I put my hand up before he has a chance to speak. “Don’t worry. I learnt how to read a tube map when I was a kid. I can get there on my own.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ll let you off this time, but don’t baby me, okay?”
Stefan nods solemnly. “I’ll meet you there.”
I point at the door. “I’d better go. The longer I’m gone, the more Hendrix will gossip. He’s ridiculous.”
“He’s something all right.”
“Enjoy your coffee.”
Stefan smiles. “Oh, I will.”
I check the time on my watch as I return to the lounge. It’s around three, which means I have time to do more work before taking a nap. I want to be as refreshed as possible for my date with Stefan this evening. It’s hard not to grin as I sit and pick up my drawing pad. I’m going on a date with Stefan.
“Why do you look so happy?” Hendrix asks. “Did you and Stefan decide to play seven minutes in heaven?”
“What?”
“It’s a game. You spend seven minutes in a closet with someone.”
I frown. “Why would I do that?”
“You’re meant to kiss,” Preston says.
“No. There was no closet and no kissing.”
“Boring!” Hendrix sighs dramatically.
“Sorry to disappoint you.” I shift my attention away from Hendrix to my drawing. Hopefully, I’ll finish the preliminary sketch before I’m forced to nap. I’m not banking on it, though.
Hendrix finally chooses a film to watch. He turns the volume up loud, which helps keep me awake. The score is good, and I enjoy sketching to it until my eyes and limbs get heavy and an overwhelming desire to sleep overcomes me. I decide not to try getting to my room. Instead, I curl up on the floor with my head and shoulders on the beanbag. The floor is hard against my hip and legs, making me wish I’d got a giant, person-sized beanbag instead. Maybe I’ll treat myself to one when I get my next commission cheque. That would be good.
* * *
It’s already dark by the time I arrive at the Humble Grape, but it’s bright enough inside that I hope it won’t matter. The bar area has circular tables and chairs arranged on a parquet floor. The walls are plaster, with a pale terracotta wash over the top. There are hanging potted plants, and the bar has emerald-green tiles on the front. I know from being here before that there’s also a dining area with a tiled floor and turquoise seats.
I get a soft drink, find a seat, and wait for Stefan. He arrives five minutes later. As usual, he’s dressed head to toe in black. It didn’t take me long to realise that he only ever wears black. Often his clothes are faux-Victorian style—fancy waistcoats and black shirts with flouncy sleeves—and tonight is no exception. His clothes, dyed black hair with its crimson streak, and the broody Dom vibes that he exudes make him come across as a wannabe vampire. It’s sexy, and I wouldn’t complain if he wanted to bite my neck.
When he notices I already have a drink, he goes to the bar first. He comes back with a scotch on the rocks.
“Did you manage to escape without Hendrix giving you the third degree?” I ask.
Stefan laughs. “I think he was filming. Beau and Fraser weren’t around either, so I managed to slip away unnoticed.”
“Living with lots of people has its downsides.”
“Tell me about it.”
“I think the positives outweigh the cons, though.”
Stefan smiles. “That’s true.”
“Did you and Beau already live together?”
“Yes.”
