Page 50 of Unrequited Sloth

“I don’t even want to know. I could guess, but reality would be far worse.”

Gabriel knew Jason meant well, but it was best not to think about whatever he’d said and done to make this date happen. If he did, then he’d probably need to leave from the mortification and call a therapist.

“Well, he was right about how handsome you are,” said Sergio, with that perfect smile again.

Gabriel wasn’t sure what to say to that, and if he tried to speak now, he’d probably squeak with embarrassment.

“Sorry,” said Sergio. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but I say what I think.”

“It’s fine. Thank you. You’re hot as well.” Gabriel gasped, feeling his face ignite with heat. “Oh God, can we just forget I said that?”

Sergio laughed and took hold of Gabriel’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “You’re going to make it very hard to respect your first date rule, Gabriel. Shall we order food? And then we can get to know each other – with no more mention of Jason, of course.”

“Sounds good. One question, though. How do you know him?”

“We’re both on the committee for the Pride celebrations this year for the Corporation of London.”

That explained things. At least Jason hadn’t been randomly interviewing prospective dates in here. Although it wouldn’t surprise Gabriel if he had been doing that as well. They both ordered their food, and Sergio poured their wine, which had arrived. It was delicious. The man had good taste in wine as well. He was a great match for Gabriel, but his head wasn’t in this date, which made him feel shitty.

“Do you know that guy by the bar?” asked Sergio.

“Which one?”

The place was busy, but once he saw Bobby watching them, Gabriel knew who he was referring to. What was he doing here, and why did he look like he wanted to punch someone?

“That’s just my . . . flatmate.”

He couldn’t think of another way to describe Bobby that didn’t sound messed up. Sometimes less was best, and this was one of those times.

“He seems pissed off about something,” said Sergio. “Do you need to speak to him?”

Gabriel glanced over at Bobby, who was staring at them. What the fuck was he playing at? Maybe he wanted to check that Gabriel was okay or something.

“Give me two minutes.”

Sergio nodded, and Gabriel stood up and walked over to Bobby.

“Is everything okay?” asked Gabriel.

“Yeah. I just popped in for a drink on my way home.”

This place was nowhere near home, but Gabriel didn’t know where he’d been for the rest of the day.

“Are you checking up on me?” he asked.

“What?”

“Why are you here, Bobby?”

“Like I said, just having a drink.”

Why did he look shifty? Bobby was usually all smiles, and if he had a tail, it would be permanently wagging, but right now he looked like his favourite toy had been taken off him.

“I’ll see you at home, then.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“What do you mean?”