Page 32 of From LA to London, With Love

“I kept feeling chemistry between us. We’d touch, or look at each other, and it was like a taser hitting me in the chest.” I groaned. “And, you know, it’s not just physical. We get on so well. We spent three whole days together and never ran out of conversation. Not only that, everyone around us assumed we were a couple.” It had given me a kick each time someone thought we were a little family—me, Chris, Elliot, and Alfie.

“But nothing happened?” Josh had gotten his phone out and put it on selfie mode to check he didn’t have any other burrito remnants on his face.

“No.” I shook my head. “And if he was interested, he had plenty of opportunity to say something. I mean, he’s Chris Trent. He’d be so used to getting any girl he wanted, he wouldn’t exactly be lacking confidence in that department.” I took another mouthful of burrito and regretted it immediately. I pushed my plate away from me so I’d stop eating it.

“Well, you’re not just any girl. And also, you’re interested—even if you have some reservations—and you’re not saying anything to him. Perhaps he feels the same way?”

“Mmmm,” I said, not convinced. “Anyway, he started filming on Monday. Having some time apart might help me shake off these feelings, or at least put them in perspective. Should we make a move? I’m so full, and we’ll be late if we don’t head off in the next few minutes.”

We stood up, tucking the red wooden chairs back under the rickety table, and went to pay.

Chris’s filming schedule was punishing, with early morning starts and twelve-plus hour days. While we’d been exchanging regular text messages, I hadn’t seen him since Monday night. So far, the time apart hadn’t helped my feelings, but it was still early days. I was already missing his company. At least Alfie was providing Elliot and me with some companionship. One minute, he was aggressively wrestling with his stuffed white alpaca or zooming around my parents’ house, much to Elliot’s delight, and the next he was exhausted and snuggling up on the couch with me or, in the evenings when my parents were home from work, my dad. Chris had intended to have Alfie on set with him, but on their first day Alfie had barked at some horses, causing a mini stampede. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the event hadn’t endeared Alfie to the director. After Chris told me what happened, I’d offered to look after Alfie during the week while Chris was filming.

“That reminds me. Chris invited me, Elliot, and Alfie to visit him on set next week, which should be fun. Dad is basically dying of envy and keeps on making up reasons why he should come with us.”

We exited the restaurant and started walking toward Pride House, my stomach aching from burrito overload. Hopefully, the walk would help with digestion.

Josh laughed. “Ah, Mr. S. I can just imagine him cornering the director and peppering her with questions while she’s trying to direct a critical scene.” Josh had spent a lot of time with my parents. Because he was estranged from his family, he’d often spend Christmas holidays with us, and he was very close to them both. He knew how excited my dad could get about these things. “And how’s your mum coping with your friendship, or whatever it is, with Chris now?”

I grimaced. “Mum wasn’t at all thrilled with Elliot and I jetting off to Barcelona on a moment’s notice, especially with a man I’d only known for a couple of weeks, or the paparazzi photos for that matter. I get it. She’s just very protective of us, but it’s a little irritating.”

Mum’s concerns were partially annoying me because I knew she had a point. I was a pretty private person and had a strict no-photos-of-Elliot-on-social-media rule because of privacy concerns, so I wasn’t exactly thrilled about photos of us being in the news. And yes, it was a little strange to go traveling with someone I’d only known for a week and a half, but Mum didn’t understand how quickly Chris and I had become close.

* * *

Alex smiled at us as we walked into Pride House. This was our third time volunteering, and it had already become one of the highlights of my week. I’d just said hi to Erin and her friends and sat down with another group of teenagers to have a chat when Alex cleared their throat to make an announcement.

“Hi everyone! Great to see so many people here tonight. As you all know, this place has gotten pretty run down. It wasn’t in the best shape when it was gifted to us, and after the storm the other week, things have gotten even worse. There’s been a lot of water damage to the back rooms, so we’ve had to cordon them off. Unfortunately, it’s going to be expensive to fix it up, so we’re hoping to do a fundraiser to raise money for repairs.” Alex looked around the room and smiled. “We were thinking of doing a talent show and an auction. You’re all a talented bunch, and we’d love everyone who’s interested to take part, whether it’s singing, dancing, comedy, or something completely out of the box! And if you know any businesses who could donate any items for the auction, please let me know.”

A buzz filled the room as soon as Alex stopped talking, the teens clearly excited at the prospect of performing on stage.

I’d just finished brainstorming with two teens about potential talent show ideas when Erin walked up to me.

“Sophie, can I talk to you about something…in private?” Erin’s eyes were watery, and her voice shaky.

Shit. My heart plummeted.

“Of course, why don’t we grab those beanbags in the corner?” We walked over and plonked ourselves down on the bean bags. I winced. My stomach didn’t appreciate the sudden movement. I shifted, trying to get comfortable. Why did bean bags always look so much more comfy than they actually are?

“What’s going on?” I looked at Erin with concern.

“I came out to my parents on the weekend, and they took it really bad. Like, way worse than I’d expected. Apparently, while it’s okay for other people’s kids to be gay, it’s not okay for their own daughter to be.” Erin’s voice broke, and a tear rolled down her face. “Dad gave me an ultimatum—‘stay straight’ and stay at home, or live a life of sin and leave. I chose sin.” Erin managed a weak smile.

I put my arm around her, furious at her parents. How could they kick a sixteen-year-old out on the streets?

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, Erin. Where are you staying now?”

“I’ve been sleeping on the sofa at one of my friends’ houses, but I can’t stay there. Their sofa is really uncomfortable, and I can tell her parents aren’t keen on me staying for too long. I spoke to Alex, and they’re gonna call a charity that has housing for teens like me, to arrange something more long term.” Erin took a deep, shuddering breath. “You said your parents were okay when you came out, so I guess you didn’t go through anything like this?” She looked at me, wiping her tears away.

“I was very lucky that I didn’t. But Josh did. Do you think it would be helpful chatting to him about it?”

I glanced over at Josh, who was miming pulling down his pants to a group of teenagers. While Josh had a silly side to him—which I loved, but also sometimes drove me up the wall—he was also a thoughtful, kind person, who could be serious when the situation called for it. Despite his current antics, he’d know exactly what to say to Erin. I just hoped the fact that Josh still hadn’t reconciled with his parents, over a decade later, wouldn’t be too much of a downer for her.

Erin gave me another weak smile. “Yes, that would be good, thanks.”

“Just give me a sec.” I awkwardly struggled out of the beanbag and walked over to Josh who, it turns out, was entertaining a group of teens with a story about the time his shorts fell down during a high school play.

“Sorry to interrupt. Josh, can I steal you away?”