Chapter 52
Chapter Fifty-Two
The next morning, I wake up in Florian’s arms at his home. And it’s the most incredible feeling. I’ve wanted him, and now I’m here, and I can’t believe it. A slow smile spreads across my face.
Today, I have the day off. Last night, I texted my mum that I was well, as I’ve messaged her every night since I moved back to London. But now, all I want to do is lie here with Florian forever. Which, the practical part of me realizes, isn’t feasible, but a boy can dream.
Eventually, we get up after a slow start, quite possibly following a distraction or two. Florian tells me he needs to call in on Gabriel this morning and asks if I want to meet him properly this time. And of course, I say yes.
Which is how I find myself with Florian on the step outside of Gabriel’s impressive-looking flat in a Georgian building not far from Florian’s home. Florian called Gabriel to let him know he was coming with someone he wanted Gabriel to meet.
Florian rings the doorbell. “I think he’s on an upswing,” he murmurs.
I have no idea what Gabriel’s like, because overall, Florian’s said very little to me about him other than his health struggles. But it means so much to me that he’s taken me to meet Gabriel, which suggests to me that Florian’s talked to him about us.
There’s a long pause while we wait for the door to be answered. I give Florian a sidelong glance. His coat’s buttoned to his chin, and his breath makes tiny clouds in the cold but sunny day. He smiles and gives me a quick kiss.
And there’s a click as the door unlatches, and it opens, and there’s Gabriel in the full light of day.
Despite them not being identical twins, I can tell they’re brothers.
Gabriel’s tall and has dark hair too, except his is wavy and mid-length, falling over his brow, and artfully styled.
He has a slight shadow of stubble and blue eyes and a great big grin as he sees us on the front step.
He’s definitely handsome, like Florian. It’s hard to imagine this was the distraught man we picked up one night months ago.
“Well, well,” says Gabriel, looking very pleased to see us. “Good morning, Flo. And you must be the Matty I keep hearing so much about. I’m Gabriel. I’m very glad to meet you properly.”
I lift my eyebrows and smile, surprised. Florian flushes pink, and it’s absolutely adorable. “Great to meet you too.”
We shake hands, and then Gabriel hugs Florian, and we all head inside.
“Make yourself at home,” Gabriel says easily. “Feel free to hang up your coat on the hooks there, Matty. Reception room’s this way.”
There are high corniced ceilings, and when we enter the reception room, there are more gorgeous ceilings and a chandelier and a stunning marble fireplace.
The best feature of all is the tall Georgian windows letting in a flood of winter light.
It would be brilliant for painting. I notice a series of large, framed photographs of glamorous men and women looking like an editorial magazine spread with fashion and fantastical settings.
“Please, sit. Would you like tea or coffee? I can make espresso drinks too. Valuable life skill,” he says cheerfully, looking at us with such hope that making coffees for us would be an absolute delight.
“Cappuccino, please,” says Florian.
“I’d love a latte.” It’s hard not to get caught up in Gabriel’s infectious energy and charm. I grin back. “Thanks.”
“Great. Also, I ran out this morning to the patisserie, so I have some pastries I’ll bring out too. Do you want any sugar in your coffee?” Gabriel asks.
“No, that’s alright, thanks.”
Gabriel chuckles. “You’re sweet enough already, don’t worry. Especially to put up with Flo.”
“You make me sound like a monster,” Florian complains, but I can tell he’s in a good mood by the way his eyes sparkle.
“I call it as I see it.” Then Gabriel winks and heads out of the room.
I laugh, and Florian smiles warmly at me.
Soon, in the distance, we hear the grinding of coffee beans and the screech of a steamer.
I look around the room, taking in the decor.
We sit on a pale gray linen sectional sofa, with Florian at one end and me on the chaise portion.
There’s a large square coffee table piled with photography books and a couple of novels.
On the other side of the table are two comfortable-looking armchairs and a pouf footrest.
When Gabriel returns, he brings out a tray with our coffees and a selection of pastries, small plates, and napkins. He sets it down on a corner of the coffee table and distributes the coffee.
“Please attack the pastries, boys,” Gabriel encourages. “It doesn’t eat itself.”
“Sounds apocalyptic,” remarks Florian, sipping his cappuccino.
I smile and help myself to a strudel.
Gabriel sits down on one of the armchairs. “I’m so glad to meet you at last.” He beams at me like he’s been reunited with a long-lost friend. “Flo says you’re an artist.”
“Well, I’m trying to be a painter,” I offer.
“Nonsense. You’re obviously a painter and a fine one at that. I saw your beautiful paintings at my brother’s. You’re very talented.”
I feel my face warming. “I’m trying to get back into it after a break,” I confess, because Gabriel doesn’t seem like the judgmental sort. “I found some studio space in London.”
“That’s brilliant news.” Gabriel looks very pleased to hear that, then leans a little. “I’m a fashion photographer, if you can’t tell.”
“Oh!” I’m impressed. “Are those your photos on the wall? They’re stunning.”
“Thanks. They’re my work,” Gabriel says cheerfully.
“I want to be able to work more reliably. But I freelance. Sometimes it’s a little hard to plan with my health.
