“Come in for a mo.”
“I’ve parked outside your shop. Is that going to be okay?”
“Why? Are you worried someone’s going to steal your heap of motorised junk?”
Jaymes turned his head away and grinned.
“I’m concerned, Mr Fresher, that I might get a ticket for illegal parking.”
“You’re fine. It’s Saturday night. And I’ll only be a couple of minutes. Come in.”
Nathan turned and led the way up the stairs, hearing the front door close as Jaymes entered. At the top of the stairs, in the brightly lit living room, Nathan moved across to the bathroom entrance and waited for Jaymes to appear. Strange actually, because for the first time since Nathan had met him, Jaymes moved cautiously, his face registering something akin to concern as he peered about the living room. Nathan smiled amicably in the hopes of relaxing him. By comparison, Jaymes’ grin seemed lukewarm.
“Take your coat off. Make yourself at home,” said Nathan.
“Thanks.”
Jaymes didn’t move. His discomfort started to become infectious.
“Everything okay?”
“Fine. But can we have a quick chat before we leave?”
“Sounds ominous.”
“Not really. I just want to get a few things straight.”
“Give me a couple of seconds.”
Nathan stared into the bathroom mirror. Until moments ago, he had been feeling upbeat about the evening, looking forward to a night out that didn’t involve the local pub. He had even convinced himself that having Jaymes along would be a bonus, someone good-looking who wouldn’t think twice about speaking his mind. Jaymes’ uneasiness had stirred up his own. Maybe he had good reason because, in all likelihood, Clifton’s guests would be gay. Opening the bathroom cabinet door, Nathan pulled down his one bottle of cologne and sprayed a thin mist around his chin. While waiting for the scent to dry, he considered whether he should give Jaymes the chance to bail.
“How’s the flat search coming along?” Nathan called out.
“It’s not. I’ve had to work every day this week. No time to search. Polly’s being understanding, but I’d rather not overstay my welcome. Don’t suppose you know anyone with a spare room?”
Nathan had a guest room, and even though dismissing the thought made him feel ungenerous, he had no intention of sharing his space. Working the hours he did, he needed his quiet time in the evenings.
“Not off the top of my head, but I’ll put the word out and let you know.”
“Thanks. How’s the naked player headcount coming along?”
“Bingo. Already have twelve, not including me. Eight are in their twenties. Probably agreed just to impress their girlfriends or wives.”
“Too early to say I told you so?”
Nathan finished up, splashed water on his cheeks to dilute the scent’s potency, and patted his face dry. Back inside the room, Jaymes had finally removed his overcoat and stood at the bookcase, reading the back cover of a paperback. Nathan stopped and stared, admiring the view. Jaymes really understood the term smart casual. He’d donned a well-fitting combination of a caramel tweed jacket over blue jeans and a tight black polo-neck jumper. His mop of dusty blond hair had been tamed tonight and entirely complemented the ensemble.
“You scrub up well.”
Jaymes turned to Nathan, the book still in hand, and frowned quizzically down at his body. Nathan thought he may have overstepped until Jaymes’ face blossomed into a broad smile. Wow, thought Nathan, he’s going to have to be careful at tonight’s gay shindig with those dangerous bedroom eyes. Turning to face Nathan, Jaymes took his turn to appraise Nathan’s suit and shirt combo.
“You don’t look too grubby yourself, hotshot. A tad overdressed, maybe. Trying to show me up?”
“Of course not. It’s this bloody smart casual tag. I never know what’s too much or too little.”
“Well, you look fine to me. And as I’m your plus one tonight, that’s all that matters.”
“About that,” said Nathan, thrusting his hands into his pockets. “Look, Jaymes, you don’t have to go along with this if you don’t want to. If you’d rather back out, I’m happy to go alone.”
