Just Date and See, page 8
As bowling alleys go, this is just, well, a bowling alley. I’m surprised they haven’t changed more over the years, moving with technology like everything else has, although I don’t know what more I’m expecting. It’s busy here, but in a good way. There are plenty of people around, lots my own age, and no rules about needing to stay silent that I’m aware of – but also there are no balloons, and drinks are served behind the bar, so there is no danger of me making the same faux pas tonight anyway. I suppose I could walk into a Christmas tree, or accidentally string myself up in tinsel, so I’d best not speak too soon, had I?
One thing about tonight that’s better than last night is that the organiser of this event, a girl called Leila, told us whereabouts in the place to meet, and that she would be wearing a bright yellow dress. I’m relieved when I head to the seating area at the left side of the bar and spot a tall, red-haired girl in a gorgeous bright yellow dress.
I head over there, kind of nervously (but can you blame me for worrying, after last night?), and hover awkwardly beside her. Thankfully she takes charge of the situation.
‘Hello,’ she says brightly. ‘Are you one of our Matcher lot?’
‘I am,’ I say, loosening up, now that I know I’m in the right place. ‘I’m Billie, nice to meet you.’
‘Lovely to meet you, Billie, I’m Leila, as you’ve probably worked out from the loud dress.’
‘It’s a beautiful dress,’ I tell her. ‘You look gorgeous.’
‘So do you, hun,’ she replies through a big smile. ‘That’s you secured your place on the same lane as me. We’re just waiting for everyone to arrive. In the meantime, go to the bar, grab yourself a drink – everyone in this section is one of us, so mingle away. And then it’s time to disco bowl, baby.’
I smile.
‘I can’t wait,’ I tell her.
I’ve probably only been bowling a handful of times, and they were all when I was still at school, but while this may not be my scene, there’s a really fun vibe here. Tonight might actually be okay.
I take a seat at the bar. Eventually a bar man, who seems like he’s already juggling at least three other drinks, asks me what I want.
‘I’ll have a Fig Lebowski, please,’ I say, laughing to myself at the name of the fruity gin cocktail I fancy.
‘Coming right up,’ he replies.
‘Isn’t it great here?’ the man to my left says.
I turn to face him. He’s a thirty-something blond with chiselled cheekbones and blue eyes.
‘It is,’ I reply. ‘Really cool.’
‘You’re here with this lot too, I take it?’ he says, nodding towards Leila and the rest of the Matcher squad.
‘I am,’ I reply. ‘This is my first one, actually. Have you been to many?’
‘Quite a few,’ he admits, pausing briefly while I pay for my drink. ‘I went into London for a couple of days at the start of the month – there are hundreds of events to choose between. Here, not so much, but enough to keep you busy. It’s mostly the same crowd, though. It’s good to see some new blood.’
‘I’m Billie,’ I tell him, introducing myself, eager to make a friend.
‘I’m Sid,’ he replies. ‘Let me buy you a drink.’
‘Oh, that’s okay, I’ve just got this one,’ I reply.
Sid gestures to the bar man.
‘Two Dirty Donnies, mate,’ he says. Then he turns to me. ‘It’s not a drink, it’s a shot.’
‘I am not great with shots,’ I insist politely.
‘It’s sweet, I think you’ll like it,’ he insists. ‘And you’ll need it, to get through one of these events, with some of this lot. They can be majorly dull. Everything is easier with a drink in you.’
‘Oh, hello,’ a male voice interrupts us.
I turn around to see that the man is talking to us – talking to me.
‘Erm, hi,’ I reply.
‘You don’t remember me, do you?’ he replies through a big smile.
I don’t, but I’m pretty sure I would remember him, if I had met him before. He’s tall, at least six foot three. If I stepped down off this stool, with almost a foot between us, my head would probably only just pass his shoulders. His brown hair is long on top, blown back, but not perfectly, and he has that trendy, attractive style of facial hair where you can’t quite figure out whether or not it’s a short beard or just overgrown stubble, but it’s definitely intentional. He’s got a little bit of the Andrew Garfields about him, apart from the fact that underneath his thick dark eyebrows he has the greenest pair of eyes I’ve ever seen. The more I look at him, the more certain I am that I would definitely remember him.
