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Ben sucked on one of the pear drops Dorian had bought him and he hoped the fucker choked on it. “Enjoy it. Alex’s great company, and I’m sure you’ll find some middle ground so it won’t feel too awkward.”
He hadn’t felt awkward when they’d pottered around before his epic sweet-shopping extravaganza, but now they were going to a restaurant in Cambridge, the sort that had a nine-course tasting menu and a three-month waiting list that had mysteriously made way for them once the owners had been briefed that Dorian wanted dinner with his new boyfriend. “Do think we might have gone too low-key with this one?”
Ben shook his head. “No, this will come across as far more genuine if an eagle-eyed member of the public spots you, and if not there’s ways and means for things to get out.”
“Alex suggested doing an interview with a friendly magazine with the right review and approvals in place.” He’d liked that idea although he wasn’t sure it was quite the right timing. “Not us posing as a couple, but more an interview with the real Dorian, a few nice photos and me alluding to enjoying being able to date a man openly.”
“Sounds like a good idea. Weren’t you inCosmoonce?”
“Yeah, I wasn’t quite their centrefold but there was probably a bit more skin on show than I should’ve done.”
“I seem to remember Robin being very complimentary.”
He grinned at the memory. “We re-enacted a few of the shots, with him playing photographer.”
“It’s great that you can look back on the good times now. You were good together for a lot of that part of your lives, don’t think you have to dismiss it all because it’s over.”
“I did struggle with a lot of what-ifs, but in the end, I can’t change the past and maybe I can find someone who’s right for me now.”
“I’ve no doubt you will,” Ben said. “Spend the next few months practising with Alex, and then you’ll be able to go out into the world with more confidence.”
“Talking of Alex, I’d better get going if I’m not to keep him waiting.”
“Oh, yes, he’s not the type to allow tardiness.”
Alex was waiting for him at the side entrance to the hall, dressed in another of his suits, although he didn’t think he’d seen the shirt before. It didn’t feel like a date, more that Alex was about to run him through his agenda for the week.
“Ready for the world to see Dorian Forbes on a date with a man?” Alex asked.
“Are you ready to be seen with me?”
“I already have been, although it wasn’t a date.” Alex smiled. “I’m going to be on the arm of the most attractive man in the restaurant. Everyone’s going to think I’m a right lucky bastard.”
The car Alex had arranged pulled up and they got in. “I’ve been looking at the menu for this place, it’s full of dishes that sound like they should be in an edition of poetry.”
“LA is full of places with pretention. Bit of froth masquerading as soup and single pieces of pasta as a course.”
Alex winced. “I’m sorry, would you have preferred for us to have gone somewhere else?”
Dorian hadn’t meant to belittle Alex’s effort. “Not at all. It’ll be nice to do the proper tasting menu thing without having to worry about putting on weight.”
“So how many of those bags of crisps you got left? Since you’re so worried about gaining a few pounds?”
He jostled him with an elbow. “Uncalled for.”
“Which reminds me, I’ve looked into the Grange Health Club for memberships.” Alex smirked. “You did say you’d be after a gym, and Ben and Ashley are members.”
“Okay, I suppose I can’t let myself go fully to seed.” He’d noticed a definite softening in the definition of his abs. “You could also join. We could be seen going together.”
“I can’t afford the Grange. And I’m not much of a gym bunny.”
Dorian tutted. “Don’t be daft. I’ll pay for it.”
“They only do membership for a year, so it’s well beyond what you’d need to cover.”
“Don’t be a plonker, Alex. I promise I can stretch to it.”
“We’ll see.”
