His hands were dirty, a layer of mud underneath...

His hands were dirty, a layer of mud underneath each bitten nail. He had the odd cut and scratch on his tanned skin. He cradles his coffee, fingers tapping on the paper up, as he listened to his music. Opposite him was a smartly dressed man, they were about the same age but he had a younger looking face. He wore a dark blue shirt with silver cuffs. The top buttons of his shirt were undone. He alternated between sipping his tea and turning the pages of his book.

A waitress brought their orders, a muffin and a full English. James snatched at the larger plate and began stuffing as much food into his mouth as possible.

“James, slow down.”

“Tom, shut up.” He didn’t even bother looking up.

“When was the last time you ate?” James held up 3 fingers. “Three days. Jesus.” Tom put his book aside and lent forward. “What have you been doing?” He whispered.

“You know stuff.” James paused to push a piece of toast into his mouth.

“You have been gone for 2 months.”

“I was busy.”

“Sleeping on streets!” Tom smacked his hand on the table, and then quickly looked around the empty café. It was empty but he was still nervous.

“Come on lets go.” Tom dropped a couple of tenners on the table and got up.

“Dude its like 6oclock. What the rush?” James patted Tom’s arms reassuringly then pushed him back towards his seat.

“OK we have time to talk then.” Tom dropped his book into his bag and placed his phone onto the table, screen down. James reached over and turned it around and tapped a button. It instantly lit up and app had been opened; the sound recorder. James stopped it and deleted the file.

“If we talk, I want it to be as friends. OK?”