‘Erm…’ I stare at him for a moment, then back to Sid, to see if he has any idea, then back to the mystery man.
‘It’s Rocco,’ he tells me, holding his hands out to the sides, as though the revelation of his name is going to click everything into place. ‘You went to school with my sister, Angela.’
I honestly would welcome any sort of link to this man. He’s gorgeous, instantly charming, and clearly very friendly. But I don’t remember going to school with anyone called Angela.
He must realise I have no idea what he’s talking about because he takes his phone from his pocket. He taps the screen a few times before holding it up for me to see.
‘Here’s a photo of her,’ he says.
I notice his marked effort to hold the phone in a way that I can see it, and Sid can’t, before I realise that he isn’t showing me a photo at all, it’s a message typed in his notes app.
Every night this guy tries to get girls drunk so he can take them home.
My first feeling is a sick, twisty sensation in my stomach. I’ve been out of the dating game for so long, being with Declan for years, and then keeping myself off the market ever since we split, that I forgot what it’s like out here. I didn’t even consider that not all men’s actions are completely genuine, and that some might even be acting maliciously – even if they don’t see it that way, but surely that makes this guy even more dangerous? Imagine if I’d accepted his drink, then had another, then another. I would have thought we were getting on like a house on fire – I might even have gone home with him, willingly or without even realising. It’s scary, and it kind of makes me want to go home, but this gesture from a stranger quickly calms me down, enough to encourage me to stay. Not all men are up to something.
‘Oh, my goodness, yes! Angela!’ I say enthusiastically. ‘How is she doing?’
‘You know what, not great,’ he replies. ‘It’s a long story, if you’d like to hear it before we start bowling? I’m sure she would appreciate you reaching out, actually. It’s been a really difficult time.’
‘Oh, no, that sounds awful.’ I turn to Sid. ‘Sorry, I’d better go find out.’
‘But your shot is coming,’ he protests.
‘I’m really not a shot person,’ I insist. ‘You have it. Thanks anyway.’
I grab my cocktail, hop down from my stool and follow Rocco. I wait until we’re far enough away from Sid before I say anything.
‘Oh, my God, thank you,’ I tell him. ‘If you hadn’t stepped in, who knows what could have happened?’
‘I’ve been keeping an eye on him,’ Rocco replies. ‘He’s tried a few times now, I’m wise to his tricks. These aren’t private events, for the most part, so there’s no actual way for me to stop him being here. All I can do is keep a close eye on him, and warn anyone off him, who he starts to play his games with.’
‘Well, I really can’t thank you enough,’ I tell him.
We naturally gravitate towards a sofa, back over where Leila and the rest of the Matcher gang are busily sorting teams, ready for the bowling to begin.
‘To be honest, it’s put me off staying,’ I admit. ‘I’m starting to think I shouldn’t have come. None of this is me.’
‘I know what you mean,’ Rocco replies. ‘But don’t let one clown put you off. The rest of us are… well… fine, I guess? No predators, but a real mixed bag.’
He laughs and it’s contagious.
‘It’s just given me a bit of a scare,’ I confess. I shift uncomfortably in my seat. Allowing myself to be vulnerable in front of a man, even one who seems okay, makes me feel uneasy.
‘These things can actually be quite fun, I’ve been to a handful now,’ Rocco tells me. ‘If you want to stay, I’ll have a word with Leila, make sure you’re on our lane, and that Sid is as physically far away from us as possible. We’re playing in groups, with teams of two on two. We can team up if you like?’
‘Are you any good at bowling?’ I ask him, relaxing a little. Rocco is right, I shouldn’t let one person ruin this for me. The world is crawling with guys like Sid. I just need to be more careful. Now that I’m single again, when I do set about trying to find love, I’m certain there’s going to be plenty more where that came from, unfortunately.
‘Absolutely not,’ he tells me with a very straight face.
‘Me neither,’ I reply. ‘Let’s do it.’
The smile quickly returns to Rocco’s face.
