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Therestoftheholiday passed quickly. They ate, drank and played games. Ashok was funny, confident—everything he wasn’t when they first met—and Hayden fell for him a little more each day. Vic adored him, and his mum took him aside the day before they left to tell him how she liked him.
His family knew of his past. He’d hidden nothing from them and had come clean when things got out of hand. They’d been disappointed, of course, but since then, he’d tried hard to make up for the bully he’d been. Something his mum had kept a close eye on.
“He’s not him, you know, Mum, and I’m not that person anymore.” Ashok was playing a game with Vic on her tablet, leaving Hayden sitting on the sofa with her.
“I know. I’m not worried, Hayden.”
“I was, when I first saw Ashok. He reminded me so much of him. I could feel myself getting angry.”
“You’d never do anything now, surely not.”
Hayden shook his head. “No, I wouldn’t. I’d never hurt him. He’s had enough of that in his life, I think, even though he’s not said anything directly to me. That anger soon redirected itself to whatever low-life hurt him. When he arrived, he had this huge bruise on his face. I was ready to find the piece of shit that did that to him and…well, that’s probably not something either of us wants to think about.”
“You’re a good man, Hayden. I know this; your dad knows it too. I’m happy you brought him with you. I think it’s opened your eyes to the possibility that you can be happy.”
His mum was likely right. She usually was, and they watched as Ashok and Vic fooled around. His foot was definitely better from the rest, and it would only be a matter of days before he could move around on his own, much to Hayden’s dismay. He quite liked the contact. He’d have to find some other way to get his hands on him, but not while he was under his parents’ roof.
They’d done nothing but steal a few kisses when they had a chance, but with Vic around, it was difficult. She was like a ninja, jumping out at them when they least expected it. At home, though, all bets would be off.
“You need to tell him, son.” Hayden knew that. It wasn’t something he was looking forward to doing, but she was right. He should know.
“I will, but we’ll just enjoy today, and then when we get home, I’ll tell him.”
Ashok looked over, maybe he’d heard his name or perhaps he sensed he was being talked about. He smiled at Hayden, tucking his hair behind his ear. How anyone could hurt the gentle soul he was, Hayden didn’t know.
“He seems to get on with Vic, anyway. Remember when I brought Matty? She really didn’t like him.” Hayden remembered how she snubbed him, hardly talking to him at all.
“I think she likes him, too. Treat this one right, Hayden.” With that, she stood, taking his coffee cup from him.
Hayden watched them a little longer before Vic finally left the room. He beckoned Ashok over and patted his lap.
“Come sit with me. I’m lonely.”
Ashok sat, placing his arms around Hayden’s neck.
“Back to reality tomorrow. When will you reopen the shop?” Ashok nuzzled into his neck.
“Never if you keep doing that. I’ll not want to leave the house again.”
“I have to work,andI have to find a place to stay. I bet that room is gone now,” Ashok said with a sigh.
“Why do you need to find somewhere else? You can stay with me.” Hayden had thought it was a done deal.
“I moved away to be self-sufficient, not to have to rely on you.”
“Living with me is no different to the room you were going to rent, and it’s more comfortable. I looked into it after we spoke, and it’s not in the best part of the city. Plus, you’d need to take a couple of buses to get to work. At least with me, I can give you a lift or one of the guys could take you. If it makes you feel better, you can paymethe rent.”
Ashok looked off into the distance, seemingly contemplating Hayden’s words.
“You know it makes sense, Ashok, and I think the past few days have proved we can live together without wanting to strangle one another.” Hayden turned Ashok’s face around and kissed him, trying to remind him why living together would be a good idea.
“Your idea has merit,” Ashok said. “Do you think we could make it work? With this thing between us?”
“I’m positive, but we can keep it low-key if that would make you feel better. There’s no need to rush. Everything will be your choice. I won’t push you into something you’re not comfortable with.” Hayden got the feeling Ashok wasn’t particularly experienced when it came to relationships and men.
“I don’t want to lead you on, Hayden.”
“Let’s talk about this more when we get home and just enjoy the time we have here. We’ll be back to normal before you know it.”
