“Because you’re an idiot, that’s why.” Ravi shoved him in the chest, surprising the hell out of Harvey. “I’m pissed at you for not saying something earlier. I don’t need to know your whole dating history, but didn’t you think, given we’re all friends and you know Bo and I dated, that maybe it was something you should have mentioned?”
Harvey scrubbed a hand over his face.Fuck I’m an idiot.Heshouldhave known better, should have spoken up when he and Ravi first got together. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I fucked up.”
“So why didn’t you say something?”
Ah, the million-dollar question.He took a deep breath. He couldn’t exactly say the reason was because Bo turning up in Sydney had brought memories to surface, memories that were stirring up feelings he thought he’d laid to rest years ago. Although maybe the truth was best. “We were new, just starting out—”
“That’s just excuses.”
“I was afraid. My feelings… they were complicated. You and I were becoming something more, and I was falling for you. But then we found out Bo was coming and that stirred shit up, stuff I didn’t want to think about. And I was worried about what it meant for you and Bo and…” After the rush of words, Harvey stopped mid-sentence and squeezed his eyes shut. He took a deep breath then opened them again, but Rav didn’t look angry, just confused, like he was trying to digest everything. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, there just didn’t seem to be any point in saying anything, but I wish I’d handled things differently.”
Ravi stared at him, huge brown eyes unblinking.God! What is he thinking?
“Say something? Please.”Put me out of my misery.
“You were falling for me?”
“Falling for you big time. Please don’t let me have fucked this up.” He wanted to reach out and take Ravi in his arms, but he held back, afraid of being pushed away again. But he needn’t have worried. Ravi reached out and placed a hand on his arm. The touch was gentle but firm at the same time, a connection that loosened some of the tension in his shoulders.
“I think we’ve probably got a lot more to talk about, but not now. I’m still pissed at you for keeping it from me, but you’re right; this is all new and we’re working through things. I need to digest what you’ve told me.”
“But we’re going to be okay?”
“I just need to get my head around it. I need a bit of time.”
“Okay, anything you need. I’m sorry, Rav. For what it’s worth, I wish I’d done things differently.”
“Me too.”
Harvey didn’t know what else to say. “Did you want that tea now?”
Ravi shook his head. “No. Let’s go to bed.”
This time it was Ravi who held out his hand.
Harvey took it.
Chapter Eleven
Bostudiedthenoticeboardin the break room, scanning ads for cars for sale and fundraisers, but there was nothing new on the housing front.
“Still looking for a share?” Anne asked. “I can check if my friend Lucy still has a room available. She’s way down south though, so it would be a bit of a commute, but if you don’t mind travelling she’d be easy to live with.”
Bo knew he should probably say yes or at least find out more but when he opened his mouth to answer they weren’t the words that fell from his lips. “No, thanks. I think I’ll hold out a bit longer for something closer.”
“Okay. Let me know if you change your mind and in the meantime, I’ll keep my eyes out for you.”
“Thanks, Anne. I appreciate it.” He slung his backpack over his shoulder and prepared to head out.
“Have you got plans tonight?” Anne asked. “A few of us are going out and you’re welcome to join.”
“Nothing special planned, but I promised one of the guys I’m staying with that I’d cook dinner.”Nothing special? Then why am I looking forward to it so much.“He’s a shitty cook so I’m teaching him a few dishes.”
“That’s nice of you. I might have to sign up for one of your classes too.” Anne chuckled. “He must love having your stay if you’re making some meals.”
“Yeah, I think so.” Ravi had seemed to enjoy the mushroom arancini they’d made the night before.
“I’d say you’re enjoying it too, given that goofy grin on your face.”
