Chapter Twenty
The moment the ceremony ended, as the bride and groom made their way down the aisle, Tommy thanked the violinists before jumping down from the stage. Overheated from wearing his suit in the midday sun and eager to grab a cold drink and find Mitchell, Tommy locked his cello and bow into their case. Once he had stashed the instrument securely, he headed for the small white tent where his friends sheltered. Huddled around a tall table, he found Devon, Oscar and William—but no Mitchell. With Harold still recovering in hospital because of complications with his surgery, Mitchell had asked if William could be invited.
“You’re a dark horse, Tommy Chow,” said Oscar, patting his shoulder and shoving a glass of bubbly into his hand. “You play beautifully. Heaven only knows how my boyfriend managed to keep that amazing talent of yours a secret.”
“No need to cover for me, darling,” said Devon, pecking Oscar on the cheek. “Tommy knows how hopeless I am at keeping secrets. I told him you’d be playing, Tommy, but made him swear to tell nobody. Honestly, I didn’t even know if you would go through with the whole playing-to-an-audience thing.”
“Sammi would have killed me if I’d backed out. Where’s Mitchell?”
Not that Tommy didn’t appreciate his friend’s praise, but he wanted Mitchell’s opinion.
“Nobody’s seen him,” said Devon, trying to hide his concern. “But don’t worry. I’m sure he’s around here somewhere.”
“She looks beautiful, by the way,” said Oscar, maybe to distract Tommy. “Your sister.”
“Like a modern day Princess Grace of Morocco,” said Devon, adding a sigh. “And their vows almost had me in tears again. Come on, Oz. Let’s go over and say hello before they’re chauffeured off to the reception.”
Oscar and Devon sauntered across the lawn, arms around each other. Once again, Tommy scanned the grounds to see if he could spot Mitchell.
“What the hell did you do to him?” asked Aaron, appearing through the crowd. Sammi had told him that Aaron had managed to snag an invitation courtesy of his cousin, one of the bridesmaids.
“Devon?” asked Tommy, following Aaron’s line of sight to an row of seats at the back of the lawn.
“Baxter. He certainly washes up well,” said Aaron, nodding his approval. “You managed to turn an ugly fuckling into a swan.”
“I did nothing. Mitchell Baxter,” said Tommy, irked at Aaron’s tone, “has a unique brand of attraction.”
“If you say so. He’s certainly looking delicious today.”
“Where is he?” asked Tommy.
“Alec’s friend seemed to think so,” said William. “Practically drooling on him.”
“The haircut, the designer clothes, the makeover,” said Aaron, rubbing his chin. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him looking more…”
“Uncomfortable?” finished William, staring off into the crowd. Tommy glared at him but saw only pity in his eyes. “Thank goodness Harold wasn’t here. He’d have been mortified.”
Had Mitchell looked uncomfortable? If only Tommy hadn’t been in such a rush that morning, he could at least have checked in with him. But Mitchell had willingly volunteered to dress in the clothes they’d picked out together. He’d sacrificed his usual plain style to improve his appearance. Or had he only agreed because he’d wanted to make Tommy happy?
“Where the hell is he?” asked Tommy.
“Poor thing. About to lose his job, too,” said William, either oblivious to or ignoring the remark.
“William. Where’s Mitchell?”
“I think him and Gerry went to the Hyatt,” came Alec’s voice behind him. “One of the bridesmaids saw them getting into the back of a taxi together.”
Tommy's heart sank. When he turned, Alec studied him with sympathy. Tommy had texted Mitchell a couple of times during the week, but they had not spoken because of Mitchell’s stupid work issues and Tommy being roped in after school to carry out last-minute wedding chores and entertain relatives.
“Sorry, Tommy, mate. My fault. I told Gerry to keep an eye out for him. But they can’t be more than fifteen minutes ahead, if you want to go now.”
“There are things I need to say. But I told Sammi I’d stay behind and help any stragglers find their way—”
“Don’t be a dick,” said Alec. “I can do that. And I’m sure I can rope in others give me a hand. My job was to help Daley and Sammi welcome guests at the other end. I’ll text Daley and tell them we swapped roles. Trust me, he’ll understand.”
“If it helps, I have an Uber waiting,” said William, his expression as blank as ever. “I can give you a lift.”
“Go,” said Alec.
