chapter 46

Huxley

The Crescent is a bar halfway between the club and Elizabeth’s apartment, and we all occasionally meet there for a drink. This is the first time Elizabeth and I have met on our own, though, and I head out, conscious that my pulse is racing faster than normal.

The days are still humid and warm, but as we head toward autumn, the nights are cooling down, and I’m glad of my jacket. The sun has almost set, and the streets are flooded with a deep orange light and lengthening shadows.

I’m looking forward to seeing her, but I feel anxious too. I’m not sure why. Maybe because we haven’t yet talked properly about what comes next. I’m hopeful, but she hasn’t texted me today, even though I’ve messaged her a couple of times, and I have an odd feeling that this isn’t going to end well.

I arrive at The Crescent and go inside. She’s not here yet, so I go up to the bar and order two whiskies, choosing the Ardbeg Islay malt I know she’ll like. She’ll be walking because the bar’s not that far awa