Page 33 of Fervency Love

We stop by the Den. The guys sit on a bench, and Ted produces a pack of cigarettes. Max asks if I’d like one.

“Sure, but I have my own, thanks,” I reply and take out my Marlboro lights, sending Ve a look. He extends a hand and takes one of my cigs.

So we sit together, having a smoke. I get to know his friends a bit better. I watch how Ve acts with them around and conclude that he’s completely at ease. At least for now. The guys pick on him in a friendly manner whenever he kisses or touches me. When they go inside and lock the door, I straddle him and hug my boy.

“I missed you,” I purr straight to his ear.

“Me too. That’s why I’m here.” He strokes my back gently.

“What’s the plan today?”

“We can sit somewhere outdoors, no? The weather is nice. Maybe we can have a beer?” he suggests.

“Yes, that’s great. I’ll just check what’s the situation at home, but let’s meet around six by my place, alright?”

“Deal.”

Ve walks me home. He waits for me to grab Lola, and we take a walk.

Thirty minutes later, the dog is exhausted. We head back home. Ve leaves me with a kiss and takes the elevator down.

I shower and heat up some dinner. Around five my parents tell me they’re going to Daisy Valley.

“Want to come with?”

“No, thanks. I’d rather stay.”

“Okay, but stay in touch with Grandma.”

I roll my eyes as if calling her would change anything, but reply, “Sure thing. No problem.”

They leave and Grandma calls.

“Hello, dear. Will you come over tonight?”

“No thanks, Grandma. I’ll stay at home if that’s okay with you.”

“Won’t you be afraid?” she asks.

“I’ll call Vicks if I am.”

“Okay. Good night, then. Sleep well. Come over for dinner tomorrow.”

Maybe the evening will be more fruitful than I anticipated.

At six I’m having a smoke on the balcony. I see Ve downstairs. I wave him over. He knocks on the door. I open it and pull him in by the scruff of his hoodie.

“We have the house to ourselves, tiger.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that we can finally spend some time together without hiding. If you have the time and if you’d like that, of course.”

“Wow, Abbs. When are your parents coming back?”

“Sunday.”

“What about your gran?”

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