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“It’s rather a long story,” Alec said. “But the short version is that I came out to my parents this weekend.” He watched as confusion spread over James’s face, followed by dawning comprehension.
“Oh my God, really? So you’re….”
“Gay. Yes.” Why did so many people find it hard to say the word?
“But what about Belinda?”
“Belinda and I have a rather more platonic relationship than we led people to believe,” Alec admitted, ignoring the flush he could feel heating his cheeks. “It seemed easier to let people think we were a couple.”
“Wow.” James seemed shocked, but there was no disapproval or negativity in his expression, only surprise. “Well, good for you. It can’t have been easy telling your folks, I imagine.”
“No, it wasn’t a barrel of laughs. But my mother surprised me—in a good way—and I think my father will get used to it eventually.”
“So, is there a lucky man who was the catalyst for this sudden revelation?” James asked.
Alec cleared his throat, avoiding James’s gaze and shuffling some papers around on his desk. “Yes, there is, as a matter of fact.”
“Will I get to meet him sometime?”
Alec panicked internally for a moment, warring with himself before opting for a reply that was evasive, but not a lie. “I’d say that’s very likely.” He changed the subject quickly. “Oh… and James?”
“Yes?”
“I haven’t told anyone else at work yet. I’m going to, very soon. But please keep this to yourself for now.”
James tapped his nose and smiled. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
Ed was one of the last to arrive in the office that morning. He hurried in at ten to nine, muttering about delays on the Tube.
Alec heard his voice before he saw him, and the awareness of Ed’s presence flooded him with the desire for physical contact. He felt the pull of him, like primal magnetism at a cellular level.
He glanced up, and when he saw Ed’s bright smile levelled at him, tried not to grin back too obviously. “Morning, Ed,” he said. “Katherine asked me to send you in to see her as soon as you arrived. I guess she’ll be assigning you to a new team.”
“We’ll be sorry to lose you,” James said. “Have you got any idea where you’re going next?”
“No, but I guess I’m about to find out.” Ed paused to take his coat off and hang it on the stand in the corner before going to tap on Katherine’s door, which was ajar.
“Ah, Ed. Come in,” Alec heard her say before Ed went in and closed the door behind him.
Ed came out about ten minutes later, looking pleased with himself.
“What’s the verdict, then?” James asked.
Alec raised his gaze to Ed, waiting for his answer.
“I’m moving over to help with a big case in Employment. It sounds like it should be an interesting one.” Ed moved over to his desk and started to gather up a few bits and pieces that belonged to him.
“Need any help?” Jen offered.
She seemed rather crestfallen that Ed was leaving. Everyone in the team had grown fond of him in the few weeks they’d worked together. Alec sympathised. He was going to miss Ed’s company during the workday, but he’d probably be able to concentrate better without him.
“No, I’m fine, thanks.”
It didn’t take Ed long. When he was done, he cleared his throat and said loudly, “Right, well…. I’ll see you all around, I guess. Thanks, everyone, for making my start at Baker Wells such a great experience.” His gaze flickered to Alec and lingered there.
Alec’s heart beat faster, and he schooled his expression into one of careful indifference. “You were an asset to the team, Ed. Thanks for all your hard work. I hope it goes well for you over in Employment.”
“If your new team doesn’t do Friday drinks, come and join us sometime,” Maria said.
“Yes, somebody needs to help Alec get me into a taxi,” James said, and everyone chuckled.
“Oh dear, was it that bad on Friday?” Jen asked.
“I fear I made a bit of a tit of myself. I think I had a bad pint.”
“A bad pint of cocktail?” Ed teased. “Okay, I’m off. Take care, guys. Good luck with your next deal.”
Everyone chorused their goodbyes, and Alec tried not to stare wistfully at Ed’s back as he walked away.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Monday was a whirlwind for Ed. There was so much new information to take in as he met his new team and was given huge quantities of paperwork to read and digest.
He didn’t see Alec again all day and was almost too busy to think about him. But every now and again when he paused in his reading, he’d remember that he and Alec were a couple now, and Ed would almost burst with the excitement of it.
He worked a ridiculously long day, aiming to make a good impression on his new colleagues, so he didn’t want to be one of the first to leave. He would still have a good couple of hours reading to get through at home anyway.
