“Milo, what are you doing here?” asked Patrick, making him jump.
“Working.”
“You know what I mean.”
“It’s just easier to focus here. The flat’s... busy.”
“Why don’t you finish up today? Have the rest of the week on me. You’ve worked so hard this year. I won’t need anything.”
There was a flash of pain in Patrick’s eyes. This time of year was difficult after the loss of his husband. It would only be the second Christmas without him.
“What are you doing for Christmas?”
“Not sure yet. Sebastian’s invited me to spend it with him and Charlie, and all his friends, but I understand there’ll be a bit of a crowd, so I might just have a quiet one.”
Sebastian was Patrick’s closest friend. They’d known each other since they were kids. He used to live in New York, but had recently moved back to the UK after meeting Charlie. Milo knew his boss appreciated having his friend close by.
“You can’t spend it on your own.”
“Why do I feel you’ve steered the conversation away from you taking the rest of the week off?”
“I’d rather keep busy. I’m not going away until Friday.”
“It’s Lexie’s turn this year, isn’t it?”
Milo nodded. He knew how lucky he was to have two amazing options. They were so different. Liam’s family owned a bakery, so his mum went all out, and Milo usually gained a stone in three days with how much food they made him eat. Not that he put up any resistance. Lexie’s family were big drinkers and enjoyed playing games. It got verycompetitive, so when he came back, he needed to detoxify his liver... after the New Year celebrations, of course. Dry January wasn’t a choice; it was a necessity after a Christmas with Lexie’s family.
“Will you be seeing your boyfriend over Christmas?”
“My what?” Milo spluttered, unable to stop his face igniting, giving him away.
“You’ve just seemed happier recently. I put it down to you having a new man.”
How had Patrick noticed that? He’d been a workaholic for the last few months. Something had happened around the summer, and he’d been locked in his office more than usual.
“It’s . . . still new.”
That was a safe answer, as it wasn’t a lie, and to be honest he still didn’t know what he and Edward were. They’d been texting each other because it wasn’t possible for them to meet up. The Back Room was out since Hargreaves had made his threat, and they’d been lucky nobody had seen Milo at Edward’s house. It wasn’t worth risking it again.
“Ah, well, I won’t say anything. You having the Christmas present conundrum?”
“Yes, any advice for that?”
“I’m the last person you should ask.”
“Why?”
Patrick raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, right. Daddy always buys his boy presents.”
Patrick chuckled. “I’m glad nobody can hear us having this conversation.”
Milo laughed with him.
“The only advice I can give is if you want to get him something, then do it, but expect nothing in return.”
Milo nodded. It’s what he’d been thinking himself. He had a great idea after spending the weekend at Edward’s house, so hopefully he could sort it out quickly.
