“I have some family members who used to be sheep farmers.”
“That sounds like every person in New Zealand,” Craig said. The three of them laughed, and it was just as awkward as Liam expected.
“The season just ended. I’m celebrating,” Liam said.
“Things on the farm are going well?” Kelly asked. He liked that she still cared. She was always polite and kind. She remembered details and seemed genuinely interested in answers. That was why what she did hurt so much. Never in a million years did he expect Kelly to betray him.
“They’re going great. Lamb central. I’m grateful for the night off. It’s not like it was at WETA with weekends off.”
“You got weekends off?” Craig interjected, and they shared a genuine laugh. Liam did not miss those sixteen-hour days when they were on deadline, finishing up effects shots for a film releasing in mere weeks. They seemed more grueling than his farm work.
“Speaking of WETA, Craig was recently promoted. He’s going to be supervising the effects work on Peter Jackson’s next film.”
“Mean!” Liam said with forced enthusiasm. That was the dream for every computer animation artist at WETA, to work directly with Peter Jackson, the founder of the company. The man had directedThe Lord of the RingsandThe Hobbit. That was a name everyone wanted on his or her resume.
And now it was on Craig’s. Liam felt his hand ball into a fist.
“Glad to hear things on the farm are going well,” Craig said. Liam doubted he cared.
“And things…” Liam gestured to Kelly’s engagement ring.
“We finally set a date. And we booked a venue. This classic old church on the water.” Kelly had always wanted to get married on the beach. She wanted to walk down the aisle with her toes in the sand. He had even begun looking into venues before the ill-fated threesome.
“Sweet as.”
“How about you?” Craig asked. He rubbed his finger over Kelly’s ring. “Dating anyone?”
Liam could’ve reached across the table and grabbed him by the throat. Craig was always the competitive type. Even when they played squash together, Craig took it a bit too seriously.
“Not at the moment.” Liam wanted to shrivel away, especially from their pitying reactions.
But he got a boost of confidence when he felt Nathan’s hand on his shoulder.
Nathan
“Sweetie, don’t be so bashful.” Nathan gave Liam’s shoulder a squeeze. He knew these bland heterosexuals in front of him had to be Kelly and Craig. Her blonde hair seemed familiar from pictures. He had seen Liam across the restaurant practically prostrating himself at their table. Nathan knew how to read a scene.
“Gidday,” Kelly said awkwardly. Nathan got bored just looking at her. He was going to relish this performance.
“I’m Nathan, Liam’s boyfriend. A pleasure to meet you.” He kissed Kelly’s hand. He squeezed Craig’s hand extra hard until the guy winced. “You as well.”
Liam shot Nathan a look a petrified panic, but Nathan relayed with his eyes that he had this.
“Liam’s still getting used to telling people that he’s proudly bisexual.” Nathan reached for Liam’s hand. He pulled away, but Nathan grabbed it tight.
“Straight up? That’s really awesome, Liam.”
“He said he didn’t know he could have feelings for another man until the last woman he slept with was such a disappoint…oh, I’m sorry.” Nathan hung his head in mock forgiveness. Kelly gulped down her wine.
“How did you two meet?” Craig with the generic face and receding hairline asked.
“I’m an actor, and I came to New Zealand for a new film project. I was exploring this beautiful country. I mean, London is beautiful, but in a completely different way.”
“You’re from London?” Kelly asked, impressed.
Nathan gave a modest shrug. “Born and raised. I’ve gone drinking with Prince Harry and studied at RADA. That’s the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Anyway, I was exploring this wonderful country as research for my new film, and my car got stuck on the road right outside this farm. And this big, tall farmer came out in the pouring rain. Not only did he change my tire for me, but he also offered to show me around Wellington.”
“I didn’t know Liam knew anything about cars,” Craig said with a laugh.
