‘Guys. Patty said to make ourselves at home, but she was adamant about not letting you engage in any sort of sexual activity on her furniture.’
Charles props himself up to meet Liv’s amused eyes. ‘So we can do it standing in the middle of the room?’
‘Technically, yes, but tea is ready.’
‘And you can’t be Chappy to the point of crying and not share the why with me,’ George says, his arms folded.
‘Fair…’ Charles leans back closer to Loris’ mouth. ‘Next time you have such an announcement, wait until we’re some place where I can properly express my gratitude.’
‘I don’t think I can top this one, but okay.’
Charles stands up, a smile spreading across his face.
He juts his chin at the door to ask George to wait in the kitchen and be patient for two more minutes. Charles shouldn’t rouse his friend’s curiosity, as the news is Olwinski-related and will be a bit of a let-down. But first, he wants to follow through with the exhilarating idea that has just taken control ofCharland.
‘What about me?’ he asks in a hushed voice when Loris wraps an arm around his waist. ‘Can you top that?’
‘What?’
‘As soon as possible? Today?’
Loris comes to an abrupt stop, so Charles pivots to walk backwards, his pulse racing.
‘After your shift, that is.’
‘Yeah. Sure. Yeah. After my shift. That I’m gonna spend thinking about it. Thanks.’
‘You can escape to the cold room to change kegs even if they don’t need to be changed.’
Loris gurgles a confirmation.
Laughing, Charles whirls around and enters the kitchen.
His heart slows down but doubles in size when he faces Liv and George, seated around the table with perplexed and caring looks. The Downeses are the one family he wants to answer to for his projects to come. The trip to Devon next weekend, the graphic novel, Enrica Bianchi’s invitation and every facet of the future he’s drafting with Loris. Charles will just keep quiet about his most immediate decision – until George gets him tipsy enough for an update on his sex life.
Loris pulls up the chair across from him, his eyes asking another question. Charles tangles their legs underneath the table and grins, to answer that, yes, he’s absolutely sure.
It became clear this morning, while Loris was using his fingers to provoke sensations Charles is getting addicted to, that it’s no longer enough. That he’s ready and longing to discover the same pleasure he’s learnt to give Loris.
Charles wants more and wants it tonight. He’s spent an unhealthy percentage of adulthood putting off prospects he was apprehensive about, as well as thrilling ones he didn’t want to stop looking forwardto. He’s equally apprehensive and thrilled about this new first time with Loris, but he’s done postponing. The past few weeks have been the most enriching of his life, because their days together seemed numbered, and he was determined to make the most of each. The amount of sand in their hourglass may be increasing with every conversation they have, Charles has no intention to go back to overthinking and wasting any.
At 4pm, Loris heads to the North Haven to take over from Patty, and Charles follows his friends to their parents’ place. During dinner, he needs frequent tibia kicks from George to stay in the moment, his thoughts drifting towards the end of the night.
As soon as Loris texts him that he’s about to call last orders, Charles says goodbye to the Downeses to go wait for him in the flat.
He takes a shower, slips on Loris’ sweatpants and washes the dishes they left in the sink after lunch. When the last plate is shining enough to blind him and Loris still isn’t here, Charles starts pacing the room. After a few minutes, he stops to stare at the pub through the window, then slouches on the bed with a book, only to jump and pace again.
He eventually sits back on the edge of the mattress to improvise a rock version ofBoléroon his lap.
Perhaps he should have put on a t-shirt to appear less eager to—
Loris storms in and, three seconds later, he’s standing between Charles’ legs, kissing him breathless, and highlighting how clothes are a complete waste of fabric.
They should live naked and embraced. Forever. In front ofKaunas. Enrica seems fond of them after a single email, it won’t take much persuasion to move into the painting room and live on love and iced grenadine alone.
‘Charles…’
Lying on his back, Charles raises his knees around Loris’ hips now that all the waste of fabric they were wearing is on the floor. ‘No. I haven’t changed my mind.’
