“Addy, the earlier you tell Jimmy, the easier this will be for both of you.And maybe, a bit less painful too.”
“Okay, I will come clean when he comes back.”My voice wavers.
“Hmm.Call me once you speak to him.If needed, I will drive to Almora.Addy, be brave.I am with you.”
“Thanks.Bye.See you.”I end the call and stop at the corner near the bakery, composing myself.One thing which helps is ogling at Jimmy's pictures.He has sent the latest ones from today's shoot.My favourite is the one where Jimmy is bare-chested, holding a red necktie between his teeth, pink-striped shirt hooked on his finger behind his left shoulder.The other hand pulls the loop of his dark blue trousers, which hang low on his waist, revealing the V-cut.And those smouldering eyes are ready to send a heatwave into the world.
How will I keep this man in my life?Jimmy is sure to find a model or actor when he becomes famous.Priya is already talking about ramp walks and a small role in a TV show.She wants to milk this and channel the fame to the book launch.'Hot gay author of a romance novel'is only one of the many tracks the marketing team is starting to spin.
“Did any of you hear about a tiger in our part of the jungle?”Kiron's voice draws my attention to the group as I enter the coffee shop.“Someone is walking around town with claw marks and bruises on their neck,” they joke, eyebrows wiggling.
Oh shit.I try to hide the hickey on my neck.Brian, Sudhanshu, and Kenny give me smug smiles.“Better set a trap.”I play along.One thing I have learned in my newfound family is never to be shy.
“Oh, honey, I am afraid those tiger eyes burn bright only for one particular prey.”Kiron winks.
Sudhanshu elbows them.“Sush!The show is about to begin.”
He turns on the volume on the forty-three-inch TV hanging on the wall inside the cafe.A few patrons are seated near the window overlooking the street, busy amongst themselves.
“Hello, booklovers!Welcome to our weekly Books and Hooks talk show.”The thirty-something TV host, dressed in a yellow sundress, croons and runs her usual show pitch.All four of us are on the edge of our seats, waiting for the camera to focus on Jimmy.
“Today, we have a debut author with us.Meet Jimmy Narwal.He is here to talk to us aboutThe Lies of My Nine Lives.And people-” the host coos, “-uff, is this room hot, or is he hot?”She fans herself with her hand.
My sneering drowns her next words; three heads focus their smirks on me when I look around.Shit, did I vocalise my jealousy at the host swooning over my Jimmy?Who wouldn't be drawn to the eye candy waving at us from the screen?
“Kiron, your ensemble makes Jimmy look stunning.”Brian passes the plate of brownies amongst us.
Kiron waves him off, but their eyes are wide with excitement.The maroon Chinese collar linen-cotton kurta shirt, custom-made by Kiron in their shop, sits well on Jimmy's rounded shoulders, and the rolled-up sleeves stretch with even a slight movement of his hands.Paired with light fawn chinos, Jimmy is stunning under the camera lights.He runs his fingers across his coiffed hair, which falls into a wave across his forehead.
“Oh.Oh.Kiron, your logo.”Kenny nudges Kiron as the camera zooms for a close-up.The cursiveKin yellow thread work with a deodar tree motif is in the spotlight when Jimmy runs his hand over his chest.The movement is subtle and casual, but does the trick.We had all come up with ways to ensure Kiron got publicity for their hard work in developing Jimmy's wardrobe.I also provided Jimmy with some pointers on ways to bring up the Rainbow Bakery, if the opportunity presented itself.This is the least I can do for the warmth with which this group has welcomed me into their fold.
“The motif looks so pretty.”Sudhanshu squeezes Kiron's shoulder in affection and pride at his partner's shot at glory.Watching Kiron's misty eyes and Jimmy's radiant smile on the TV wipes away my misgivings about this charade I have put together.These kind souls deserve happiness in their lives.
***
“Brilliant move, mate!”Brian claps Jimmy on his shoulder.
The six of us are lounging on the benches in the rose garden of the resort.Mr Bhatia, his wife, and Jimmy's colleagues have departed.Despite being well past eleven, the group wanted one last round of drinks before saying goodnight.
Brian and Kenny devised an elaborate plan for a surprise welcome and celebration of Jimmy's success.Sahil convinced Mr Bhatia to use the garden area on one side of the resort.The gang pooled in to arrange food and drinks, some made at home by Kiron and me, while others were sourced from the local store.
“Addy’s idea.He came up with the perfect line.”Jimmy laces our fingers together and squeezes.“If these were from the Rainbow Bakers in Almora, they would have melted in your mouth.The chocolate transports you to heaven when the bitter-sweet flavour hits your tongue,” He repeats the dialogue in his now semi-sophisticated English accent.
“Nah, I would credit Kenny for doing the research work on the show.He had picked out the branded off-the-shelf cookies the show dishes out to guests.And you are a quick thinker, Jimmy.”I ruffle his hair.“What a terrific response to a simple question on what a small town means to you.”
“Stop bickering, you two.Let us all agree on our combined effort.Cheers to our friendship and success.”Kenny raises his glass.A loud cheer echoes in the night amidst the clinking of glasses.
“Time to head home.I am driving.”Kiron demands the car keys from Sudhanshu.He tries to protest, but one glare from Kiron, and he cowers.Jimmy snorts at the scene.
“Wait a few months.Then we will see which of you cock-pecks the other.”Sudhanshu waves his finger between Jimmy and me.
My jaw drops.Kenny taps my chin closed.“Don't be awed, mate.We all know what's happening between you two.”
“Leave them alone.”Brian drags a smiling Kenny away.
Sahil stands and stretches himself.“Want me to drop you off?”He is the only one who has had only one drink.
“Addy is staying with me tonight.”Jimmy squeezes me against his chest.
