I was sitting on my own in a booth overlooking the strip in the McDonalds at the crossroads. In front of me were a cold cup of coffee (mine) and the remains of a Big Mac Meal (someone else’s). I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and switched it on. Within seconds it beeped frantically to let me know that I had several voicemail messages. I dialled the mailbox and listened to the messages: Message one: ‘Charlie, this is Lisa. Where are you? I’m so sorry for what happened. Please call back and let me know you’re okay.’ Message two: ‘Charlie, it’s Andy here. It’s nearly half ten. Where are you, mate? I know I said talk to Lisa as long as you want but this is ridiculous. Come back quick. Nina’s mate Hattie is definitely interested in you.’ Message three: ‘Charlie, Andy here again. It’s half eleven. You’ve chickened out on me and gone back to the apartment haven’t you? Is it because of Hattie? Well you’ve missed out there. She’s pulled some Scottish guy with an armful of tattoos.