‘Nice. Well, given that you didn’t in fact go to school with my sister,’ Rocco says in hushed tones, leaning closer, ‘I should probably ask you what your name is.’
I laugh.
‘It’s Billie.’
‘Okay then, Billie, let’s do this,’ Rocco insists.
I spring to my feet.
‘Rocco, there you are,’ Leila says. Her eyes light up the second they land on him. ‘Ready to rock… o.’
She laughs at her own dorky joke. Rocco laughs in a way that I’m sure is just polite.
‘And you found Billie,’ she adds. ‘I put us all on the same lane, along with Tobias.’
‘I was wondering if Billie and I could be on the same team?’ Rocco asks. ‘Otherwise she’s going home.’
Rocco laughs. Leila laughs too, until Rocco turns around to pick up a scarf someone walking past him just drops. When it’s just the two of us, for a few seconds, Leila’s expression changes. She doesn’t look happy, but she turns the smile back on as Rocco turns around. Oh, God, am I stepping on her toes? I’m not trying to. I’m under no illusions about Rocco and the reason he’s taking me under his wing. He so very clearly feels sorry for me.
‘I’m honestly not that bothered for playing,’ I quickly insist.
‘Nonsense,’ Leila says, her voice actually breaking for a second mid-word. ‘It can be you and Rocco versus me and Tobias. Mixed doubles. And may the best man and the best woman win.’
Wow, I can even hear the competitiveness in her voice. Yep, I’m definitely stepping on some toes here.
‘Great, let’s get to it,’ Rocco says excitedly.
It isn’t long before the lanes are ready for us. We all make our way over there, led by Leila, who – as event organiser – is taking her role very seriously. She’s doing a great job, though. As a teacher, I could definitely learn a thing or two from her, for managing the kids.
Leila keys our names into the machine. Eventually we’re joined by a man in his late twenties/early thirties. He’s got mousey-brown hair that is short and neat – but not neatly styled, like he spent time crafting his look, instead just too short to possibly be messy.
‘This is Tobias,’ Leila tells me. ‘Tobias, this is Billie.’
‘Oh, hello?’ he says as our eyes meet. He poses his greeting almost as though it’s a question, I don’t think he’s expecting to see me here. ‘A newbie.’
‘Hi,’ I reply. ‘Yep, this is my first one.’
‘You’ve been missing out,’ Tobias replies. ‘Boozy bingo last night was fantastic.’
‘I’m not a big bingo fan,’ I reply. I’m really not now.
‘I bet,’ he replies, although I’m not sure what he means by that. ‘Has anyone ever told you that you look like Margot Robbie?’
I snort. Oh, wow, he isn’t joking. He might not be joking but he definitely can’t be serious.
‘Never,’ I reply simply.
‘Come on, it’s almost starting time,’ Leila insists.
I’m not really sure what we’re waiting for until it happens. The lights drop to nothing, plunging us into darkness for what is probably only a couple of seconds, but feels like much longer. My senses are heightened. Rocco must only shift on his feet but as his arm brushes mine, it feels almost electric.
The lights come back on but in a completely different way. So different the place doesn’t even resemble the room we were in a few seconds ago. Now I understand the disco part of disco bowling. It’s a full-on party. Dancing colourful lights, a disco ball, and now the music is pumping. The mood has totally shifted into something way more fun. I’m so glad I stayed.
As ‘Believe’ by Cher fades in, I feel a warm wave of comfort wash over me. This disco might be just what I need tonight.
‘Are you on my team?’ Tobias asks me.
‘She wants to be with Rocco,’ Leila tells him.
Everyone is having to raise their voices now that the music is playing but there’s something extra in Tobias and Leila’s exchange, a look between them perhaps.
‘No worries, we’ll thrash them,’ he reassures her.
I sidle up to Rocco.
‘I don’t really know what I’m doing, to be honest,’ I confess. ‘And I’m up first.’
‘I’m not that competitive,’ he replies. ‘Just pick up a ball, roll it down the middle, and knock over as many pins as you can.’
There’s a really comforting casualness to Rocco. I like it. It somehow makes me feel more laidback, just by being in his orbit.
