Page 12

Andy’s expression suddenly turned serious. “Anyway, how are you? I haven’t seen you for ages.”

I frowned at him. “I’ve babysat for you three times this week. You saw me then.”

“Exactly, you babysat…when we were going out. So…I haven’t seen you properly to talk to.”

I shrugged, unused to the sudden show of concern. “I’m fine.” He stared at his coffee for just long enough that I knew something was up. His next words confirmed it.

“Not according to Georgia, you’re not.”

I sighed loudly, irritation already taking hold. “And since when do you have nice cozy chats with Georgia? Does your wife know about that?” I knew it was a low blow trying to insinuate something was going on between him and my best friend, but I had a horrible feeling the conversation was about to head in a direction I really didn’t want it to. Maybe, if I could annoy him enough, he’d be swayed from going there; decide that it was way too much trouble.

He nudged me, none too gently. It was a good job the coffee had a lid on it. “Stop trying to deflect. Georgia’s like a sister to me. A really annoying sister. But a sister nonetheless. She thinks you’re stretching yourself too thin, what with waiting tables, and the acting auditions, and the escorting. And yes…she had a real go at me for taking advantage of you and getting you to babysit all the time. You should have told me you’ve been working all the hours under the sun.”

I sent a quick thank you to the gods that he only wanted to talk about the hours I was working. Given Georgia’s big mouth, it could have been far worse. “You know I love taking care of Bobby.”

“I know…and I’m not saying you don’t”—he turned to face me— “but, Dean, you do look really tired. And you should be able to come around and see Bobby when Rebecca and I are there, so it’s more relaxing for you, rather than you having to look after him. I’ve been selfish. We just prefer leaving him with someone we trust. But…I don’t want to turn into one of those overprotective dads. He’ll be going to nursery soon. I’ll have to get used to it then. Anyway, I’m sorry, little brother, if we’ve been taking advantage of you.”

I ducked my head, unused to my brother apologizing for anything. I really must’ve looked like crap for him to be so concerned. “We’re not going to hug…and shit…are we?”

Andy laughed. “Nah! Not necessary.” We both paused momentarily for the next round of smiling and waving. Bobby waved back so enthusiastically, he fell over. My brother took an anxious step forward, but within seconds Bobby was back on his feet, laughing and running for the steps on the slide again.

I drained the rest of my coffee, crumpling the polystyrene cup and walking over to the bin to throw it away.

Andy raised his voice to make sure I could still hear him. “How’s the escorting going?”

I swung around quickly. “Jesus, Andy! Tell the whole park, why don’t you?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Answer the question, why don’t you?”

And there it was, the cul-de-sac I’d been hoping the conversation wasn’t going to go down. I stalked back over to him. “If Georgia said something to you about it, just come out with it. Don’t hide behind a polite enquiry, hoping I’ll spill the beans.”

He stared for a few moments. “A bit touchy, aren’t you?”

I chose to ignore the question. “Well, what did she say to you?”

He sighed. “She’s worried about you, Dean. Said you have this really weird client, a weekly thing. That you’re getting yourself emotionally involved, when you don’t even have a clue who the guy is. She says you won’t date—”

I’d heard enough. “That’s not true! I’m not going to date someone just to make you and Georgia happy.”

Andy rubbed his head wearily. “She said she set you up on a date. That you didn’t really give it a proper chance.”

I took a step back, irritation quickly turning to annoyance. “I presume she conveniently forgot to mention he tried to molest me in the bathroom.”

Surprise blossomed on my brother’s face, confirming I was right. “Really?”

“Yeah! But, I mean…if that’s the kind of guy…you and Georgia want me to date. Then, who am I to argue. Maybe you could let him know where he can get hold of some Rohypnol. Then, if I’m not willing, he can just slip it in my drink and do whatever he wants.”

“Dean, you’re being bloody dramatic!”

I sighed, knowing he was right, but I still couldn’t stop myself from continuing to be defensive. “Maybe you and Georgia should keep your noses out and let me live my life. Did she also tell you she’s gone and set up a Grindr profile for me? That she’s currently messaging random guys pretending to be me. She’s set up three dates so far…which of course, I haven’t gone on…because I’m not that desperate.” I could see from his face, she hadn’t told him that. “So, you might want to consider that what she’s telling you is only part of the truth. Maybe you could get the full story next time.”

My brother shot a look of long suffering patience my way. It made me want to punch him. “That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s why I’m talking to you now. So, this client—”

I interjected quickly. “I don’t want to talk about it.” I’d spent the last week agonizing over the right thing to do: my finger had hovered over the button to call Tom several times. Each time, I hadn’t. Each time, I’d figured I’d do it in a couple of hours, or the next day. Now, it was a Tuesday, and I was running out of time. I didn’t need the extra pressure. I was already putting enough of it on myself. Making a big show out of checking my watch, I addressed my brother, “Listen, I have to go. I forgot I’m meant to call in the restaurant today and pick up my share of the weekly tips.” I started walking backward. “Say goodbye to Bobby for me, will you?”

“I thought you were going to come and have lunch with us.”

“Sorry. Can’t. Like I said, gotta go to the restaurant. Next time.” I turned on my heel and strode off, ignoring anything my brother might call after me. I knew it was a rapid departure. But, sometimes it was necessary, rather than have an argument.