“Still… Make sure she knows she’s welcome.”
“I will,” Scott replied tightly.
“Here you are,” Carly said, placing a plate of scrambled eggs in front of Scott.
“Thank you.”
Thomas was asking Jay about the contents of the frying pan and didn’t notice when Carly rubbed a hand on Scott’s back and whispered in his ear.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
For a second, Scott thought she was coming on to him, but then she continued.
“I do worry about him, all alone in this mansion.” She lifted her head, checking Thomas wasn’t listening. “Sometimes,I come over, pretend I’ve forgotten something, just to coax him away from playing with his snake.”
“Don’t you meansnakes?”
“He spends all day petting it, stroking it, rolling it around in his hand.”
“Erm…”
“It’s not natural.”
“I’d say masturbation is very natural.”
She stared at him. He stared back. Then her lips twitched before spreading into a big smile. They both laughed. Scott immediately, unquestionably, liked her.
“What are you talking about?” Thomas asked.
Scott waved a flippant hand. “Masturbation.”
“Jesus, Scott!”
Scott shrugged in response.
“He told me it’s completely natural,” Carly said.
Thomas scrunched up his face. “I don’t want to know. Hurry up and eat your eggs, Scott. I don’t pay Carly to talk about masturbation.”
“Cellmates turned real mates,” Carly said, pressing both hands to her chest. “How lovely.”
“No,” Thomas said firmly. “Cellmates toex-cellmates, with one needing a favour after blocking the pipes in his apartment with a horrific sh –”
“I can’t hear you,” Scott interrupted, taking a bite of toast.
“Were you cellmates the entire time?” Jay asked.
“We were.” Thomas sighed, as if the experience had been harrowing.
Jay looked between them, smiling. “Wow.”
“I know, I know.” Thomas nodded. “I’m amazed I didn’t kill him too.”
“And during that time, did you…” Jay flexed his eyebrows. “You know…”
“No,” Scott and Thomas replied in unison.
“But I think Scott was servicing half the wing…”
