The pub buzzed with the kind of energy only victory could bring. The air was thick with cigarette smoke, the floor sticky with spilled beer, and the laughter loud enough to shake the walls. West Ham had smashed their rivals earlier that evening, and every bloke inside was high on pride and alcohol.

Pete Dunham sat at his usual spot in the corner, surrounded by his crew — lads he’d known for years, brothers more than mates. Empty pint glasses cluttered the table, the echo of chants still fresh on everyone’s lips. Pete leaned back, grinning, running a hand through his hair as one of the boys tried to reenact the best tackle of the match and nearly knocked over a chair in the process.

It was the usual chaos — until the pub door creaked open.

A woman stepped in. Not the kind you’d normally see around here — too calm, too put together for a place like this. She hesitated for a second, scanning the room like she was looking for someone. Her eyes moved across the crowd, past the bar, over the rowdy lads in West Ham jerseys.

Dan, one of Pete’s closest mates, noticed her first. He elbowed Pete in the ribs. "Oi, Pete. Check that out."

Pete turned his head, eyebrows lifting slightly. “What, never seen a girl in a pub before?”

Dan chuckled. “Not one that don’t look scared to death walkin’ in here.”

Pete smirked, grabbing his pint and watching her over the rim of his glass. There was something different about her — the way she held herself, the way her eyes darted around but didn’t drop when someone met her gaze. She didn’t belong here, and yet… she wasn’t backing off either.

The lads kept whispering and laughing among themselves, tossing crude jokes and nudges, but Pete wasn’t listening anymore. His curiosity had already kicked in. He set his drink down and stood up slowly.

"Where you goin’, mate?" Dan asked, grinning, but Pete ignored him.

He weaved his way through the crowd, the smell of beer and sweat following him, the sounds of chants and laughter fading behind.

Pete stopped in front of the woman, hands in his pockets, eyes locked on hers. "You look a bit lost, love. Not exactly the place for someone like you, is it? You lookin' for summthing?"

The lady looked at Pete when he approached and she took him in first before answering. "I'm looking for my brother."

"Your brother, eh?" Pete answered, looking around to see any new faces. "Don't reckon I've seen him 'ere." He looked back at the woman, noticing the anxious look on her face.

He rubbed his chin for a moment, a thought crossing his mind. "How ‘bout I give you a lift around the area? Maybe he’s hangin’ somewhere. Might be worth a shot."

She paused, thinking about his offer for a moment. Pete could see her hesitation, but she nodded. "If that's not a problem..."

Pete grinned, tipping his head slightly. "No problem at all. Let's get movin' then, yeah? Just gimme a minute." Pete stepped back toward his mates, slipping on his jacket. "Oi, I’ll be back in a sec," he said, giving them a nod.

A few of the lads called out, but Pete didn’t wait — he turned back to the woman and motioned toward the door.

She followed and they walked out. Pete led her to his car — a red SUV parked near the curb. He opened the passenger door for her. "In you go," he said.

She slid into the seat, and Pete closed the door behind her. He climbed in and started the engine.