Having both of them staring at him while they openly discussed his sex life, or lack thereof, wasn’t how Oliver had envisaged his Sunday going. “Can we just leave it. He’s a nice bloke, but that’s it.”
“Okay.” Naomi walked over and ruffled his hair, smiling when Oliver tried to duck out of it. “Sorry. Now I’m in a boring old relationship—” She winked at him, ignoring Rob’s indignant huff. “—I have to live vicariously through you.” Setting the cat down, she filled the kettle and switched it on. “Betty’d like a cup of tea before you head off, if that’s okay?”
“Yeah, course.” Oliver was already reaching for a cup from the cabinet behind him. “I’ll make it and bring it through.”
As Naomi disappeared out the door, Rob spoke. “Sure you don’t fancy it?”
“Fancy what?” He knew exactly what Rob was referring to but felt like being stubborn.
“Ed.” Placing a mug for himself next to Betty’s cup, he added some coffee and milk to it. Then looked up, waiting for Oliver to meet his gaze before he carried on. “I know you don’t like going out to the clubs and that anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.”
“I have fun,” he said, hearing the defensiveness in his tone and sighing. “Look... it’s just... Ed seems like a nice guy. A nice guy who isn’t staying,” he added quickly as Rob went to speak. “I really don’t fancy dealing with all that crap when he eventually leaves.”
“Not even for some good old no-strings sex?”
Oliver huffed out a laugh and shook his head. “When is it ever that?” He’d tried, many times, but feelings always came into it. Maybe that was just him, but getting involved with Ed would inevitably lead tohurtfeelings. There was no escaping it. Better to avoid it altogether and aim for friends. “It’s fine. Besides, flirting is fun. I’m happy with that.”
“Okay. If you say so.” Rob’s dubious expression said he didn’t believe him, but he let the subject drop.
THEIR CONVERSATION plagued him for the rest of the evening, though, Oliver unable to let it go.
“You okay?” Betty stopped by his chair on her way to bed, resting a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve been a bit quiet since we got home.”
He put his hand on hers, rubbing it gently when cool skin met his warmth. “Just tired.” Which was the truth, just not all of it. “Been a busy day.”
She smiled, and Oliver didn’t miss the twinkle in her eye. “Ah yes, you were helping Ed, weren’t you?” She gave his shoulder a light squeeze. “I hope he appreciated it.”
“Yeah, he did.” And why did that thought bring a flush to his face?
“Good.” She bade him goodnight, leaving Oliver alone in the living room.
The cats were either asleep or outside, hunting some unfortunate small animals, and Oliver didn’t feel like watching any TV. It was only quarter to nine, too early for bed even though he had been yawning on and off for the last ten minutes. His book didn’t seem all that appealing either. As tired as he was, he also felt a little restless. For want of anything better to do, he stood and headed to Monty’s room.
Slipping inside, Oliver then waited by the closed door for Monty to get used to his presence. Off to his new foster home in the morning, this was Monty’s last night with them. Although it was a good thing—the lady he was going to had no other animals, so he’d have the run of the house—Oliver still felt a pang in his chest at the thought of him leaving.
He’d fostered a few cats before when he lived at home, only ever short term, but without fail he missed them all a little when they went. And Monty was a special cat. Whether it was his big black paws or his gentle nature under that growly facade, Oliver wasn’t sure. But when Monty sauntered over to him, measuring him up with each step, Oliver knew deep down he was going to miss him a little more than all the others.
Staying absolutely still, Oliver waited until Monty settled on the carpet beside him before reaching out to stroke a finger down his back. His fur bristled a little at first, then relaxed. Oliver sighed and rested his head back against the wall. Thinking about everything and nothing in particular.
Tiredness crept up on him and he yawned, jaw cracking, and he closed his eyes. The weekend had been more energetic than he’d planned, and a smile escaped him as he pictured Ed leaning over the fence separating their gardens. If he’d not gone out there that day, probably none of the rest of it would’ve happened.
And what a shame that would’ve been.
Oliver enjoyed meeting new people, and he didn’t get to do a lot of it these days. Even considering their first encounter, Oliver had had a good feeling about Ed, and it was reassuring to see he was still a fair judge of character.
As neighbours went, Ed was shaping up to be a good one, especially considering whose shoes he had to fill.
If only he wasn’t itching to leave.
For more reasons than one.
Oliver shoved those thoughts to the back of his mind. Flirting was fun and all that, but anything more would be messy in the end. Or somewhat embarrassing if it turned out Ed wasn’t interested in anything beyond that.
No, another friend was something he’d gladly take. Another ex? Not so much.
Monty chose that moment to turn around and stare at him, as though passing judgement on his inner monologue.
And calling bollocks.
