Charles looks up from his computer screen. Gareth’s eyebrows are raised in a silly hat above his glare. Most days, he ignores Charles’ greeting, but today that he didn’t get one, he’s taking offence.
‘Hello…’
‘You were late.’
‘Sorry. Traffic.’
‘You walk here.’
‘Yes, that was a joke.’ Charles sighs, then forces a smile that costs him more energy than he has to spare. ‘Good morning, Gareth. How can I be of service?’
‘We’re having an emergency meeting that might drag on, so handle my calls. Take contact details, but don’t get involved.’
‘Sounds complicated. Let’s pray I’ll manage.’
‘What’s with the new attitude? You know that anyone with at least three neurons can get into that business course? Or no neurons at all with a surname like yours.’
‘Thank you for putting me in my place, I’d be lost without your guidance.’
Gareth’s nostrils flare, adding an extra touch of stupidityto his face.
As soon as he turns into the hallway leading to the meeting rooms, Charles unlocks his phone.
He was late because he walked at a snail’s pace, slowed down by the traffic in Charland as he was trying to come up with a message for Loris. Now that he’s put one together in his head, he prefers to type and send it before the next tailback.
09:41I hope you enjoyed the rest of your night.
09:41 I’ll be honest my visit is blurry. I came from my own friends’ gathering and I was a bit high. It usually results in an overdramatic Charles so forget that performance, it meant nothing. I feel great this morning.
09:42Try not to kill any tourists. Tomorrow’s posing session wouldn’t be as fun in a prison cell.
Charles drops his phone onto the desk to drill his temples with his knuckles.
He had a disturbing nightmare, where he revealed his weakness and admitted to needing Loris to feel better. When he woke up, he understood with horror that it was just another replay of what happened at the North Haven last night.
A cold shower brought the situation from cataclysmic to simply problematic, and half a litre of coffee gave him a solution: lie to take back his confessions.
He can’t have Loris openly preoccupied with his wellbeing. His caring attitude yesterday was only comforting because Charles went to the pub hanging by a thread, unable to thrive from enlightening interactions. But he needs to ensure that their dynamic evolves in a safe and inspiring direction. Loris has to remain too captivated by the drawing-worthy surface to dig into the ugliness, even if he sees through Charles’ act.
There’s no longer any doubt that he does, and this is the reason why Charles texted such a flimsy excuse. He’s hoping Loris will take the hint that he should go back to pretending to be fooled. That last night wasn’t a step towards daily updates on Charles’ struggles. And in return – although he’s making this deal with himself – Charles won’t let what he’s not supposed to know about Enzo affect his attitude when he’s with Loris.
This is one of the confusing conclusions he came to after dissecting his visit to the pub.
Aliah and Phoebe disclosed information he would bet Loris wasn’t going to tell him. Why did they? Doesn’t it matter as much as Charles thinks? It feels meaningful, but then again, his only ex didn’t break his heart, and they never drew the line at sleeping together, so what does he know?
He grabs his phone to text George.
09:46Thank you for last night.
09:46I forgot to ask (what’s new?): Are you still seeing Hannah? Are you still freaking out? Are you alright in any case?
When it comes to romantic drama, Charles might be next to useless to George, but he has to try. And tonight, he will check up on Alex and call Elsy to investigate her state of heart. They all deserve better from him.
George seems to be offline but Loris is typing, so Charles keeps his phone close at hand, stompingBoléroon the floor.
09:48 WITH ONE LWe’re gonna stroll on the Heath today so my criminal record should remain clean
09:48 WITH ONE LHappy to hear you’re feeling good
