Do not allow anger to fester – find a healthy outlet to express it.
(Shouting at the TV – okay.Hitting a punching bag at the gym – okay.Road rage – very much not okay.)
Tommy prowled around the lounge room like Rum Tum Tugger, turning pacing into an art form. ‘Are you going to sit down?’ he asked, shooting a questioning look over his shoulder.
‘I’d rather stay over here,’ I replied.
If I kept fifteen feet away, I wouldn’t risk accidentally falling onto his cock.
He stopped pacing. ‘Ally.’
‘What’s this new information?’ I asked, steering the conversation away from seating arrangements.
‘I really think you should leave.Tonight, if possible.’
‘Hmm. Technically, that’s not information – in fact, it sounds like a directive and last time I checked, you weren’t in charge of me.’
‘Fair, but?—’
‘Justtellme, Tommy.’
‘I know who’s been on the other end of those conversations – Julian’s business partner. He’s someone important –very– and he’s coming here.’
‘Ooh, should I phone theDaily Enquirer?’ I quipped.
Humour was just a protection mechanism. As long as we were bantering, I could avoid feeling, well…feelings.
‘You’re not taking this seriously.’
‘In case you missed it, Tommy, this is aresort. The concept doesn’t really work unless people come. And most of the clientele will be VIPs. Exhibit A,’ I said, pointing at myself with both forefingers.
‘This is different. This person has… questionable motives –andties.’
‘I’m assuming you don’t mean cravats.’
‘Do you think you could come and sit down?’ he asked impatiently.
So, not in the mood for banter, then.
‘All right.’ I crossed to the nearest sofa and plopped onto it. ‘Now you sit over there,’ I said, indicating the other one.
He sat opposite and looked at me intently, his elbows resting on his knees and fingers steepled. Ironically, we were in the same spots we were last night. Right before the heavy petting.
‘Just tell me. And skip the cryptic clues, will you – this isn’t a crossword.’
‘Do you know who Ivan Kovalec is?’ he asked.
‘Isn’t that the tech billionaire, the one from Eastern Europe?’
‘Yes.’
‘Ivan Kovalec is coming here?’
‘It seems so.’
I’d been joking when I made the comment about theDaily Enquirer, but they probablywould’vewanted the scoop that Kovalec was coming to Aetheria.
‘Hold on, how doyouknow all this?’
