Page 62 of Companion Required
Kieran laughed at the question. Three weeks ago, he would have confessed to Joey about the whole thing being a sham. But now? No fucking way was he denying what was so blatantly true.
“I am one hundred percent the real deal. Steph and Laurie were grilling me about the same thing over lunch today. How could I be with Jennifer for so many months and now be with a man, and not be freaking out? I suppose some men might. And I don’t have a perfect answer except, objectively, I’ve always seen the beauty in both forms, male and female. You know, like in the James Bond movies where Halle Berry comes out of the sea in her tangerine bikini. Do I appreciate the sexiness? Hell, yes, I do. And then, when Daniel Craig does the same in his light blue briefs, can I appreciate his sex appeal? Sure I can.”
“So you’re bi?”
“To be honest, I hate labels. But if I had to label myself right now, I’d say I’m Kennedy Gay.”
Joey laughed at that, a nice, infectious laugh that had Kieran grinning.
“Can I ask—and you don’t have to answer this—what’s he like in bed? Kennedy?”
“You can ask,” said Kieran, his voice lowered. “You ever been to Oxford Street at Christmas when they turn on the Christmas lights?”
“Nope.”
“One minute the street is normal, dull street lamps and dark pavements. The next—wham—above the road, lights of all colours, shapes and sizes, sparkle and shine everywhere, bringing everything to life. That’s what sex is like with Kennedy.”
“So Kennedy’s your Christmas, then?”
“Yep, except he definitely doesnotcome just once a year.”
Once again Joey laughed aloud, and he clinked his glass with Kieran’s bottle of beer.
“Cheers for that. You know, I had a girlfriend in university, too. Felt such a fraud, as though I was cheating on her every time we went out, especially when I checked out another guy. Coming out was such a relief. At medical school nobody gives a flying fuck whether you’re into guys, girls or both. It’s so liberating.”
At that moment, Steph and Laurie appeared in front of them, both looking excited, and Kieran wondered if they were about to use the douchebag word.
“Kieran, we’re just going to have a quick browse through that cute little shop opposite. Mike says they’re selling these darling Chinese bowls and plates and other pottery items at absolutely bargain prices. Can we leave our drinks with you and Joey for a couple of minutes?”
“Of course you can,” said Kieran, laughing.
Kieran and Joey watched them disappear into the small store.
“A few minutes my ass,” said Kieran. “Those two can’t resist a bargain. Dragged me kicking and screaming around an outlet mall today. Bet you ten quid they’ll be gone at least half an hour, and then come back with a couple of shopping bags full of goodies.”
In their absence, Kieran and Joey chatted happily together, and with no Kennedy by his side, he was grateful for the distraction, to be able to talk about their own favourite parts of the cruise. From time to time, both of them peered over the heads of the other patrons in the crowded bar to where Richmond was holding court. Patrick wasn’t there, and must have excused himself to use the toilet. Richmond’s voice rose above the hubbub in the bar, and a few people had begun to move away or give him annoyed stares. Richmond appeared to be addressing his comments to the gay couple they had met on the boat.
“S’like it’s become some kind of fucking holiday competition, who can bring the prettiest, dumbest, barely-above-the-age-of-consent sidekick to parade around on a leash with them, like they’re showing their pedigree puppies off at Crufts Dog Show.”
“Okay, Rich,” said Mike, his tone quiet and placating.
Richmond had clearly knocked back a few drinks too many, and both Kieran and Joey could hear every word of the tirade over the sound of other voices in the bar.
“Have you had to put up with that all holiday?” asked Kieran.
Joey huffed out a sigh and shook his head.
“They go way back, him and Patrick. So I try to ignore him most of the time. But honestly, sometimes I’d like to punch the guy’s lights out.”
“…freeloading off their fucking sugar daddies. Makes me want to puke.”
“Okay, dial it down, Rich,” came Mike’s voice, more urgent this time’.
Joey looked away, but the hurt in his eyes said everything. “I’m not freeloading, you know,” he said. “I’ve paid my way. I do have my own money.”
“Why does Mike put up with that jerk?”
“No idea. Maybe Richmond’s dick is as big as his mouth.”
