Page 75 of Perfect Night

“No. I haven’t been back to his place. He cut my phone off, so I had to get a new one.”

“Can you stay with your family?”

“Never knew my dad. Mom died a few years ago. And the rest of the family are Bible-bashers and want to send me to one of those camps.”

Charlie shuddered; he’d heard enough stories about those places. They called their ticket, so Charlie went to get the order and used it as an opportunity to shoot a text to Deacon, letting him know where they were. It wasn’t the best way to get Hunter to trust him, but Charlie wouldn’t be here in a few days and Hunter needed someone in his corner.

He put the food down, and Hunter dived right in. Charlie wasn’t sure when the guy had last eaten something. A few days ago, he guessed, at the way he inhaled the food. Charlie had barely taken a bite and Hunter was wiping his mouth and making a start on his fries.

“Do you want another burger?”

“I’ll be good with this, thanks.”

He ate his fries slower as Charlie tucked into his burger. Between eating, they chatted, staying off topics such as Brandon and homeless shelters. Charlie didn’t dare look at his phone to see if Deacon was going to turn up. He was thinking of ways to get Hunter’s belongings from Brandon when Deacon himself plonked down next to Hunter, making him jump.

“Relax, Hunter. I just wanted to chat to you.”

Hunter glared at Charlie, who smiled apologetically. He then noticed another presence and looked up to see Sebastian, who looked furious. Charlie narrowed his eyes, letting his boyfriend know he was pissed off with him. He didn’t seem to get the message.

“What’s he doing here?” asked Charlie loudly, so Sebastian would hear it.

“He was with me when your text came through, and he pulled rank.”

“Hmm.”

“Oh dear. Looks like trouble in paradise, Hunter. Shall we get a coffee?”

Hunter was hesitant. He looked at all of them, and then nodded.

“Give me your number before you go,” said Charlie.

They exchanged numbers, and Hunter left with Deacon. Sebastian took the seat opposite, and the mood shifted instantly.

“Why didn’t you say you knew where Hunter was?”

“I didn’t know. I just bumped into him.”

“And what were you doing out on your own?”

“Are you serious? We’ve had this conversation. Do you want to know what I was doing? I was at the police station. Had a very interesting chat with Lieutenant Simmons.”

Sebastian looked like he’d been slapped across the face.

“Yeah. Forgot to tell me something, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t want you to feel obligated.”

“That wasn’t your decision to make. So, I’ve dropped the charges. I should hear today that you’re in the clear as well.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course I was going to do that. I love you, for fuck’s sake.”

Sebastian smiled.

“No. I said I love you, but I don’t really like you right now.”

“I was just trying to protect you. It was my fault what happened, and –”

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