Present day
It was March, and spring was doing its best to say hello, but the blossoms weren’t chancing it in case there was another cold snap. Patrick walked slowly, having made this journey many times over the last few months. The silence was peaceful, and even though there were others around, there was an unspoken consensus of etiquette.
Patrick had needed to make assumptions about George’s last wishes. At thirty, it wasn’t something they’d ever spoken about. The only thing he knew was that George hadn’t wanted to be buried, not even his ashes, so he wasn’t here. The crematorium gardens were beautiful, though, and he needed somewhere to come and talk to the love of his life. He’d paid for a bench to be put here, looking out over an expanse of fields. The crematorium was on a hill, so there were sweeping views as far as the eye could see.
Sometimes he brought flowers with him, but today he just wanted to talk. George had been the perfect boy for him. He’d driven Patrick to distraction half the time, and he couldn’t help but chuckle when he thought of the stunts he’d pulled. Half the time, he knew it was just to get a reaction. They’dhad ten glorious years together before fate intervened and dealt a fatal blow.
A brain aneurysm at his age was rare, and he’d died alone. Patrick had been at work, and George was always trying to become the next entrepreneur so he’d always had a project on the go. Patrick hadn’t cared, as long as his boy was happy. Coming home and finding him dead on the kitchen floor was the worst moment of his life.
“I’ve missed you this week,” he said, sitting on the bench. “Well, I miss you every week, but this one has been difficult... putting the house on the market. I know you understand why I can’t stay there. Every time I walk into the kitchen, my heart breaks again. All I see is you lying there. I’m thinking of moving back into the city, but I’m going to rent for a bit. See how it goes. Be nice to not have to get on the train every day.”
They’d moved to the suburbs because it was what George had wanted, and Patrick would have given him anything he’d asked for. Seeing his smiling face was what he’d lived for. He’d loved making his boy happy. Patrick had always preferred the city, but he was in his forties now, so wasn’t sure if it would still feel the same. At least he’d be close to friends.
“I’m meeting Sebastian for lunch today. I told you he opened an office in London, so he’s going to be over a lot more while he gets things set up.”
Patrick smiled at the thought of his best friend. They’d known each other for over thirty years, having met at school. Sebastian had moved to New York when he was still a kid, with his twin sister, Bex. They’d stayed in touch, and now his friend was one of the most successful property tycoons in the world. He couldn’t be prouder of him, and grateful. Because of Sebastian’s solid investment advice over the years, Patrick wasn’t hurting for money. He didn’t even need to work now, but he couldn’t imagine doing nothing. He’d go out of his mind with boredom.
He arrived at the restaurant early. Patrick had always been like that; it was something his mother had drummed into him. Being late was one of the rudest things you could do, so planning to be early ensured you were always on time, even if something happened.
Patrick saw Sebastian walk in. He was a handsome guy. The sort of hot daddy you would see on the front of romance novels. Patrick snorted at the idea of Sebastian being a daddy – definitely not his thing, but he would love to see his friend settled. He’d been hurt in the past, and now he was a perpetual bachelor.
“You’re looking annoyingly hot as always,” said Patrick, standing up and holding his arms out for a hug.
“Bring it in, Papa Bear.”
They hugged. Patrick snorted at thebearcomment. It was an accurate description. He wasn’t sure if he even had a body part that wasn’t covered in hair. A strange look passed over his friend’s face, like he’d just lost his pet dog or something.
“What’s wrong? You look like someone just died.”
“Now, ifI’dmade that joke . . .”
“Widower’s prerogative. Sit and tell me what’s got you looking all glum.”
They took their seats, and the server came over to take their drinks order. Patrick could see his friend’s furrowed brow, like he was stressing about whether to say what was on his mind. Patrick wanted to give him reassurance. People had tiptoed around him for the past six months, but Sebastian didn’t need to do that with Patrick. They’d always been open and honest with each other.
“How’s the house sale coming along?” asked Sebastian.
“You’re deflecting, but I’ll allow it. Now look at the menu. I want the server gone before we circle back.”
“Ugh, do you have to say things likecircle back?”
“Just trying to make you feel at home, Yank.”
The server arrived with their drinks and took their food order, and Sebastian looked like he’d had to bite his tongue, which was probably killing him. He wondered what could be stressing his friend out so much. Sebastian Steele was the epitome of chill. The guy was completely unflappable.
“I think I just lost my soulmate,” Sebastian blurted out.
“What’s his name?” he asked, smiling.
“Charlie, and he’s twenty-seven.”
“Hot!”
“Really?”
“What do you expect me to say? I was with the same man for ten years. I have to live vicariously through my friends, and you’re the only one who’s still single.”
“Thanks for that. It doesn’t matter anyway. I won’t see him again.”