Tommy downed his champagne and thumped the glass onto the tabletop. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen. I have a wedding date to rescue.”
Tommy didn’t quite hear the Aaron's comment, but he was sure he heard a murmur of encouragement from Alec. Either way, he didn’t care. At least for today, Mitchell had promised to be his date.
Once they climbed into the back of the Tesla, Tommy realised he had never been alone with William. Even though William appeared happy to let the journey go by in silence, Tommy felt obliged to make conversation.
“It’s kind of you to share your ride.”
“Yes,” said William, staring out of the passenger window. Tommy thought William might ask more, but another few minutes went by.
“How’s Harold doing?” he asked.
“I’m going to see him at four. We’re hoping he’ll be discharged early next week. But this is only the first round of operations.”
“Must be difficult? For you?”
“I’ll survive. I’m more concerned about Hal.”
“Please give him my best when you see him.”
William said nothing for a few seconds.
“Do you remember that dreadful cocktail party in Repulse Bay? Back in April?”
Tommy snorted. “How could I forget?”
“That night, after you’d both left, Harold told me that you and Mitchell would make the perfect couple. I told him he was talking out of his arse.”
“I would have told him the same. But things change.”
“That much is obvious.”
Even though Tommy kept his gaze focused on the road ahead, he felt William turn to scrutinise him. William eventually spoke as the car turned into the lane leading up to the hotel entrance.
“Go and find Mitchell while I tip for the driver. But promise me you’ll be kind. Of all of us, he alone has loved and lost. Mitchell may have a huge heart, but it’s also delicate.”
“His sister told me the same thing.”
“You know his sister?” asked William.
“Not personally, but Zane must have said something because she called me last week. Said almost exactly what you just said, word for word.”
“And what did you say?”
“I promised her, too.”
Signs for the wedding punctuated the hotel lobby. Tommy followed them and the accompanying gold and red balloons to the Grand Ballroom, where Sammi and Daley stood to greet guests. While chatting to one of their uncles, Sammi noticed Tommy and smiled before pointing back the way Tommy had come. From the words she mimed, he realised she wanted him to head back to the hotel’s champagne bar.
Other guests had congregated there, and Tommy found Mitchell in a quiet corner chatting together with a ginger-headed man wearing a traditional black tux. Even from the back, Mitchell looked stunning, the haircut and the clothes suiting him perfectly. As Tommy approached, he clenched his teeth clenched and curled one of his fists. The flame-haired ape with the lecherous smile had just brushed a speck of something from one of Mitchell’s shoulders. Who the hell did he think he was?
“Mind if I talk to my wedding date?” asked Tommy, not bothering to introduce himself nor hiding the hard edge to his tone. Mitchell twisted around in surprise, a glass flute clutched to his chest.
“Date?” asked the carrot-top idiot, his gaze fixed on Mitchell. “Thought you said he was just a friend?”
“He is,” said Mitchell, eyeing Tommy curiously. “But we had an agreement to be each other’s dates to the wedding, rather than attend alone.”
“And we need to talk,” said Tommy.
“Go ahead then, mate,” said the idiot with a smirk, not budging. “Don’t mind me.”
“ Privately ,” said Tommy.
“Whoa,” said the man, holding his hands up and backing up a step. “No worries. Need to find the dunny, anyway. Let’s catch up later, Mitch.”
The idiot had the audacity to wink at Mitchell as though sharing a private joke before sauntering across the room. Tommy glowered after him.
“ Sei puk gai ,” he muttered, turning to see Mitchell grinning at him. “What are you smirking at?”
“Nothing,” said Mitchell, gently shaking his head before sipping from his bubbly. “Nothing at all. You did amazingly well today, Tommy. I was running late and arrived just as the ceremony began. But I heard you play. You were sensational up there.”
Tommy’s foul mood melted instantly. Mitchell owned his new outfit, but what Tommy enjoyed most was hearing Mitchell’s voice and especially his praise. Without asking, he took the glass from Mitchell’s hand and drained the remains of the champagne.
