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We’d left London and headed for Oxford to film the next portion of the movie.
This time, however, I was sharing a house rental with him for the next three weeks. A stately mansion, right in the heart of the city. It gave us privacy but also easy access to roam and play tourist when we had time off.
I don’t know if it was being away from the grind of LA or the fact that I was finally getting comfortable in my sexuality, but every passing day gave me greater confidence.
Not just in myself but in my feelings for Reed.
We’d been circling each other for ten years and it was time to stop.
But I also knew him. He was frightened.
I was too.
Reed and I had the potential for a spectacular crash and burn. No special effects required.
Not that I was going to let that stop me.
While he was on set filming a solo clip, I did a run through of the house we were calling home for the next while. It had three levels—a living and kitchen area on the first, two bedrooms and two baths on the second, and a main suite with a huge bath and library on the third.
I’d given Reed the top floor, since I knew he couldn’t live without his soaker tub. And he would love the library, complete with a reading nook under a big window that looked out onto the busy street below.
I liked being in the frenetic heart of the city. There were always people around. Unlike the gated community where I lived in California, where I’d be lucky to see a neighbor once a month. I mean, I liked the privacy, but at the same time, it was lonely when you lived alone.
Reed and I were recognized a few times in London but not as much as we were back at home. And I now understood why Jared had readily moved here. It was nice to be able to walk out the door without paps in your face. I’m sure things would be different if we were local celebrities.
But it was the people here, not just the paps, that I’d noticed. They were calmer, unobtrusive. Don’t get me wrong, fans were always welcome, but sometimes I just wanted to go the store and do my shopping. Be normal and do normal things.
After checking the house over, I got my luggage sorted and headed out for a long walk.
Since I had no filming and I didn’t need to report on set until tomorrow, I decided to grab a few items to make dinner. I got a couple of double takes when I entered a local bakery on High Street, but everyone was kind and helpful, no fuss.
There was something about the history of this area that appealed to me. It wasn’t all shiny glass towers and neon signs like LA. Instead, weathered stone facades and gothic arches greeted me at every turn.
I walked under cloudy skies and intermittent rain, and I wasn’t missing the sunshine at all.
Though I did miss him.
A few hours later, I headed back to the house and began to prep dinner. A Sunday roast with smashed potatoes and gravy. Dessert was store-bought. I was a decent cook but baking, not so much.
Once the roast and veg was in the oven, I got the fireplace going and selected a playlist that suited a relaxed evening for two.
I expected Reed back by six, but seven rolled around and there was no sign of him. My good mood plummeted.
Tate: You heading back to the house? I made dinner.
When I didn’t get a reply within ten minutes, I texted again.
Tate: If you’re not coming back until late, just let me know. Thanks
A minute later, I got my reply. But not the one I was hoping for.
Reed: Sorry, a bunch of us went to a pub after filming wrapped.
Shit, I hope to fuck Reed hadn’t been drinking. Between his late response and now this, my stomach did a painful somersault.
Reed: Don’t worry, I didn’t drink. No urge lately. I’ll be back in a bit.
Then he sent me a few snaps from the pub. I smiled when I spotted the usual crew members.