‘Come on then, Billie,’ Leila calls out. ‘Show us what you can do.’
I select a sparkly pink ball from the rack.
‘That’s a kids’ ball,’ she sings, lightly teasing me.
I put it back down and pick up a yellow one. It’s much heavier, so I cradle it with my other hand as I approach the lane.
For a moment, I just stare at it.
‘How do you do the sides?’ I call back.
‘What do you mean?’ Tobias asks.
‘The sides,’ I say again, not that it makes it any clearer. ‘The things that stop it going down the sides.’
‘Ahh, the bumpers,’ Rocco says, helping me out.
Leila practically cackles.
‘They really are for kids,’ she calls back. ‘Go on, you’ll be fine.’
I take a deep breath as I step up to the line. I swing the ball backwards and then launch it down the lane. I don’t think it’s much surprise to anyone when the ball veers left into the gutter and promptly disappears.
‘Oh, hard luck,’ Leila calls out.
Rocco grabs a ball and joins me.
‘Do you want to watch me? I don’t have many skills, but I can pass them on to you, if you like?’
‘That would be great,’ I reply. ‘I clearly need all the help I can get.’
‘So, you take your ball, you stand like this, pull your arm back and…’
Rocco releases the ball. We both watch it travel down the lane. It reaches the pins, veers left, and takes two pins down with it.
‘And that’s how it’s done,’ he says with a playful proudness. I have a feeling he knew that was going to go down like that and it’s completely charming.
We head back over to the seats together.
‘I think our lane might be wonky,’ Rocco jokes. ‘It’s pulling all our balls to the left.’
‘Let me show you both how it’s done,’ Leila insists.
She struts over to select a ball. I do watch her, until Tobias asks me a question.
‘How old are you, Billie?’ he asks.
‘You’re not supposed to ask a woman her age, are you?’ Rocco says with a smile.
‘It’s just a number, nothing to be ashamed of. I’ll be twenty-nine on Christmas Eve,’ he replies. ‘I’m all for equality. How old are you, Rocco?’
‘I’m thirty-six,’ he replies.
‘Wow, you’re a proper grown-up,’ I blurt.
Rocco laughs.
‘Are you not?’ he asks.
‘I’m thirty-two,’ I tell him.
‘I hate to break it to you, kid, but thirty-two is a grown-up too,’ he replies.
I sigh.
‘Don’t make me existential so close to Christmas,’ I say with a laugh.
‘Didn’t you see?’ Leila asks angrily. ‘I got a half strike!’
‘I can beat that,’ Tobias says as he springs to his feet.
Leila sits down opposite us.
‘Tell us about you then, Billie,’ she says. ‘What’s Billie all about?’
I hate being asked questions like that. Mostly just because I draw a complete blank and forget everything interesting about myself. I’m sure there must be some things but none of them are at the forefront right now.
‘I’m a teacher,’ I start.
‘What and where do you teach?’ she enquires.
‘English, at Perstead,’ I reply.
‘Is that the snooty private school?’ she asks.
‘It’s the private school,’ I correct her, but in a gentle, friendly way.
‘Oh, nice,’ she replies. ‘I manage Cea and Toffee, in town. I’ve got four people under me.’
‘Lucky you,’ I joke. It doesn’t land with Leila but Rocco snorts.
‘What do you do for fun?’ she persists. ‘Not bowling, obviously.’
‘No, not bowling,’ I reply. ‘To be honest, I’ve been quite boring for the last year. I bought a house and decided to do the world to it.’
‘You’re up,’ Tobias tells me.
Again? Already?
I puff air from my cheeks.
‘I’ll come with you,’ Rocco says.
‘Tobias, let’s go get some more drinks,’ Leila says. ‘While these two take their turns. I don’t think we’ll miss much.’
Rocco and I slowly make our way over to the ball rack again. ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears is playing. I might suck at bowling but it’s hard not to enjoy disco bowling, even if I am embarrassingly bad.
‘Being a teacher and owning a house are both pretty grown-up things,’ Rocco says with a smile.
