“Is that it? Is that what you wanted to ask me?” said Lenny, aghast. “You wondered if I wanted to be with you?”
“Yes. Well, no. Well, partly.”
“Okay. Well I’m glad we’ve cleared that up…”
They both laughed at the same time, and Adrian decided to take the next step.
“I know I’m in Drayton and you’re in London, but I’m prepared to drive to you whenever I can. Or you can come and stay with me, rather than staying with your mother. But I imagine there’s a lot more for us to do where you live. What I also wanted to know, and only if we were both agreed on being together, is how you might feel about ditching the condoms.”
Next to him, Lenny’s mouth dropped open in shock, which was not the reaction he had been hoping for, but maybe he needed to clarify.
“Only if you want to. And only after we’ve both been tested, of course. I’ve stayed clean all these years, but I wouldn’t expect you to agree to this without us both getting tested together. Hey, what’s the matter?”
Lenny had dropped his head forwards, pushed his hands into his eyes and shook his head slowly from side to side. Seeing this, Adrian put his arm across his shoulders and pulled one of Lenny’s hands away.
“Hey, buddy, are you okay? We don’t need to—”
“No, I’m fine,” said Lenny, taking Adrian’s hand and squeezing. “In fact, I’m more than fine, I’m fantastic. I haven’t felt this alive—this optimistic—in years the way I have these past few months or so since meeting you. So yes, whatever you want, I’m prepared to give you. And more.”
“This does mean you’ll probably have to meet my mother.”
“Fair enough. You’ve already had the pleasure of meeting mine. But I promise you this, you will never, ever have to meet my aunt.”
“Oh, yes. I didn’t ask you how that went. Should I bother?”
“She’s dropping her claim to the house. Sounds like Cousin Matthew might have managed to talk her around. But family or not, she will never change, Ade. You should have seen the look on her face when I told her I was gay. I know your mother’s religious, but from what you tell me, she tries to do good things for other people in the community, socialising and getting you to go around and help out if anyone’s having trouble with their house. Yes, I know she didn’t fight for you when you really needed her support, but I sense that was more because she feared going against your father’s wishes.”
“I don’t blame her, Lenny. Not anymore. She told me she argued with him about me the morning after I left and did her best to try to find me. But they had no idea where I’d gone because I dropped all contact. Finally she did what she could, contacting her brother and asking him to keep an eye out for me.”
“But what I’m trying to say,” continued Lenny, “is that good people use their belief to promote kindness in the world, they see loving each other as the most important message for the living. My aunt is not like that. Her belief is her armour, makes her feel superior and protected, locked away from the realities of life. Can you believe she forbade me from using Luke’s name in her presence? The woman is damaged. She refuses to show any kind of remorse, or humanity, or kindness, or courtesy. And, family or not, I don’t need that negativity in my life.”
“Sounds like you’ve had a rough day. But if you no longer need to worry about going to court, that must be a relief. And you end up keeping this beautiful home.”
“And this beautiful boyfriend.”
Adrian’s smile turned into a small grimace.
“Ooh, boyfriend, huh? At my age? Maybe we can think of something else.”
“Partner sounds like we’re in business together. How about fella?”
“How about not. And I’m not keen on better half, either.”
Lenny chuckled.
“Let’s agree to a work-in-progress. I’m thinking we have a few things to talk about this weekend. But all that matters to me right now is that you’re going to be a part of my life. How did I get so lucky?”
Adrian put his hands either side of Lenny’s head turned him around and kissed him full on the mouth, enjoying the sensation for a long moment, before finally pulling apart.
“I love you, Lenny Day.”
Lenny’s eyes had been lingering on Adrian’s lips, but with the words spoken, darted up to meet Adrian’s gaze. Instantly, a smile blossomed on his face.
“Yeah, me too. I love you, Adrian Lamperton.”
“Okay, lovebirds,” came Toni’s voice from behind them. “Dinner’s about ready. Or do you want to carry on making out on the terrace.”
Adrian began to stand, but Lenny held him down, and got out his phone.
