Reed hasn’t said anything either so maybe he is too. After all, just because Sean asked us at the same time, it doesn’t mean he expects us to answer as one. “Yeah,” I say, purposefully not looking at Reed. “That sounds great. I’m working till one, but free after that.”
“Reed?” Sean turns to him, expectantly, and I have to give it to him, his expression gives nothing away when I’m positive he’s doing this for my benefit.
Reed doesn’t glance at me either when he answers. “Yeah, I’m free. Thank you.”
“Right.” Sean rubs his hands together. “Now that’s settled, I have a bone to pick with you.”
For a second I’m wondering what the hell I’ve done now, then I realise he’s still talking to Reed who looks adorably confused. His nose is all scrunched like he’s wracking his brain to think what he’s done wrong but is coming up empty.
“What about?” he asks eventually.
Sean tuts and Vic groans. “I thought we were friends. But you’ve been here for a few weeks now and yet this is the first time I’ve seen you.” He puts a hand on his chest. “I’m hurt, Reed.Hurt.”
Reed relaxes now he knows it’s nothing serious. At least I don’tthinkSean’s serious. “Um... I’ve been busy?”
It comes out like more of a question, and I shake my head, because Sean’s got that gleam in his eye. I’m tempted to stand on his foot to get him to stop but then remember that he’s right. Theyarefriends.
And they were friends long before Reed and I met.
So I keep my mouth shut and let two friends tease each other.
“Busy, huh?” Sean’s gaze flicks to me, then back to Reed. That fucker. He doesn’t say anything else though, and apparently Reed seems to have come to the same conclusion I did earlier because he gets a similar look in his blue eyes.
“Yes. You know, like how you were when you first met Vic and were too busy to even tell me you’d met someone, let alone someone you’d first met when you were at uni.” He raises an eyebrow, looking all smug like he’s got his own back, but I can see his mistake a mile off.
And so can Sean.
He waits a beat before going in for the kill. “So you’re saying that you and Jerry are like me and Vic?”
Reed’s eyes widen, and his mouth opens and closes as he realises that’s exactly what he implied. He turns to me, and I raise my hands. I’d love to help out, but there’s no way I’m touching that one.
I think it’s obvious by now, even to me, that I’d love for me and Reed to end up like Vic and Sean. But I can’t say that, obviously. It’s not what we agreed, and I’m not about to tell Reed I’ve changed my mind while we’re in the middle of a pub and not alone.
“I think,” Vic says, coming to everyone’s rescue. “That moving house and starting a new job is stressful enough without needy friends”—he shoots Sean a pointed look—“making you feel guilty about not having much time for socialising.”
“Fine.” Sean rolls his eyes, but his expression softens as he stares at his boyfriend.
Soon-to-befiancé.
I keep that thought to myself, though. “How about this.” I’ve got everyone’s attention now. “Why don’t we meet up for a dog walk Sunday morning. The dogs love a play date.” I look at Sean. “And you can see your friend, if he’s up for it.” I reach over and ruffle his hair, making him laugh.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Reed?” I ask, because I’m not about to assume he wants to come, or that he’s free. “You up for a walk Sunday morning?”
He’s got a look on his face that I can’t read, but then it clears, and he offers me a small smile. “Yeah, I’d like that.” His eyes are fixed on me as he says it, and I feel it deep inside, like he’s telling me something significant, just not with words.
Or maybe I just want that to be the case. Either way, I’ll be spending my Sunday morning with my favourite people, so I’m happy.
Or I am until Vic asks what I expect he thinks is an innocent question, but it hits me like a sledgehammer.
“Had any interest in your house yet, Reed?”
Reed’s gaze flicks briefly to mine, before returning to Vic. “I mean it’s not been on the market all that long, but yeah, it’s had a fair bit of interest so far. A couple of viewings, but no offers yet.”
I didn’t know that.
I figured prospective buyers would be too busy with the holiday season to worry about looking for a new home. I guess I was wrong.
