame he got pregnant after spouting off about loving me and not wanting anyone else.”

“Ouch! Sorry.”

“Not your fault, it taught me a lesson and I won’t be caught out again.”

“I understand how you must feel. Is it recent?”

“Six months ago.”

“Well, I’m not after anything from you except friendship. I wouldn’t mind catching up over coffee or having us watch a movie together, now and again.”

“I think I would like that. Give me your number and I’ll call.”

The others joined us, pushed another table over, grabbed extra chairs and sat down. The night was filled with laughter, shouting – to get over the din of the music, and dancing. We finally called it a night a little after two in the morning.

Numbers were exchanged and after agreeing to catch up again, we left to go our separate ways. Renée dropped me off in front of my apartment block a short while later.

It had been a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Renée had agreed to meet up with Callum to hit some of the popular gay clubs so she could scope out the women while he checked out the men.

Janeen had agreed to see Tim again as a friend. None of us were up for anything serious. I looked forward to meeting up with Joel, I suspected he could become a very good friend.

I dropped into bed, tired and exhausted. It was a good kind of me being stuffed and would be a night with no dreams of Phil.

CHAPTER EIGHT