Chapter Six #2
I sent a quick thank you to the gods that he only wanted to talk about the hours I was working. Given Georgia’s big mouth, it could have been far worse. “You know I love taking care of Bobby.”
“I know…and I’m not saying you don’t”—he turned to face me— “but, Dean, you do look really tired. And you should be able to come around and see Bobby when Rebecca and I are there, so it’s more relaxing for you, rather than you having to look after him.
I’ve been selfish. We just prefer leaving him with someone we trust. But…
I don’t want to turn into one of those overprotective dads.
He’ll be going to nursery soon. I’ll have to get used to it then.
Anyway, I’m sorry, little brother, if we’ve been taking advantage of you. ”
I ducked my head, unused to my brother apologizing for anything. I really must’ve looked like crap for him to be so concerned. “We’re not going to hug…and shit…are we?”
Andy laughed. “Nah! Not necessary.” We both paused momentarily for the next round of smiling and waving. Bobby waved back so enthusiastically, he fell over. My brother took an anxious step forward, but within seconds Bobby was back on his feet, laughing and running for the steps on the slide again.
I drained the rest of my coffee, crumpling the polystyrene cup and walking over to the bin to throw it away.
Andy raised his voice to make sure I could still hear him. “How’s the escorting going?”
I swung around quickly. “Jesus, Andy! Tell the whole park, why don’t you?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Answer the question, why don’t you?”
And there it was, the cul-de-sac I’d been hoping the conversation wasn’t going to go down. I stalked back over to him. “If Georgia said something to you about it, just come out with it. Don’t hide behind a polite enquiry, hoping I’ll spill the beans.”
He stared for a few moments. “A bit touchy, aren’t you?”
I chose to ignore the question. “Well, what did she say to you?”
He sighed. “She’s worried about you, Dean. Said you have this really weird client, a weekly thing. That you’re getting yourself emotionally involved, when you don’t even have a clue who the guy is. She says you won’t date—”
I’d heard enough. “That’s not true! I’m not going to date someone just to make you and Georgia happy.”
Andy rubbed his head wearily. “She said she set you up on a date. That you didn’t really give it a proper chance.”
I took a step back, irritation quickly turning to annoyance. “I presume she conveniently forgot to mention he tried to molest me in the bathroom.”
Surprise blossomed on my brother’s face, confirming I was right. “Really?”
“Yeah! But, I mean…if that’s the kind of guy…you and Georgia want me to date. Then, who am I to argue. Maybe you could let him know where he can get hold of some Rohypnol. Then, if I’m not willing, he can just slip it in my drink and do whatever he wants.”
“Dean, you’re being bloody dramatic!”
I sighed, knowing he was right, but I still couldn’t stop myself from continuing to be defensive.
“Maybe you and Georgia should keep your noses out and let me live my life. Did she also tell you she’s gone and set up a Grindr profile for me?
That she’s currently messaging random guys pretending to be me.
She’s set up three dates so far…which of course, I haven’t gone on…
because I’m not that desperate.” I could see from his face, she hadn’t told him that.
“So, you might want to consider that what she’s telling you is only part of the truth.
Maybe you could get the full story next time. ”
My brother shot a look of long suffering patience my way. It made me want to punch him. “That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s why I’m talking to you now. So, this client—”
I interjected quickly. “I don’t want to talk about it.
” I’d spent the last week agonizing over the right thing to do: my finger had hovered over the button to call Tom several times.
Each time, I hadn’t. Each time, I’d figured I’d do it in a couple of hours, or the next day.
Now, it was a Tuesday, and I was running out of time.
I didn’t need the extra pressure. I was already putting enough of it on myself.
Making a big show out of checking my watch, I addressed my brother, “Listen, I have to go. I forgot I’m meant to call in the restaurant today and pick up my share of the weekly tips.
” I started walking backward. “Say goodbye to Bobby for me, will you?”
“I thought you were going to come and have lunch with us.”
“Sorry. Can’t. Like I said, gotta go to the restaurant. Next time.” I turned on my heel and strode off, ignoring anything my brother might call after me. I knew it was a rapid departure. But, sometimes it was necessary, rather than have an argument.
I fumed all the way home. The knowledge Georgia had spoken to my brother behind my back sitting like a lead weight in my gut.
She was meant to be my friend. The one person I could always rely on to be on my side.
I didn’t need anyone else telling me the Tuesday night situation wasn’t healthy.
I knew it wasn’t. But it felt good. They weren’t the ones whose bodies were worshipped before being led to an earth-shattering orgasm.
Add the amount of money I earned on top of that, and quitting wasn’t an easy decision.
Then, there was the fact that if I stopped going, the man’s identity would remain a secret forever.
I’d probably spend the rest of my life wondering who the man with the magic touch had been.
It probably would have been better if Georgia hadn’t been at home. I would have had more of an opportunity to calm down, but there she was, reading some sort of trashy gossip magazine at the kitchen table. She lifted her head and offered a smile as I walked in. “Hi, babe.”
I gave her the most venomous glare I could muster.
“I’m not talking to you!” Stomping over to the counter, I proceeded to ignore her while I made myself a coffee as loudly as possible, ensuring that anything that was possible to slam down on the counter, was.
When she didn’t question my mood, or make a single comment, I glanced over to find her still reading her magazine, seemingly oblivious.
“Did you hear me? I said I’m not talking to you. ”
She lifted her head, one eyebrow quirked. “I heard. That’s why I didn’t bother responding. If you’re not talking to me, it would be a waste of time.”
I threw the teaspoon into the sink from the other side of the kitchen. It hit a mug, making a satisfying clash, and bounced off. “Aren’t you going to ask why?”
She sighed. “You’ve just met up with your brother.
I had a long conversation with him the other day.
When we naturally got on to the subject of how you are, given that is the only thing we have in common, I told him I was worried, and then I told him why I was worried.
Therefore, he’s just asked you about what I said.
So, you’re pissed at me for telling him stuff about you.
In particular, you’re pissed that I mentioned Tuesday nights to him. ”
“Spot on.” I watched in amazement when she went straight back to reading her magazine. “You’re not even going to apologize, claim it just slipped out, or that you didn’t mean to tell him?”
She raised her eyes for a few seconds. “Nope. It would be a lie. I figured I was in desperate need of some backup. You’re not listening to me. So, I hoped you might listen to your brother.”
I shrugged, but she’d already gone back to reading an article about some Z-list celebrity. Picking up my coffee, I made to leave the kitchen.
“Dean.”
I stopped and turned back, unprepared for the plaintive expression on her face.
“It’s Tuesday today. Please tell me you’ve told Tom that you’ve quit.”
“I haven’t told Tom…yet. But…I’m not going to go. Does that make you happy?”
She beamed at me. “Yes, that makes me incredibly happy. I’m only trying to look out for you. You know that, right? There’s a really hot guy on Grindr who messaged you last night. He’s really sporty, and he likes—”
Shaking my head, I walked away.