***
Darren was already asleep by the time his phone buzzed on the coffee table.
Giovanni reached across for it and swiped to see the text. It was a photo from Rhett, who must have been drunk or something, because he'd sent a picture of himself snogging Eddy's face off. He could only smile and put it on silent to give Darren some peace. It was good to know that his plan for Rhett and Eddy had worked; but it looked like Eddy had made the first move, if his demanding hand on the back of Rhett's neck was anything to judge by.
He was about to switch it off when a chat message popped up from CrimeNut.LB. He recognised the name as Lachlan's handle from the writing forum Darren was part of. He was on it to scout new talent, but also to keep abreast of the writing community.
How are you feeling? I know you said you were scared about the reunion at the cabin, but it will be alright. Do you want to talk about it?
Giovanni was torn. He wasn't sure whether to reply or leave it for Darren. Figuring it was important enough to warrant an apology if Darren took offence, he typed a reply.
It's Giovanni. Darren's sleeping. He's really worried and scared that something will happen at the cabin that he can't control. He's struggling to think positively, but he doesn't want to tell anyone why he's worried. Any advice?
He left it up to Lachlan to admit or deny knowledge of what Darren was going through. He wasn't sure who knew or how much; Darren and Lachlan were close enough that he might have confided in him, especially in preparation for the trip to the cabin.
For a few minutes, there was no reply and he was worried that he wouldn't get one. Maybe Lachlan didn't want to talk to him or had walked away, leaving Darren to answer the message at his leisure. Or maybe he'd just been so surprised by Giovanni's answer that he didn't know what to say.
He'd wait ten minutes then, if he didn't hear back from him, Giovanni would switch the phone off and let Darren handle it in the morning.
A ping made him grab the phone off his knee, eager to see Lachlan's reply.
Let me work on him. There's another few days before the cabin; I can get him to talk about it and figure out what to do. If he can't tell me why he's scared, then we'll come up with another plan. Give it time. I'm sure he'll be fine once he knows that no one will judge him. We're a bag full of fuck ups and lost boys. Darren is no different. We'll take good care of him, promise.
Giovanni couldn't help but smile at the reply. It was so like Lachlan to be supportive and think of how to put everyone at ease, without making anyone feel left out or alone.
Thank you. I know he'll appreciate that.
There wasn't anything else to say. Until he knew what Lachlan's plan was or what Darren would think about it, Giovanni couldn't do anything to help or show the appropriate gratitude to Lachlan.
It was a waiting game now, which no doubt meant Darren would throw himself into planning and arranging the fundraiser, while trying to avoid the subject. Then, eventually, he'd break down and admit everything, so that Giovanni could be there to support him with his final decision.
No matter what, whether they went to the reunion at the cabin or not would lie in Darren's hands. Whatever he wanted, Giovanni would make happen. It was the least he could do for the man who had changed his entire life.
