“What telephone number did you use?”
“The one on the online booking form, love. Here.”
When Lenny checked the form, he closed his eyes briefly and shook his head.
“I miskeyed the last digit. Should be a six, not a five. I’m really sorry, Ade. I messed up. Are you okay to share? Personally, I have no issue.”
Adrian hesitated. He couldn’t remember the last time he had shared a room with another man where sex had not been on the menu. Would sharing a room with Lenny be awkward? Even with separate beds, they would still be in close proximity. He felt Lenny’s and Mrs Llewellyn’s eyes on him.
“Look, my loves. Why don’t I give you the key, and you can go and check the room first,” said Mrs Llewellyn, probably sensing his hesitation, “see what you think?”
Adrian nodded slowly. Checking the room might give him time to think of something, if necessary an excuse for them to stay somewhere else.
“Sounds like a plan.”
Chapter Seven
Wales
Located on the first floor, the Dylan Thomas room smelled faintly of fresh decoration and solvent from newly installed fitments. With grey carpeting and walls painted spearmint, the latter adorned with colourful abstract art in stark reds, greens and whites—the colours of the Welsh national flag—the space felt modern. Even the quality white duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases with the forest-green runners on the two double beds seemed more appropriate for a business class of hotel.
Leonard glanced at Adrian, who looked at the layout and furnishings with trepidation. Did he not like the room, or did he have a problem sharing? Had Leonard messed up? Undeterred, Leonard dropped his bag onto the bed nearest the window and went into the bathroom. Modern white and chrome appliances, new fixtures and fittings, with pristine white tiles on the walls and floor lent the space a clinical cleanliness. Not only did the room have a free-standing tub, but also a large shower cubicle. Leonard had stayed in a lot worse. He didn’t notice Adrian’s presence until a voice sounded from over his shoulder.
“How much did this lot set you back?”
“It’s low season. The rooms are very reasonable. Besides, you don’t need to worry. This is on my account, remember? But I reckon this will do nicely. Are you hungry?”
“I’m always hungry.”
“Dump your bag and we’ll go down and get something to eat before the kitchen closes.”
After a slight hesitation, Adrian did as asked and headed straight out to the central stairway leading to the bar. Leonard stayed back to lock the door before stopping to check his phone for messages. He read a couple of updates from Isabelle but found nothing urgent, so hopefully no dramas. When he reached the saloon, Adrian already propped up the bar, his long legs crossed at the ankles, a pint in front of him. The landlady stood behind the counter, pulling one of the beer pumps to fill another glass, while also checking the glasses her daughter had cleaned and occasionally tutting. As soon as Leonard appeared, she smiled a welcome.
“Room to your liking?”
“Very much so, thank you.”
“Lovely.” She set the full pint of beer in front of him. Leonard smiled at Adrian, who had chosen which beer he would drink. “Let’s have your credit card to check against the booking, and then you’re all set to go. Breakfast’s from seven until nine in the dining room around the corner of the bar. We get a selection of dailies in, too, if you like to read while you breakfast. Do you need dinner tonight?”
“We do, actually,” said Leonard, handing over his business credit card. “Ade? Have you chosen?”
They ordered food, this time Adrian opting for local fish with chunky chips while Leonard went for the house special of lamb hotpot. Once they placed their order, Mrs Jones called out something in what sounded like Welsh down the corridor. Within seconds a big bear of a man wearing a white chef’s apron appeared. Blind to Leonard, he gave Adrian a lingering once-over, smiled and nodded once. Leonard felt a pang of annoyance and drained a good third of his pint. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the landlady pointing a finger between Leonard and Adrian before reciting something in Welsh which he assumed to be their order. After she made eye contact with him and nodded out into the saloon area, Leonard got the message and led them over to seats at a table near the open fire. Before sitting, Adrian put his drink on the table and quickly excused himself to use the restroom, a move which had Leonard feeling another stab of irritation. Was he going to chat up the chef? But he returned too swiftly. Leonard sensed a tension in Adrian but had no idea how to ask. Fortunately, the food arrived, generous portions that had Adrian’s eyes widening. After silently swapping condiments and sauces, they both fell to enjoying their meal. Finally, Adrian spoke.
“Do you think we should have checked other options? Other hotels?”
Leonard stopped eating and gave him his full attention.
“Doubt there are any, Ade. Not this late in the day. Look, I know the one-room situation isn’t perfect, but this place is otherwise ideal. We’re about ten to fifteen miles from the location of the house. We won’t find anywhere closer. Or do you have a problem sharing?”
“No, it’s not that. I—I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable. And if we’re going to share a room, then there are a few things you ought to know about me.” Adrian had stopped eating. His eyes fixed firmly onto his plate of food as he spoke.
“Go on.”
“For starters, I snore.”
“Yes, well. Join the club. Luckily, I have earplugs.”
Kris had snored. At first, the sound had kept Leonard awake. Even with earplugs, he had still been able to hear the droning. Ironically, when Kris passed away, Leonard hadn’t been able sleep due to theabsenceof snoring. A friend once likened the situation to people who complain about living near busy roads or motorways, who then find sleeping difficult when they stay in quiet places like the suburbs or the countryside.
