Vic gapes. “Really?”
Jerry’s eyes narrow. “You know him?”
“Yeah, I used to share a house with him.”
“Funny. Sean’s never mentioned it.”
I hadn’t, because even though I had an idea who Jerry meant when he mentioned a Gareth Slater, talking about Vic had still been too sore a point. And years later, it didn’t seem important. I squirm in my seat, but Vic saves me, seeming to know why I never said anything.
“Did you know him well?” Vic asks.
Jerry shrugs. “Not really, but I knew who he was.”
“Because you thought he was hot,” I mutter, and Jerry kicks me under the table.
Vic laughs. “He still is.”
That catches my interest, and not necessarily in a good way. “Do you keep in touch with him then?” I try to keep my voice neutral but I’m not sure I succeed.
“Yeah, he’s one of my best friends. He lives in Cornwall now, with his boyfriend.” Vic smirks, and yep, I didn’t hide that flare of jealousy at all. He glances between me and Jerry. “Did you two know each other at uni?”
“No.” I shake my head. “Didn’t meet until about ten years ago when Jerry moved here to be near his mum and dad.” That sentence hits a bit close to home, even after all these years, and my hand shakes a bit as I reach for my glass. It takes me totally by surprise because I’ve not felt anything like that for a while.
Jerry notices and lifts his empty glass to grab Vic’s attention. “Anyone need a drink?”
“I’d love to stay for one,” Vic says, “but I promised Hailey I’d run her to the supermarket before it closes. Her back’s been playing up so she doesn’t want to drive.”
“Sean?” Jerry asks, but I’ve got to drive soon so I decline as well. “Back in a sec, then.”
As soon as he’s out of earshot, Vic sighs. “I’m sure Jerry’s a lovely bloke, but I wish you weren’t seeing him tonight.”
I almost sayme too, but I’m looking forward to seeing Jerry. I just wish I could see Vic too. “You could come.” The offer is out of my mouth before I’ve fully thought it through, but Vic shakes his head.
“Thanks for the offer, but I said I’d eat with Hailey and Joe tonight.”
Of course.
And I’m not sure Jerry would be all that thrilled about being a third wheel. Probably for the best.
Vic stands as Jerry comes back. “Sorry to cut this short, but I need to go get a change of clothes out of my car before I take Hailey.”
“I’ll walk you out.” I’m up before anyone can say anything, and after telling Lucky to stay, I guide Vic towards the door.
Neither of us has coats on and we shiver in sync as we step outside.
“Fuck me, it’s cold.” Vic shivers again and I frown at him.
At least I’ve got a long-sleeve thermal on. He’s in a T-shirt for fuck’s sake. “You’re gonna freeze.” Before he can protest, I duck back inside and grab my coat off the back of my chair.
“Shut it,” I mutter at Jerry’s raised eyebrows. His laughter follows me as I hurry back out to Vic.
“You didn’t need to do that,” he says but doesn’t hesitate to slip into it when I hold it out for him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He turns to face me, and we’re so close our breaths mingle in the chilly night air. Half the pub is probably watching out the front windows, but I don’t care. I grip the collar of his coat,my coat, and tug him into a kiss.
His lips are warm still as they meet mine, and it’s like sinking into an old familiar rhythm, we fit so well together. His arms come around my waist, anchoring me to him, and suddenly I don’t notice the cold anymore.
