Fast Fiction

David was a sleaze and Chloe couldn’t believe she’d fallen for his smooth talking

Chloe felt like such a fool. Of course, she was never going to meet Mr Right while she was pulling beers in the town pub, but something about David had caught her eye.

Maybe this one’s different, she’d thought when he smiled. Oh, how wrong she’d been!

The only thing David liked more than beer was bragging about his many conquests.

‘And then there was Maggie…’ he’d say, listing them off by heart like a poem he’d learned at school.

His long list brought Chloe’s blood to a simmer.

That kiss they’d shared at closing time a few months back still replayed in her head – his stubble scratching her skin and reducing her legs to jelly. Had it really meant nothing to the pub’s most loyal customer?

‘The usual,’ he smiled and plopped down at the bar.

‘Coming right up,’ she said, refusing to make eye contact, hoping it might bring him to his senses.

He didn’t even notice, and handed over the money as if nothing had ever happened between them.

Men, she scowled. A few beers and all heart goes out the window.

She was stacking the glass washer when she saw a blonde woman sit down beside him.

Chloe didn’t need to lip-read to know what David was up to. He’d be telling the beautiful stranger all about his busy life at the PR company. He’d compliment her and tell her she’s the prettiest thing he’d ever laid eyes on. Soon the woman would be putty in his hands, and then when he’d had his fun, he’d add her name to the bottom of his list and act like nothing ever happened.

Poor girl, Chloe sighed. ‘A glass of your finest white!’ David called at her, ‘and another beer for myself.’

Once again, she avoided eye contact and handed over the drinks. Another beer and he’d have the confidence to go in for a kiss. The very thought made her shudder. ‘I’ll be back in a second,’ he winked at his new companion, before heading to the bathroom.

The woman gazed longingly, waiting for him to return. It was enough to break Chloe’s silence.

‘He’s married, you know,’ she lied.

‘He is?’

‘Three kids.’ She shook her head, disapprovingly.

‘He never said.’

‘They never do.’

The woman stared into her almost full wine glass and then downed it all in one.

‘Typical,’ she puffed, standing up and reaching for her coat. ‘Oh, well. At least I got a free drink out of it.’

Chloe watched proudly as the disappointed woman left the bar.

‘Where’d she go?’ David asked on his return, only slightly unsteady on his feet.

‘Oh,’ Chloe pursed her lips. ‘Her husband called.’

‘Her husband?’

‘Something about their kid not feeling well.’

‘Kid?’ Now it was his turn to look deflated.

Chloe had to turn her back before a grin stretched across her face.

‘Looks like a quiet night after all.’ David retreated to his beer.

‘It does.’

‘Unless you…’

‘Don’t even think about it.’ Chloe faced him with a smile. ‘Not again. Not ever.’

And as the awkward silence crept up between them, Chloe couldn’t help but feel she’d done that girl a huge favour. And she’d do it again if she had to.

But first, she needed a celebratory glass of wine – and she’d pay for it herself.

He’d have his fun and add her to his list