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“There’s no need—” Ashok started to say, but Hayden interrupted.
“There’s every need. I’ll cook, just stay safe. Make sure you check your surroundings.”
After the incident with Seb and his stalker, they all knew what to look for. He just hoped the same thing didn’t happen again. He had no wish to find Ashok lying in a ditch the way they had with Seb. Surely they couldn’t be that unlucky.
“My father is not the hiding type. If he sees me, he will make himself known. You can be sure of that.”
After Ashok had left with Dom, he tidied around the house, but with just the two of them, there really wasn’t much to do. He changed his bed, did some laundry and watched some daytime TV, anything to take his mind off what Ashok had told him earlier.
Seems they both had their fair share of misfortune, and on the face of it, things had been far worse for Ashok than for him. Not only had he to contend with a sexual assault, but also with an abusive father. If he ever saw the man, there was no telling what he’d do. For all his problems, Ashok had turned out to be the most caring, loving person he’d ever met. Those circumstances beyond his control hadn’t made him selfish or vindictive, just the perfect combination of compassion and kindness.
He got out the cookbook Ashok’d bought him for Christmas and scoured the pages, looking for something good to cook for them both, finally settling on a simple dish of vegetarian lasagne. Surely he couldn’t go wrong with that. He followed the recipe to the letter, stirring, tasting, until finally, he was more than pleased with it.
As the clock neared six, he poured a glass of Ashok’s favourite water and waited patiently for him to arrive. The house smelt divine, and he was starving. Six became six thirty, and Hayden started to worry. He tried calling, but it went straight to voicemail. After his conversation with Ashok earlier, he began to think the worst, that his father had found him.
He texted and called again. Nothing. He bit his lip nervously. Where the hell was he?
He tried Seb and Dom, then Joe and Jacob. Still, there was no answer.
By seven, he was beside himself with worry. The sparkling water had gone flat, and he’d turned the oven off, not wanting to burn the food. He paced the lounge floor, the curtains still open so he could see any approaching cars, but there was nothing.
Dear God, if anything had happened to him… Maybe he should call the police? Hospitals? He was being dramatic, he knew, but terror filled him and his stomach churned uncomfortably.
It was ten minutes past eight when he finally saw a car pull up outside his house. Out stepped Ashok looking perfectly fine. All limbs attached, laughing and joking with whoever was dropping him off. Bloody Dom, he might have known.
He rushed to the front door and opened it, standing agitatedly on the front step.
Ashok was waving at Dom and turned at the last minute, stepping back as he was confronted by Hayden.
“Thank God you’re OK. I was worried sick.”
“Why were you worried?” Ashok asked, surprised.
“Because you said you’d be back at six and now, it’s after eight. After our last conversation, I thought your father had finally caught up with you. Jesus, Ashok. I was having kittens here.”
Ashok went pale, his hand flying to his mouth. “I amsosorry. Seb and Dom wanted to go over a few things. They ordered pizza. Why didn’t you call?”
“I did.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Check your phone. I called Dom, Seb, Joe and Jacob.” By now, they were inside the house, and he grabbed Ashok and brought him close, cradling his head in his hands. “Don’t ever do that again. I thought you were gone when I couldn’t get a hold of you.”
Without thought, he kissed his lips before holding him close, and when Ashok dropped his bag to the floor and hugged him back, all the fear he’d felt floated away, leaving a complete sense of relief.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think.”
“It’s OK. It’s OK. I overreacted, but I’m really glad you’re home.”
They broke apart and walked to the kitchen, Hayden’s heart just about getting back to normal.
“The food smells really good. Is it ruined?” Ashok asked, opening the oven.
“I turned it off when I realised you weren’t coming home. I didn’t want it to burn.”
“Is it still hot? The pizza they bought was awful. I only managed a slice. I’m still really hungry.”
Hayden shrugged. “I could warm it through. It wouldn’t take long. Sit and I’ll get your drink.”
“Let me take my stuff upstairs and change out of these sweaty clothes. I’ll be down soon. Thank you for cooking, and I’m sorry for not letting you know.”
Hayden should have been cross, but he was just thankful he was alright. He set the table and poured them both a drink. When Ashok came down, he looked refreshed and a little ashamed.
