We waited inside by the bar straining our necks towards the telly broadcasting a match between Sinegal and Colombia to determine who leads Group H in round of 16 of the World Cup. When I saw the sight of Milla from outside, I pictured her entering in slow motion, like they did in films. Sleeveless grey tank top, black suede biker jacket, high heeled peep toe ankle boots, Balenciaga clutch to complement the jacket color, gold accessories on her wrists and neck, billowing hair, classic.

Some heads spun from the telly to her as she entered. Abs' already had her eyes glued to her which makes my heart sunk a bit. I introduced them to each other and they both shook hands. I looked at both of them and a spark of jealousy ignited in me. Both of them looked like a perfectly matched couple with their stylish air. Me in boyfriend jeans, paisley printed shirt, blue jacket and Adidas Stan Smith cannot be compared to them.

We moved from the bar to a table nearby after Milla ordered her drink. Abs zealously began the conversation, "You come here often?"

"Yeah, usually when I am out with close friends," she answered briefly.

"Deansgate is me spot for rendezvous," Abs declared. "Mostly Gorilla and Bijou. Had me birthday bash at Bijou last year, the best I've ever had, rubbing shoulders with Marchus Rashford and one of the Neon Jungle girls."

"That was fun, wasn't it?" Milla gave a half-impressed remark and sipped her Americano. "But I tried to avoid mainstream bars or nightclubs. I don't fancy mingling with unfamiliar faces in the crowd."

"Really? I'm a regular there. I can take you to the VIP suite, cut the line," Abs offered. "You'll have all the spaces you need and celebs to mingle with. Ring me up next time."

"I'll consider the offer," Milla replied politely.

The conversation between her and Abs became livelier, because Abs is an extroverted outgoing person, the conversation could escalate from nightclubs to music, workout spots and favourite things. Unlike me, initiating a conversation is challenging let alone keeping it alive. And as expected they left me behind, getting engaged in the discussion as Abs led most of the topics and Milla listened to them attentively.

"I enjoyed Madrid, the parties were much more ecstatic. I've met Bale in person," Abs continued to gloat. "He's an okay bloke."

"Have you tried their local drinks?" Milla asked.

Abs took a while to think before answering, "I've tried Sangria, but I don't like having fruits floating in my drink. It's disrupting."

"You should try Tinto de Verano, similar to Sangria without all that rubbishness in your glass," Milla suggested and turned to me. "ZJ, shoot me any poison you know."

"She doesn't drink," Abs interjected.

"She's been living here long enough to know some," Milla objected.

"Well, I know a little. Whiskey Fix, Champagne Cocktail, Vodka Martini," I answered.

Milla looked at me, contempted. "Atta girl."

"What's your favourite?" Abs asked her.

"I'm a Caipirinha fan. I love its sweet and sour taste. It's a Brazilian drink but it's my favourite when I go travelling," she claimed. "Fun fact. A local told me that Caipirinha can only be advertised as Caipirinha if it's traditionally prepared with lemon and cachaça which is the base. That's the law. Cachaça is made from fermented sugar cane juice, garapa. The drink can be prepared in many ways, though. You can change the fruit or you can change the base but the name will change too. For instance, you change cachaça to vodka, you get Caipiroska and switch it with Japanese rice wine, you get Sakerinha."

I looked at her in awe, amazed by the amount of knowledge she had on a cocktail.

"You know a lot about spirits," Abs complemented.

"I know even more about Caipirinha," Milla replied, taking another sip.

"But you didn't order any today," I said, gesturing at her half-empty Americano.

"I usually have them on special occasions so that I won't grow tired of it," Milla explained. Abs rolled his eyes at me with a condescending look. "Which reminds me, I am having a house party at Bury this Saturday and I want you two to come."

"Yeah I'd love to go, that sounds sick." Abs responded.

"You have a house in Bury?" I asked.

"One of my girls' weekend house. She hosted it and asked me to organise," Milla replied. "It'll be fun you won't notice it's Bury. They have an indoor swimming pool, my girls are gonna be there too, we're gonna have an early summer party."

"Looking forward to it," Abs' face glistened in anticipation despite looking all composed.

"Do you know Saskia George?" I blurted out of blue. Abs just gave me an incredulous look and kicked me under the table.

"Sorry, no I never heard." Milla replied, astonished. "Is she on Tinder?"

"I don't think you have," Abs glowered.

The meeting ended briefly later, we walked her to her 911. Abs was amused to see her ride and bragged about how he used to drive a Bugatti before. Milla responded with a smile and went in. We then parted our ways.

"You messed it up talking about Sas, nice one!" Abs slapped me by the back. "What the hell, ZJ."

"I thought she knew her and who knows she might be there," I shrugged, recovering from the slap.

"Stop being a bloody wanker for once!" He said in agitation. "I don't give a horse piss if she comes."