Jez watches him and gives a low whistle. “Since when did he become such a fucking bore?”
“He’s not,” I say shortly and start to walk away. I’ve had more than enough of Jez’s attitude today. I stop when he puts a hand on my arm. “What is it?”
“I need to talk to you.”
My eyes narrow at the grim tone in his voice. “So, we’ll talk back at the hotel. I’m already soaked and cold, and this storm is getting worse.”
“No, now.”
I glance around. The graveyard is empty now, the mourners having left to go to the wake. “Okay,” I say slowly. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is,” he snaps. His face is cold, a nerve jumping at his jaw as if he’s gritting his teeth.
“Well?” I prompt when he doesn’t speak, and the silence drags on. My heart is hammering, and I already know what he’s going to say before he speaks.
“I know.”
I freeze. “You know what?” I manage to say evenly.
He grimaces. “Fucking hell. Don’tdothat.” We stare at each other, and then he snaps, his eyes flaring with rage. “My fucking son,” he says loudly, before pacing away to the gravesite.
I fold my arms over my chest to conceal my shuddering. “I’m sorry,” I whisper when he strides back.
His eyes flare. “You’re not even going to deny it?”
I shake my head.
“And that’s all you have to say?” he demands.
I lick my lips, tasting the rain. “It’s all Icansay. I’m sorry.”
He raises his hand abruptly and for a wild second, I think he’s going to punch me. I wouldn’t blame him, and I don’t put up my hands to stop him, but then his hand falls heavily to his side.
“I honestly thought you were going to deny it and tell me that I’d got it wrong,” he says, scanning my face.
I push my hair back and his gaze focuses on my shaking fingers. “I won’t lie to you.”
“Oh, you won’t? How very fucking honourable of you, Reuben.” He spits out the words, his eyes bright with rage. “Unfortunately, you weren’t too honourable to sleep with a kid.”
“He’s nineteen,” I flare.
“Really? That’s what you’re going with? He’s still a kid.”
I slump. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“So why did you do it?”
“I don’t know,” I say numbly. “He’s amazing.” I look up. “I need you to know that the first time, I didn’t know who he was. I picked him up in the bar on the first morning we were at the hotel.”
“The hookup? That was him?” I nod, and he grimaces. “Shit, Reuben. And after that? When you knew who he was?”
“And then I couldn’t help it. You have to know I tried, Jez. I tried so fucking hard, but he’s just so—” The words tumble out of me. I’m almost glad to get them out because they’ve been trembling on my lips for a week.
“So?” he prompts.
“He’s snarky and clever and tries so hard to hide that he’s also kind. Something drew me back to him every time I tried to say no.”
“He’s just a lay like all the others, Reuben,” he says impatiently.