I love photography. Fashion Week’s coming up in February, and I’m trying to get ready, hoping to work it if I can, because I missed London Fashion Week in September when I was in the hospital.
London only. Flo, don’t look so worried.
” Gabe peers at me. “He worries a little too much, like I’m going to burn the house down at any minute.
For the record, I’ve burned down precisely zero houses.
No kitchen fires either. No fires of any kind. ”
I smile, and so does Gabriel. Florian shakes his head, and I start in on my pastry.
“Are you going to dinner tomorrow?” Gabriel asks Florian. “At our parents’,” he tells me. “I call it running the gauntlet.”
Florian nods. “I think so. Do you want me to pick you up?”
“Please. You know it’s better when we arrive at the same time. Dad’s been on my case again.”
Florian frowns. “Okay. Good to know.”
“He said he might be away on business, but he won’t know ’til tonight.
” Gabriel shrugs, eating a chocolate croissant with great relish over his plate.
“But listen, Matty. We have our birthday coming up soon, me and Florian. You’ll need to come.
I’m hosting a party and planning the guest list to send out invites. ”
“When’s the party?” I ask curiously. “I’d love to come. If Florian wants me there.”
“Of course I would love for you to come,” Florian tells me before turning to Gabriel. “Just don’t overdo it, Gabe…”
“It’s in January,” Gabriel says, undaunted. He waves Florian off. “It’ll be a blast. Businessmen and the art crowd, what a mix.” He grins. I laugh.
“Opposites attract,” I tell him.
“Try to keep it to fifty guests,” Florian tells Gabriel.
“That’s nothing.” Gabriel looks indignant. “I know a lot of people in fashion and design and related things.”
“You get the lion’s share of the guest list,” Florian tells him.
“Okay, fine.” Gabriel shakes his head. “Just give me names this week.”
“Okay,” Florian agrees.
We talk about my move back to London, how I find the city overwhelming, coming from the country.
About going to uni in Brighton. And meeting Florian being the highlight of London.
Eventually, I’m sitting on the sofa side by side with Florian, with his hand on the small of my back.
Like it belongs there and me beside him.
When Gabriel leaves the room, I kiss Florian. “Thanks for bringing me here to meet your brother,” I murmur. “It means a lot. I know how important he is to you. He’s great.”
“He’s having a good day,” Florian offers, giving me another kiss. “He’s thrilled to pieces to meet you. Because I have told him about you. More than once.”
I smile affectionately at him.
When it’s time to leave, Gabriel gives me a big hug once we have our coats on in the entry. “Do visit again soon,” Gabriel encourages me. He whispers, “Florian’s happiest when he’s talking about you.”
Another smile stretches across my lips, and I give Florian a sidelong glance. He does look happy. A contented sigh escapes me as Florian takes my hand and squeezes.
“You two are too adorable.” Gabriel shakes his head. He grins. “Okay, Flo, call me tomorrow. Have fun today. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“That’s a low bar,” Florian quips, and Gabriel laughs, and I can tell this banter is easy and familiar between them.
“At least Matty has standards,” Gabriel teases, clapping me on the shoulder. “Right. See you both soon.”
“Don’t forget to order groceries,” Florian tells him.
“I’m doing it right now.”
And when we walk down the tiled path to the street, Florian’s hand in mine, I feel like I’m on top of the world. And a part of Florian’s.
Back at Florian’s after lunch, we spend the afternoon entangled together in bed.
Florian’s just collapsed on me, his head resting on my chest as I gasp for breath, my face burning.
I wrap my arms tight around him. He’s radiating heat, slightly damp with perspiration, and fully mine.
I sink into the comfortable mattress with our combined weight.
Being skin to skin makes me reel with pleasure.
Like the rest of the world’s on hold. For us, right now, everything that matters is in this room, in each other’s embrace.
“You make me feel incredible,” I whisper. Which is a simple way to describe the expansive feeling in my chest about the size of a galaxy. All because of Florian.
“That’s because you’re incredible.” He lifts his head for a moment, a smile on his lips. He’s flushed, and he kisses my chest before settling against me again, drowsing. Like his head belongs there too.
“Mm.” I hold him close. I don’t want this moment to ever end. This incredible feeling of being wanted and blissed-out and together again. We’ve fought hard to get here, and the reward is so sweet. “Thanks for today. And last night.”
“Likewise, gorgeous.”
“Your brother’s great.”
“He has his moments,” he quips. “Yeah, he is. Gabriel was so excited to meet you. He was worried about me for a while too. I guess it’s a twin thing. I always know when something’s off with him.”
I smooth his hair. “Of course he worries about you. I think you both take care of each other, from what I can tell. It’s a good system.”
He kisses my chest again. “I’m so glad you’re back in London.”
Smiling, it’s all I can do to keep from floating away, blissful. “I’m excited to be here with you. It makes me think I’m going to make it this time.”
And it’s true. With Florian, it’s easier to imagine a future in London while still keeping connected with my family in Glynde. And being able to see Florian as part of that world too, and me part of his.
It’s early days, but I’m getting on even footing again as I work my new job four days a week and paint around my new schedule. And, at last, I’m growing in confidence as an artist. Finally, I’ve got my legs under me, against the firm ground.
Because together with Florian, it feels like we can do anything.