“Sure. Let’s meet at mine,” Gibbo said. “It’s about time I showed off the new place. I can’t wait for you to see it; it’s got awesome views of the beach.”
“We saw the photos, remember?” RG reminded him.
“It’s better in person. Anyway, after we’ve sorted out the set list we’ll have some drinks, maybe a barbecue. The soundproofing of the basement room isn’t complete, but we can annoy the shit out of my new neighbours. What do you say, guys? Impromptu housewarming?”
“Listen, I wanted to ask you something,” Parker said, once plans were made.
Harvey looked to him. “Yeah? What is it?”
“You know Rafe and I are going to Fiji soon?”
Harvey nodded. “Just after we get back from the concert in Newcastle, right?”
“Yep, right after. Anyway, Rafe’s arranged the bathroom reno while we’re away.”
“Yeah,” Rafe added, “I can’t have Gibbo outdoing me now he’s got the new house with the fancy designer bathrooms.”
Parker waved a hand. “Enough with the competition, you two can talk home decorating later.” He looked back to Harvey. “Anyway, with the bathrooms out of order for a few weeks, Bo won’t be able to stay in the house. He had that share place lined up but it fell through. It’ll take him a while to find another share. You know how it is. On a nurse’s salary and with Sydney rents, he can’t afford a place on his own.”
“How much does he need?” Harvey asked.
“God no. Can you imagine Bo accepting cash?”
Actually, Harvey couldn’t. Bo had always been stubbornly self-sufficient. He’d worked two jobs since finishing high school to put himself through uni and lived in that apartment above his parent’s place to save money while he did so. “You’re right. So what can I do?”
“I thought he could stay at your place until he finds someplace else?”
Harvey’s stomach dropped at the unexpected request. His gaze flicked to Ravi who was studying his slice of pizza as if it held all the secrets of the world. He and Bo had seemed to get over whatever the thing was between them, but Harvey still wasn’t sure. Would it be awkward? How would Ravi feel about it? Plus he hadn’t told Rav about the one night stand he’d had with Bo all those years ago.Fuck! Why didn’t he say something earlier?
He knew why—saying something opened a line of conversation he wasn’t sure he was ready for because there was no way in hell he wanted to lie to Ravi.But you’re lying by omission, aren’t you?a little voice whispered.
“So what do you say?” Parker’s question interrupted his thoughts.
“Rav?”
Ravi lifted his gaze. “It’s fine with me.”
“You’re sure?” He held Ravi’s gaze, searching his eyes for the truth of his feelings, but he didn’t see any sign of unease or uncertainty. He might feel differently if he knew the truth though.
“Great. That’s settled then,” Parker said forestalling any further discussion. “I’ll let Bo know when he gets home from his shift tonight. He’ll be relieved to know he’s got somewhere to go.”
Harvey nodded. If Rav was okay, then he’d be good with it too.
An hour or so later, after another round of drinks, Harvey and Rav declined heading to a club, instead leaving the Italian restaurant and taking a car home.
“Did you have a good time?” he asked as he followed Ravi into the kitchen.
Rav threw his jacket onto a chair. “I did. I’m glad we came straight home though.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s been a long day,” Rav said as he put water in the kettle.
Harvey crossed the room and wrapped his arms around Ravi, drawing him backwards and nuzzling into the side of his neck. He smiled against his skin when Ravi relaxed against his chest and sighed. He’d been putting in long hours at the new job. “Why don’t you go sit and I’ll make you a tea?”
Ravi put down the kettle and swivelled in his arms, so they were face to face. He smiled as he put his arms around Harvey’s neck. “Hmm. I’m not sure I want tea anymore.”
“No?”
