Page 5 of On Circus Lane

“I’m afraid I haven’t had the chance,” Tom grits out. “I drove all the way back from fucking Northumbria and got home in good time to get changed and meet you all, only to find that I can’t get into our fucking house,” he grits out.

“Tom shares a house with Jack,” Ivy whispers to me helpfully.

“Thank you so much. I would never have guessed.” I wince as she pinches me.

“Why couldn’t you get in?” Jack frowns. “Have you lost your key?”

“Oh, not lost,” Tom says silkily. He points to Steven. “Twatface took it.”

“What?” Jack exclaims. “Surely not. How do you know that?”

“I never removed the key from my keyring. And, before I set off, I saw him fiddling with it. He’s been itching for a key to the house for ages.” He turns to Steven. “How the fuck dare you take my key without asking, you total knobhead.”

“Tom,” Jack says, wincing.

Steven sighs, and I pat his hand. Tom’s eyes narrow at the gesture, and I offer him a glare of my own, which makes him blink.

“Bully,” I mouth. He either doesn’t notice, or he chooses to dismiss me.Again.

I’d like to say I’m sticking up for the underdog, but I can’t for two reasons. Firstly, I suspect the underdog is probably at fault here, and more than likely Steven has a vicious bite of his own. Secondly, I know myself. I’m still smarting at Tom’s dismissive look. It brought back more than a few unpleasant memories of my adolescence.

“I needed a key,” Steven says defensively. “Jack never remembered to get one cut for me.” He glances reproachfully at Jack as if this is all his fault.

“How farsighted of Jack,” Sal breathes. She’s moved to stand next to her brother, her eyes bright with irritation.

Tom rolls his eyes and pats her hand. “Step down, psycho,” he murmurs.

She grins at him and kisses his cheek. “Glad you’re back,” she says and sits down on the arm of my chair.

Steven glares at Tom. “So, I borrowed your key. Is it really a big deal?”

“Yes. You took my key without asking for my permission. And I’ll take a wild guess that you had a copy made and never asked your boyfriend about it.”

Steven settles back in his seat and crosses his legs nonchalantly. “You can have it back,” he says sweetly.

“You bet I can. Now.” He snaps his fingers and holds out his hand.

Steven huffs, reaches into his pocket, and then drops two keys into his palm. “Happy now?”

“Are you coming home with Jack tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Then no, I’m not.”

“Tom.” Jack sighs.

Tom grimaces. “I’m going home to get changed. Are you coming to the Stardust bar? The drinks are half price. Freddy’s already there.”

“I’m in,” Sal shouts.

Tom gives her a crooked smile that is not attractive at all—not one bit. I smile at Steven in solidarity, ignoring the peevish look on his face.

“What about staying here?” Jack asks. “You can get to know everyone and say hello.”

“No need,” Tom says cheerfully. “I can do that really quickly.” He looks around at us. “Hello, everyone,” he says with a charming air. “Coming to Stardust with us?”

Everyone smiles and choruses greetings at him. The next thing I know, they’re standing and gathering their coats. I glare at Tom and become even more irritated when he appears to miss my expression.

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