Do I want to go?
I think so. It’ll be good to see Vic again under better circumstances this time. And another trip to Charnwell is more than a little appealing. It’ll also get me away from here, and honestly, as much as I’d like to see Sean again, that’s the main draw for me.
And you’ll get to see Jerry.
Before I can dwell on why the thought of that gives me butterflies, my phone buzzes.Jerryappears on my phone screen, like I summoned him by just thinking about him.
Jerry: I am going, yes.
Jerry: Are you?
Reed: Yeah I think so. Sean said I can stay at his place and to come up on the Friday and make a weekend out of it.
A simple yes would probably have done. Jeez. I’m not even sure why I told him all that. I definitely don’t want him to feel obligated to see me or anything. But, I mean, I’dliketo see him. Maybe? We’re friends now, right? Sort of?
Thank fuck Jerry messages again before I can talk myself out of going at all.
Jerry: You should, it’s beautiful around here, even at the end of summer.
Reed: I think I’ve only been there when it’s cold and miserable.
Not that it was either of those things when I was there last. That was probably more me. I picture the warm inviting atmosphere of the Charnwell Inn with all its Christmas decorations and holiday cheer, the happy laughter and excitement as the whole pub counted down to the start of a New Year... the kiss that followed.
I feel hot all of a sudden and walk into the kitchen to get a drink. Frank dutifully gets up and trots after me, curling around my legs and almost sending me flying.
“Fuck’s sake,” I mutter, steadying myself on the fridge door. When I glare down at him, though, he stretches up and puts his little white front paws on my leg and chirps the cutest little meow, and I can’t help but grin. He’s playing me like the master he is, and I don’t even care because getting him is the best decision I’ve made in ages.
My house no longer feels cold and empty when I come home after work because Frank is always there to greet me. Having another living creature in my space makes it seem so muchwarmersomehow. I reach down to scoop him up and his purrs are loud and rumbly as he kneads against my chest. He’s still going at it when my phone rings.
I manage to get it out of my pocket and answer without dislodging Frank. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Jerry’s voice sounds deep and rough through the phone, and it sends a little shiver down my spine. Which I resolutely ignore, obviously. “I hope it’s okay to call, I had a lot to say and I’m too tired to type it all out.”
“Yeah, course it’s okay.” I get why he’s asking though. We went back to messaging only after I FaceTimed him to show him Frank. I’m not sure why exactly, but I like talking like this. He has a nice voice.
“I wanted to—what’s that noise?”
I’m about to askwhat noise, then realise what he can hear. “That’s Frank, purring.”
Jerry laughs. “Fuck me, he’s a loud one.”
“Yep. Heavy too, now.” He was a little on the skinny side when I first brought him home, but he’s filled out nicely over the last few weeks. My arms are already starting to ache though, so I bend and gently set him down on the floor, much to his obvious disgust.
I grab a bottle of water out of the fridge and head back to the living room to get comfy on the sofa, not surprised when Frank trots after me and immediately settles in my lap. “What did you want to say then?” I ask, curious now.
“Well...” He pauses, like he’s measuring his words carefully. “You know Vic and Sean have only just moved in together, right?”
“Yeah, hence the party.” I frown, not sure what he’s getting at.
“They’re like a pair of newlyweds, if you get my meaning.”
It takes me a second and then, “Oh. But what does that have to do with—Ooh. You think they’ll be fucking all weekend when I come up.”
“I think it’s highly likely.”
“Even with me staying there?” Not that I’m a prude or anything—I mean it’s not like I haven’t heard guys getting off before—but considering Sean and I used to... yeah, maybe I haven’t really thought this through.
“They probably won’t intend to, but with a few drinks inside them at the party...”
