Phelan was panting. “We never…came…to the sea…much.”
“No. Dad was too busy. Let’s sit for a bit.” Newt helped Phelan down onto a ridge of shingle. “Tell me if you get cold. You too, River.”
“I like your films… I’ve seen all of them. LikedCharterthe best.”
“Thank you.”
“Can’t believe Newt works for you.”
“I’m lucky,” River and Newt spoke at the same time,then smiled at each other.
“Oh look.” Newt picked up something from the stones. “Green sea glass.” He held it to the light.
“Like your eyes,” River said. “Both of you have lovely eyes… I want to find some glass now.”
He pushed to his feet and went down to the edge of the water. River was thinking more of giving them time on their own rather than looking for sea glass, but he walked along, head down, checking the stones anyway. He gave a yip of delight as he bent over, only to groan in disappointment.Seaweed.He kept walking.
~~~
Newt knew River was giving them space. He put his arm around Phelan, who felt so thin and frail that the breath caught in his throat.
“You like him,” Phelan whispered.
“Yes.”
“He seems nice.”
“He is.”
“Maybe not just your boss.”
Newt let out a choked laugh.
“But he has a girlfriend, doesn’t he?”
“He does.” Newt wanted to tell Phelan. He might be the only person he could ever tell. “It’s not what it seems.”
“He’s gay? You’re gay?” Phelan whispered.
“You always were quick. You can’t say anything.”
“I won’t. I wondered when you hardly ever talked about girls.”
“Do you care?”
“You know I don’t… I’m not like Sean and Dad. You are what you are. You’re still Newt. The brother I betrayed.”
“Enough of that.”
“So you and River Lawson? Really? Bloody hell, Newt!… It’s like a…film.” Phelan laughed, then coughed.
“He’s not out so you really can’t tell anyone.”
“I promise.” Phelan looked at him. “I won’t let you down again.”
“It won’t last. I can’t…” Newt almost said he wouldn’t be able to go abroad because of his criminal record but he didn’t want to add to the weight on Phelan’s shoulders.
“It might. If he makes you happy then hold on to him.”
