Page 34 of Unrequited Sloth

“You’ve known Dillon since you were eighteen,” said Martin.

Bobby nodded.

“I assume you’re moving out of the flat?”

“I didn’t get a choice in that. The locks were changed and everything was packed up when I got back.”

“Where are you staying?”

“With Gabriel.”

The eyebrows of both brothers disappeared into their hairlines. It would be comical if the situation weren’t so serious.

“He supported me in Vegas when it all kicked off. I was staying in a hotel, and my stuff is in storage. He’s got a spare room, which neither of you has. There’s no way I’m going to Mum and Dad’s. I’m going to call them tomorrow. I just wanted to tell you two first.”

“Do you know what’s happening with the rest of the family being told?” asked Martin.

“I haven’t thought about it. This week has just been a headfuck.”

“We can pick that all up,” said Martin. “People will have made travel plans, so they deserve to be told as soon as possible. Hopefully they won’t end up out of pocket.”

Bobby hadn’t considered that, which was selfish of him. Alex had organised everything for the wedding, so he wasn’t even sure who all the guests were. He shared that with Martin, who waved him off and said he’d deal with it all once he’d spoken to their parents. This was Martin’s comfort zone. His middle brother was a very caring man, but he showed it in actions, whereas Ryan gave hugs.

“How did you leave things with Alex?” asked Martin.

“She accused me of having an affair with her brother.”

The eyebrows disappeared on both of them again, but Ryan cracked up laughing.

“Are you moving away from the dark side, baby bro?”

Bobby laughed. “Well, I could do a lot worse than Gabriel.”

Ryan stopped laughing and looked at him. “Something you want to tell us, Bobby?”

“No, nothing like that. I was just saying that if I were that way inclined, then Gabriel would definitely be my type.”

“Why’s that?” asked Ryan, with a grin on his face.

Their vodkas had arrived, so Bobby took a swig and narrowed his eyes at his brother, who he knew was poking at him. It was to distract him from all the shit that was going on in his life, which he appreciated, but he didn’t want Gabriel to be the butt of some joke. Bobby thought too highly of him.

“He’s kind, funny, clever, successful, handsome, has a banging body, and is the best cook in the world.”

Ryan glared at him, making both Bobby and Martin laugh. Gabriel had cooked for him every night since he’d moved in, and he was great, but nobody could hold a candle to his brother’s genius in the kitchen. Ryan could have had a hugely successful career in the top restaurants, but he was happy here, and at the other places he’d worked that were similar, although not queer venues. Since this opportunity had come up, he’d never known his brother to be so excited about work. Daniel knew the owners, so Bobby might have asked him to get Ryan an interview. The rest had all been on his talent.

“Let’s put Ryan’s ego to one side for a second,” said Martin. “What was that about a banging body you mentioned? How do you know that?”

“We shared a room for two nights when it all kicked off, so I saw him without a shirt on. He’s ripped.”

“Shared a room or a bed?”

He felt his face heating and wasn’t sure why. Both his brothers smiled at him. There was no way he was telling them about potentially being really married to Gabriel. He’d never hear the end of it. All he had to do was keep his fingers crossed that Daniel would confirm he had nothing to worry about.

CHAPTER 12

GABRIEL

Gabriel groaned when his alarm went off. At least it was Saturday, and he didn’t have to face his friends at work. Jason had pounced on him on Wednesday, wanting to know about the stag do, and thankfully Dexter had kept his confidence, as Gabriel knew he would. They would have a lot to say about Bobby living with him when they found out. He still wasn’t sure why he’d offered his spare room to Bobby, but he had no regrets. Why wouldn’t he help someone he cared about? Yes, his feelings for Bobby were complicated, but that was no excuse not to help someone who was in need, especially given it was his sister who had thrown him out.