Dave's friend

Not thinking too much about the consequences, Mark nodded, breaking into a smile and nodding. "Yeah that's right, Dave's friend. Is he about?"

The door opened wide and the man ushered him in. "Come on in," he said, gesturing towards the main living area. "Fun's that way."

"Thanks..." said Mark, stepping into the apartment and noting the significant differences from his own. Not only had this place been refitted with the very best of everything, fancy fittings, marble benchtops and polished floorboards, but it looked like it had been professionally decorated. Minimalist furniture was dotted about the open plan room and tasteful modern art lined the walls. His inpection of the place was interrupted as the man who had let him in pushed a cold beer into his hand. "Like it?" He asked, mimicking Mark's gaze around the room.

"Oh yes, very impressive. Much nicer than my... place." he stumbled, barely remembering his pretence in time. He looked around the space, there were a few people sitting in lounges around the TV that was playing some sort of visualisation in time with the beats, while others milled around in the kitchen, deep in animated comversation.

"Just a little get together... I will introduce you later. Come, Dave's in his room. He's been waiting for you." his host walked off towards the bedrooms leaving Mark no option but to follow. Nervousness bubbled in his gut as they approached the door which swung open to reveal a tastefully furnished bedroom, again minimalist in style. Dave, evidently was a dark haired man in his late thirties from what Mark could tell. He was seated at a desk, in front of him a plate of powder which he was crushing up with a card. He turned as they entered, a smile breaking out over his clean shaven face as he greeted Mark.

"You made it..." he said, his voice a low growl. "Good, come in take a seat." he said, gesturing to the end of the bed. "I'm almost done here."

Mark nodded, nervously stepping into the room offering only a muted "Hi." in response before taking a seat. Dave nodded to his friend in the doorway who smiled and backed away, closing the door behind him.

Dave turned back to his plate and resumed his work as Mark watched him from the bed. He could tell Dave was well built, perhaps some kind of athlete, his broad shoulders and muscular arms evidence of some serious gym time. This only heightened Marks nerves, he had begun to seriously regret his little lie.

"So, a bit mad out there... sorry about that. A little impromptu gathering. Happens a bit here." he tapped the plate a few times, then leaned in to inhale what sounded like a huge line. He took a moment then turned to Mark, offering him a short metal straw with a nod.