“Are you okay?” Prin asked.
Elliott regarded him like something he’d brought in on the sole of his shoe. “Oh yeah, I’m fucking wonderful. I’m being framed for a crime I didn’t commit.”
Prin wanted to laugh in his face. He supposed it was far beyond Elliott’s capability to actually be honest.
“Then I’m sure the truth will come out eventually,” Prin replied.
Elliott looked as though he were about to say something, then decided against it. For a split second, Prin could see a confused little boy pretending to be an adult. He wanted to reach out to him and tell him it would be all right.
“At least I won’t have to listen to you knobheads anymore,” Elliott muttered.
Prin’s sympathy soon passed.
By the time five o’clock came around, Scott still hadn’t told Prin where they were meeting. Whatever the night held, Prin had no intention of staying late in the office, so he went home to wait. He also took the opportunity to have a shower, shave and to find the perfect outfit. He wasn’t exactly a sharp dresser, but he’d scrubbed up well in a navy shirt and slate chinos.
It had gone six when his phone rang out. He dived across the sofa for it.
Location: The Esplanade Hotel. Report to reception. DO NOT REPLY
Prin shook his head.
“This man is crazy,” he said to the empty room.
He took a few more seconds to compose himself before putting his game face on and charging out of the flat.
To whatever awaits me.
The Esplanade Hotel was a short walk from Prin’s flat. After one last spritz of his favourite aftershave, the sexy Dior Sauvage, he headed out of the door. Of course, he crept across the hallway. Not quietly enough, however. Jeremy’s door swiftly opened, revealing the man himself with a suspicious scowl on his face.
“Twice in one day,” Jeremy said. “I am a lucky boy.”
“Hi.”
Jeremy licked his lips. “And don’t you look sexy?”
“I’m going out. In fact, I’d better go.”
Jeremy’s eyes flitted over Prin. “I presume you’re meeting the airhead from this morning.”
Prin bristled. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I’m sorry,” Jeremy replied with the fakest of smiles. “How about we go out for drinks soon?”
This was the moment. “We should probably not,” Prin replied. “Unless it is just drinks.”
Every other time they’d been to a bar together, they’d ended up in bed. Much to Prin’s regret the next morning.
Anger flashed across Jeremy’s face. “Of course just drinks. I’ll be in touch.”
He didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he slammed the door closed.
That went well.
Prin didn’t like to upset people. However, he did feel better for finally putting a stop to his and Jeremy’s arrangement.
He ran down the stairs and out into the late summer’s evening. He had ten minutes to get to his rendezvous with Scott. He did not want to find out what would happen if he were late.
Or do I?
