Page 40 of Convenient Rivals

“Err...” Oscar was immediately hard thinking about that playing out.

“Sorry, I’ve read too many romance books.”

“Yes, that sounds very... romantic.”

“I can see by the way you’ve just readjusted yourself that you’re on board with the plan.”

“Erm...”

“Why don’t I take a piss whilst you calm down? Then we can make our move. It’s already half past eight.”

Oscar looked at his watch. How had they been talking for an hour and a half? Was this going to work? What if Gregory didn’t turn up? He’d then be with Daniel all night and give his mum the wrong impression. There was no doubt in Oscar’s mind that Daniel would be a hot fuck, but their dynamic wouldn’t work. Daniel clearly liked to be in control all the time, whereas Oscar just wanted that in the bedroom. Outside, he needed more balance with a partner, which is why Gregory was so perfect for him. How could he not see it as well?

“Ready to go?” asked Daniel, picking up his jacket.

“Yes, let’s do it,” he replied, standing up.

“You don’t have to do this, you know.”

“No... I want to.”

“That was convincing.”

“I need to know how he feels, so when we do this I know where I stand.”

“So you’re still going through with the wedding? Why not just give him the money?”

“He wouldn’t accept it.”

“Come on. I’m sure it’ll work out, and if not, my offer stays on the table... but you’ll need to take a couple of days off work to recover when I’m done with you.”

Daniel walked towards the door of the bar chuckling, leaving Oscar behind with his jaw on the floor.

The ball was packed with revellers enjoying an evening of well-mannered frivolity. They had a live band instead of a DJ, and champagne instead of cocktails. The canapes were seven hundred variations of how to serve caviar, and so on. Oscar had grown up in this world, but he’d never felt so out of place. There was still no sign of Gregory, and he was ignoring Oscar’s messages. On the plus side, Daniel was hilarious company, and he hadn’t seen his mother yet.

“Oscar, look at you.”

Spoke too soon!

His mother’s voice made him take a deep breath before he turned to greet her with a smile.

“Good evening, Mother.” He kissed her on both cheeks.

“I see you and Daniel are getting acquainted,” she said in a loud whisper. “Isn’t he gorgeous?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“See. I know what’s best for my boy, and I told that Balfour brat just that. He won’t be bothering you tonight. You can thank me later.”

Oscar stiffened. “What have you done?”

“Nothing for you to worry about.”

“No. Tell me what you’ve done. Now.” Based on the curious looks they were getting, he’d raised his voice louder than he meant to.

“Don’t be causing a scene. You had a problem, and as your mother, I dealt with it for you.”

“I need to go.”

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