The Only Exception | W2S

FOUR.

"We really need to stop meeting like this, Holly," an amused voice from my side spoke, and I was greeted by Harry's face as he came to a stop next to my side.

"Chronic smokers, what else can I say?" I reply, taking another toke, glad that this time, I'd decided a coat was a necessity. The late January air was freezing.

"Lighter?" He asks, but this time I've already got one handy, and I pass it over to him.

"I'm not sure I should be encouraging this bad habit," I tell him honestly, flashing him an amused smile as he lights up the cigarette.

"May I remind you that you're only smoking to spite your - and excuse my language, but your cunt of a ex-boyfriend," he says, and whilst the language is certainly deserved, it takes me aback a little. He notices my face, because he begins to apologise. "Sorry. I watched the podcast video with Cal and Chip. I didn't realise how bad it was."

I shrug my shoulders. "It is what it is. Men ain't shit - no offence intended."

He laughs, but nods his head. "There are a few good ones. Look at Simon and Talia, Josh and Freya, Ethan and Faith....not all of us are deranged serial cheaters."

"Meh, I like saying men ain't shit. Anyway, I need to go back inside before I freeze to death. I can't believe you're not wearing a coat, you might be mad," I say, shaking my head.

"Give me ten seconds, I'll come in with you. I owe you a drink after accidentally stealing your last one from the party," he says, and although it's far fetched, and in the past, a free drink is still a free drink.

Our entire friend group had decided to rent out a pub for the night, just for a get together, and apparently I was in the friend group now.

The pub was a lot warmer, probably due to the raging fireplace, but it was an enjoyable temperature change after being outside for a little while. I headed over to the bar with Harry, spotting George and Simon in the far corner.

"Can I get two vodka cokes please," Harry ordered, and I was impressed that he'd remembered what I drank.

"You gonna pay for my drink too, mate?" The familiar voice belonging to Ethan spoke, coming up behind us, and wrapping his arms around Harry's shoulder.

He shook his head. "Absolutely not. I owed Holly a drink. I don't owe you shit," he replied bluntly, which shut Ethan up quickly.

'So fucking rude,' Ethan mouthed at me, before grinning and walking away again.

"Voila," Harry said, handing me my drink after paying the bartender. "Don't leave it unattended at the bar again, I'm not buying you another."

"Technically I didn't ask you to buy this one - but! I am grateful, so thank you," I said with a smile, grabbing a straw. "I'll see you around?"

"Sure will," he replied casually, and I left to mingle with some of my other friends.

Freya saw me first, and came bounding over. "Holly! Just the person I was looking for. Faith needs you in the back room," she grins, looking like she was keeping a massive secret, dragging me away from the main room of the pub.

In the back room was Faith, Talia, and Ellie - Vik's wife. They all looked up and smiled, with the exception of Talia, who looked like she'd been crying.

"Oh no," I spoke immediately, putting my drink down on the table. "Why is she crying? What big life event is happening?" I ask, looking around at every single woman in the room.

"Me and Ethan and getting married next Friday," Faith spoke suddenly, and although I knew the date was coming soon, next Friday was very soon. "You'll still be a bridesmaid, right?"