‘I’m really going to miss you.’
‘It’s not the other side of the Universe, Chlo. I’ll only be in South London. It takes a couple of hours by train and tube, that’s all.’
Jimmy sat on his bed as Chloe packed his clothes into a suitcase.
‘But you’re just down the road now – we can see each other any time we like.’
‘I’ll try and get home every month and you can come and stay in the flat with me. It will be great – honest.’
‘And what about all those pretty art students. You’ll forget all about me.’
Jimmy took hold of Chloe’s hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze.
‘Why would I want to settle for second best when I’ve got you?’
Chloe sat down on the bed next to him and kissed him on his cheek.
‘You’ve been hanging around with Danny too long. You’re even starting to use his cheesy lines now!’
They leant back against his pillow and he put his arm around her.
‘You do want me to go to college, don’t you?’
Chloe sat up and looked directly into his eyes.
‘Of course I do. I’m so proud that my boyfriend is going to Art College in London, but…’
‘It’s only four years, Chlo. I’ll be back before you know it.’
‘You will e-mail me every day – and ring and text?’
‘You’ll be fed up of me annoying you all of the time,’ and kissed her full on her lips. Chloe leant back and rested her head on Jimmy’s shoulder.
‘Do you have to go out with Danny and the boys tonight?’
‘They’re my best mates, Chlo. We’re only going for a few drinks in town.’
‘Just like the last time they took you out for a few drinks on your eighteenth birthday – it took you two days to get over it.’
‘We were drinking shots, Chlo. It got a bit out of hand. It’s going to be much quieter tonight – I promise. Besides, I’m going to be living the life of a poor student soon so I’m not going to have much spare cash.’
‘Just remember that we’re going out to the Italian in town tomorrow night for our farewell meal. I don’t want you looking like death because of Danny Shorman forcing tequila slammers down you.’
Just at that moment Jimmy’s mobile phone rang. He picked it up off the bedside cabinet and looked at the number.
‘It’s Henry – he never rings me on my mobile. I wonder what he wants.’
‘Why don’t you try answering it and find out,’ smiled Zoe.
Jimmy pressed the green button and held the phone up to his ear.
‘Hi Henry.’
