The pub is crowded and noisy. The smoke hits the back of your throat and sticks to your hair and clothes in a sweaty layer.
You follow Polly as she pushes confidently through the crowd.
A band is playing in the next room and people are shouting to be heard over the swirling guitar.
Polly stops and stands on her toes, looking over the heads around her. She waves and, checking you are still with her, pushes on into the crowd until she reaches Rick who is leaning casually on the bar watching the band.
He nods towards you and says 'Drink?'
You nod.
'Beer?'
'Thanks.' You can't see much past the leather clad backs around you. It's hot and you take off your jacket, tieing it around you waist.
'Thanks,' you take the glass and drink.
'Cheers. Welcome again.' Polly raises her glass in a toast. 'You seem to be coping with us okay... maybe you should move into Jess' room.'
You stare at her, 'I've only been here a day.'
'Good point. And after you've been to the party, you'll probably wish you'd never seen us.'
'Well, Ned anyway,' Rick interrupts.
'He'll be okay.' Polly laughs, 'Although he was in a bit of a shit when he left, hey?'
You nod.
'Hey! Hi!' Polly dives between a couple of people and starts talking excitedly to a tall woman with long black hair.
Rick watches her for a moment, then glances at you and back at the band.
'I think Ned wishes I'd disappear like Jess did.'
'What?' You stare at him.
'Just what I said. Ned's got a few problems at the moment... although I'm sure you could tell that even after only one day.' He looks towards Polly again, 'But shit happens and Ned's gotta learn that.'
You're thinking about what to say when Polly comes back, 'Let's go.'
'Don't want to see the band?'
'I just reckon we should get to the party and see what's happening. Sasha was there and she says Ned's pretty drunk already.'
'You're not his mother, Polly.'
'Sorry,' she turns to you, 'You'll get used to this kind of shit.'
'If you stay,' Rick drains his glass and puts it on the bar.
You do the same and follow them out.
