46. Chapter 46
Robinson
At least with so many people at the party, there was no constant badgering from the guys. They knew better than to air Robinson’s shit around strangers. Besides, there was a lot going on. Eliza had brought a stack of papers with her, because apparently everyone there had to sign a release form to appear on camera.
That also gave Robinson some time to talk on his own terms. He stood next to Bunny and sighed. “So, how much is everyone talking behind my back?”
“Not much.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “Mostly, everyone’s happy that you actually found someone. No offense, but you’ve been a theoretical gay for a long time, now. Even Aras seemed like he was pretty pleased to see you venturing out.” She sighed. “I know we were all apart for a long time, so who knows for sure what everyone was thinking. But for my money, I worried about you.”
“I wish you hadn’t.”
She shook her head. “We’re friends, idiot. Of course I worried. Especially after Jake said you moved out. He wasn’t sure if you were in a good enough place. But it all worked out.”
“I wasn’t.” Robinson had kept that all pretty hush-hush, but he may as well spill it now, since everyone knew he was fine now . “I didn’t want to be a burden on him anymore, so I went and stayed with Aras.”
“ Aras ? Grumpy, antisocial, stick up the ass Aras?”
“Yes, that one. He helped me out, and it’s all good now.”
“Well I’m glad.” She gave him one more nudge. “And now I guess I need to get him something better for Christmas.”
“Well, to be fair, he kept it a secret from you all this time.”
She tapped him on the forehead. “Good point. He gets coal again.”
Robinson was making his way toward Ev and Ozzy, but Eliza clapped to get everyone’s attention. He could check in with them later. They needed one last shot, a transition.
Everyone moved in close, and when Robinson took his position, Chuck reached across the table and took his hand. He’d been introduced to everyone already, so there was no shock on the guests’ faces, but Robinson was pretty sure he was in complete disbelief. So were Bunny and the guys, and Eliza’s face was a complete mask of surprise. At least one person didn’t know what was going on.
Chuck pulled him in close and Robinson looked over at him, keeping his voice low. “You sure? If this doesn’t work out—”
“Then I’ll have a fond memory on actual good quality film. You saw my wedding picture.” He grinned. “I’m never going to regret this.” He came in so close that hopefully no one else could hear him. “I might regret the teary-eyed cumshot, but it all worked out in the end.”
Robinson smiled, and kept his spot next to Chuck. He gave Eliza a quick nod to let her know she could go ahead.
Then the cameras rolled, and they caught the final toast with everyone on camera.
Maybe it wouldn’t work out.
Maybe this was a fool’s errand.
Maybe Robinson should have just gone straight back to the hotel with the rest of the crew.
But maybe he could spend some more time out here in this back yard, get to know these people, make some use of that bed and that shower.
And maybe he could get some good mileage out of a Corolla.