Page 63 of Companion Required
Both of them chuckled at that quip, until their attention was drawn back across the bar.
“An’ you know what sickens me most? Paddy’s now playing catch-up, bringing his own fucking useless little piece of shit cocksucker along with him, just so he can rub it in Kennedy’s face—”
Kieran put down his bottle of lager, readying to go over and confront Richmond. But before he had a chance, a loud crack followed by a few screams and shouts of consternation, the smashing of glass and something else being overturned, brought the bar to silence. When Kieran turned around, he saw Richmond on the floor with Patrick standing over him, his face red with rage, pointing an accusatory finger at a shocked and bloody-mouthed Richmond.
“If youeverrefer to Joey that way again, so help me God, I will end you. Joey is a catch, by anyone’s standards. And I am not competing with anyone.I’mthe one who’s lucky to havehim, not the other way around. If you can’t deal with that, then you are no longer my friend.”
“It’s okay, Pat,” said Mike, helping a shocked Richmond up from the floor. “He’s had a few too many. I’ll take him back to the hotel.”
But Richmond hadn’t finished. While Mike set the small table upright and apologised to the people sitting around, Richmond confronted Patrick.
“I’m on your fucking side, remember?” he said.
“If that’s how you’re going to behave, I don’t want you on my side. Not if you’re going to be disrespectful of my friends,” said Patrick, about to move away, but then spotting Joey and Kieran standing together in stunned silence. Turning Richmond’s body to face their way, Patrick pointed to Kieran across the bar. “And, for the record, do you honestly think Kieran’s just a decoration? Did you see him and Kennedy on the dance floor? I have never seen two men so coordinated. Yes,men. They are bothmen, Richmond, and I really hope Kennedy realises how lucky he is to have Kieran. Because I sure as hell know how lucky I am to have Joey.”
With that, Patrick pushed Richmond towards Mike and turned his attention back to Joey.
“Come on, babe, let me pay up and then we’ll get out of here.”
While Patrick disappeared into the depths of the bar, and Mike loaded Richmond and himself into a red taxi, a broadly smiling Joey quickly finished his drink.
“Sorry to leave you alone, Kieran, but looks as though I’m going to get lucky tonight.”
“You’re not sorry at all.” Kieran laughed.
“No, I’m not. Patrick’s amazing when he’s in this kind of mood. So I’m going to make the most of it.”
“Hey, we’re off to Bali tomorrow, so I probably won’t see you before we go. Let’s arrange to catch up when we’re both back in London.”
“You’re on. You know, I wasn’t really looking forward to Hong Kong, but I wouldn’t have missed that little show for the world. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, and safe flight home.”
“You too,” said Kieran, giving Joey a hug and waving at a departing Patrick, who actually smiled and seemed ready to leave, but then relented and came over.
“Kieran, I owe you an apology. I was rude to you on the cruise and, in hindsight, that was unacceptable. I’m not too proud to admit when I’m wrong, so I hope you’ll accept my apology. I think you might be good for Kennedy. I just hope he appreciates you.”
“Thank you, Patrick.”
Joey and Patrick left in the next red taxi, leaving Kieran standing there, stunned and alone. Straightaway, Kieran wanted to call Kennedy, but had no idea whether he would be able to pick up. More than likely, he was in the air on his way back to Hong Kong. Fortunately, the girls returned from their forage, laden down with bags of goodies.
“We’ve saved so much money,” said Steph, holding up one of the carrier bags.
“I think you mean spent,” said Kieran.
“Where is everyone?” asked Laurie, putting her bag down and getting her drink.
“Did we miss anything?” asked Steph, also putting her bags down and peering around.
“Nope,” said Kieran, grinning happily. “Apart from watching one serious douchebag go down in flames—metaphorically speaking—you missed nothing at all.”
“Okay, Kieran,” said Steph, hands on hips. “Hand me my drink. Then spill the beans.”
* * * *
In Kieran’s mind, Hong Kong airport appeared to have been designed to resemble a giant modern cathedral, with high vaulted ceilings and huge windows showcasing regimented rows of airplanes from all over the world, waiting to be boarded or disembarked, and distant planes taking off and landing. Moving walkways ran through the centre of the main terminal, lined on either side by departure gates and a few last-minute shops or eateries.
Kieran stood at the departure gate, staring over the heads of those around him and shuffling from one foot to the next. Passengers were already boarding and there was still no sign of Kennedy.
“Will you calm down, Kieran,” said Steph, for the third time. “He texted that he’s on his way.”