“This is me doing you a favour,” he said, handing the empty glass to a passing waiter. “Today’s going to be a long one and I need you sober. I came to find you for a few reasons. Firstly, I wanted to apologise. I realise I strong-armed you into doing this makeover—”
“Hold on a second. I love the suit, especially with the matching bow tie and pocket hanky. And, believe it or not, the new haircut. None of which I would have chosen, but sometimes we all need to try something new. The shoes are as unforgiving as a trip to the dentist, but the pain is finally beginning to subside, even though I’ll probably have blisters in the morning. The only thing I’m truly uncomfortable with is the amount of attention I seem to be drawing.”
“You deserve to be seen, Mitchell,” said Tommy softly, and he meant every word. “But there’s something missing. The final finishing touch, if you will allow me. Sorry I didn’t get the chance to do this earlier.”
Tommy reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
“Like me, close male family members are wearing white rose buttonholes. But when I saw this, for some reason, the cute little accessory felt entirely right for you.”
Tommy lifted a lapel pin from inside and showed Mitchell. The golden head of a wolf had caught his eye during their shopping trip, and he’d immediately thought of Mitchell, the measured stare he gave people, quietly sizing them up, the way he had almost passed unnoticed through Tommy’s life. Mitchell’s reaction was not what Tommy had expected. At first, he appeared startled, his brows creasing together and eyes beginning to glisten with tears.
“Or not,” said Tommy, pulling the pin away. “Not if you don’t like—”
“No,” said Mitchell, grabbing Tommy’s hand. “It’s perfect. Just—unexpected. I love it, Tommy. I really do. Can you do me the honours?”
While Tommy fumbled to pin the broach in place, he could feel Mitchell’s steady gaze on him. Once Tommy had finished and their eyes met, Mitchell surprised him with a peck on the lips.
“What was that for?”
“Partly for keeping up appearances. But, in all honesty, for proving me wrong about you. For how much I value our friendship and your company and, most of all, for you just being you, Tommy Chow.”
Tommy stared at Mitchell as something inside him melted. Mitchell might have been wrong about him, but Tommy had also misjudged Mitchell. Maybe Aaron and others might finally have noticed him today, but Tommy had been lucky enough to spend time with him and get to know the real Mitchell.
“Then at least let’s do this properly,” said Tommy, putting his arms around Mitchell’s neck and pulling him in for a kiss. Mitchell’s lips felt warmly familiar, tasting of sweet champagne while his body smelled of the ever-present scent he loved to wear. Mitchell broke the kiss first.
“What about Alec?” asked Mitchell.
“What about Alec?”
“I thought we were hatching a plan to get you into his pants.”
“Priorities change. I’m not sure Alec and I are compatible. He’s never seen a single Toy Story movie. Says he always thought they were for kids. Besides, someone else has caught my attention of late. Even if they do prefer Adele over Beyoncé. Something we can work on. I remember telling you that sometimes people are meant to be together, however strange their partnership might appear to others. Take Oscar and Devon, and Harold and William, for example. What I’m trying to say is that I want you by my side for the rest of the day, and even longer, if you’ll have me. But today I want you with me talking to guests as they arrive, sitting together through the dinner and speeches, and with me on the dance floor. And in my bed, later tonight. They’ve booked me a room here, by the way.”
“I didn’t bring a change of clothes,” said Mitchell, looking adorably bewildered.
“Really? That’s all you picked out from my heartfelt soliloquy?”
“No.” Mitchell chuckled. “I mean, yes, of course I want to be by your side and in your bed. Why would I want to be anywhere else? And I would be honoured to meet the rest of your family. And if you’re not tired tonight, maybe we could watch a movie—”
“The hell we will. And, by the way, if Dexter’s Laboratory comes within ten feet of you again—”
“Who?”
“The ginger prick I just caught laying his hands on you. If he comes by again, I swear by my ancestors, I will set my grandmother on him.”
Mitchell’s humoured expression turned serious.
“Don’t laugh, but I met her today. Your grandmother. You never told me she’s also my landlady.”
“She’s what?”
“My landlady. The person who owns the flat I rent.”
“Yes, I know what a landlady is,” said Tommy, and he sighed as the penny dropped. “That explains it. I knew I’d been to your apartment block before. Thought maybe for a random hook-up. But she has six apartments she rents out. As a teenager, to earn extra pocket money, I used to help her clean and redecorate them whenever a tenant moved out.”
“Small world.”
“Welcome to Hong Kong,” said Tommy, before linking his arm with Michell’s. “Come on, we have a job to do. Let’s go greet the guests.”