“You need to look after your teeth,” he grumped, ripping into the packet with just that…his teeth. Brutal, but yet? I laughed because I thought that would probably make great TV.
“I can see this bit here as your opening trailer.Peter is a paediatric orthodontist from London, and he cares greatly about his teeth.”I wasn’t proud of the silly voice I’d put on, but hey. Smiling was good. And we were back in the safety of our room with nobody trying to touch my bum and get in my good books.
“Oh God,” he groaned, rolling over on the bed where he’d simply thrown himself down on top of the covers. To be honest? I wanted to do the same, tea and all. But thankfully, he sat himself up and received the teacup from my outstretched hands.
“The cups are from Darcie Blush. Gorgeous design.”
“You have to stop with the product promotions. You’re making me look bad!”
“I’m saving your arse here, Peter. Now, Anne. What do we think?”
“She’s with Jorge, and he says she’s pleasant enough, but she’s a good two feet taller than him and he’s as intimidated as anything. His words.”
“Oh. Good gossip. I didn’t think you had it in you.”
“It’s all gossip.” The groans coming from him as he sipped the tea were almost hilarious. But I got it. We were both wrung out, and I did…surprisingly…make a good cup of tea.
“And it will all be public gossip,” I agreed. “Did you read the call sheet? The first episode will air in two weeks. Two! They don’t hang around here; the editing team is working twenty-four seven, so no wonder they’re all shouting at us to say the right things.”
“Instead we’re all gossiping and name-dropping.” He rolled his shoulders, again loudly sipping his tea. “And drinking tea like two little grannies.”
“Granddads.” I laughed. “Well, you’re the granddad.”
“Which makes you what? What was it you called yourself? A hot twink?”
I liked that he was so easy to get on with. Just simple conversation and ready smiles. He had no idea how much I had needed just this. Something uncomplicated. Straightforward.
“I thought you were straight, Peter.”
“Labels are for jam, at least that’s what Wren was saying. But I am starting to question everything. Is every single couple on this show awfully mismatched or what?”
“I think that’s the whole point of the show. One of the production team was talking to someone else. Gina was talking to Jorge, I think, and I was waiting to film with her, so I kind of eavesdropped. When the first episode goes live, the voting will start. The viewing public will matchmake, and then on Friday, we will all get recoupled. I am assuming that’s why. Someone in here is the perfect match for us, but we don’t know who yet. And I suppose… with the two week backlog on episodes… how will that even work?”
“So…I will be moving in with someone else?”
“What do I know?”
“Oh.” He looked genuinely shocked. “It’s only been a day, but I like being…with you.” He suddenly looked embarrassed, his cheeks blushing under an awkward smile. “I don’t mean like that. You know. I was just settling into that fact, and now…this?”
“I’m trying to figure out who was meant for whom. I mean, you have options. We have Diane, who fancies you, and Anne, who kept trying to talk to you. Then there was Xanthe.”
“Xanthe is trans. And only interested in men her age. I’m too old.”
“Well, who’s prejudiced now?”
“I’m not, I had a quick chat with her; her teeth are fantastic. Done locally, and I know her dentist. I’m just being sensible here. I can’t see anyone else being an option for me, but Xanthe? No. She’s as confused as we are as to why she’s with…Gerald.”
“Chloe-Catherine doesn’t seem confused?” I was just kidding, and his eye-roll made me laugh.
“Thank you, but no. I have no intention of becoming Chloe-Catherine’s sugar-daddy,” he said quietly, staring me down. I’d noticed that earlier; he could be a little intense at times. I didn’t think I minded.
“What even is that?” Tea. I rarely drank tea, but I think I liked it. Calming. I needed to be calm. Not panic over spelling-technicalities. “The double-barrelled thing. She’s obsessed.”
“A brand…” He rolled his eyes. I definitely I liked him. He was funny, and normal.
“No, I meant, thank you. To you.”
“I’ve done nothing. Just brought tea.”
