Page 40 of Companion Required

“So far, so good,” said Richmond, the older of the two. Until Kennedy’s split with Patrick, Kennedy had always respected Richmond, had found his common sense refreshing and his business observations insightful. “Where are the others?”

“Steph and Leonard have food poisoning—” began Laurie.

“And let me guess,” said Mike. “Pete’s got a bout of seasickness?”

“Bingo. His dad’s taking care of him.”

“They do have pills for that kind of thing on the boat,” said Richmond.

“He won’t take them, Rich,” said Mike. “Says they make him nauseous.”

As they talked together—pleasantly enough—Kennedy pondered the strangeness of the situation, how these people used to be close friends, used to be in each other’s pockets. Now, because of one simple act—him and Patrick splitting—sides had been taken.

Over drinks served by Richmond, they chatted mainly with Mike, reliving old holiday memories and laughing together. Kennedy had just started to relax when Laurie’s phone beeped. Her face dropped as soon as she peered down at the display. More than likely, Steph needed her help. After thanking Mike and Richmond, and a quick apologetic and guarded nod to Kennedy, she excused herself. In her absence, Kennedy continued chatting until he peered around the room once more.

“Where’s Patrick?” asked Kennedy. “I was hoping to have a chat with him.”

Something in Richmond’s eyes hardened.

“As I said, you’re early. Joey persuaded him to get a massage before the main party. Tension relief. They went together,” replied Richmond. “They’ll be back any minute. Lay off him though, Kennedy, will you?”

“Rich,” said Mike softly, touching his partner’s arm. “Let it go.”

“What do you mean?” asked Kennedy.

“You know exactly what I mean,” said Richmond.

“Look,” said Kennedy. “We need to talk, that’s all. Just the two of us.”

Richmond folded his arms, a grimace twisting his features.

“What you need to do is leave him the fuck alone. Everyone sees what you’re doing. Hard not to. Still flaunting your pretty boys on the cruises in front of your friends year after year. How do you think that makes Patrick feel? I’ll tell you how. He’s now second-guessing himself, about whether you were doing the same thing when you were together—”

Kennedy’s anger bristled. Was that really what his old friends—what Patrick—thought of him?

“That’s unfair. I never once—”

“Maybe not, but try convincing him of that. You froze him out. How often did you guys have sex the last six months you were together?”

Kennedy glared at Richmond. How dare he call him out in public on something so personal. Had Patrick told all his friends about that last, dreadful year they’d spent together? Peripherally, he noticed the room had gone still and quiet around him.

“That’s private—”

“I’ll tell you how often. Not once. And now he’s fucking torturing himself, because he believes you were getting your kicks elsewhere, because unlike him, you could afford to buy as many tricks as your dick desired. All those times you were away on working weekends, or business trips. What little piece of ass did you have along with you—bought and paid for—to fill your bed?”

Kennedy was too shocked to retaliate. Richmond’s voice resonated throughout the cabin. ’Mike appeared uncomfortable, staring at the floor, unable to meet Kennedy’s gaze but unwilling to interrupt his partner’s onslaught.

“I did nothing of the sort,” said Kennedy calmly, regaining some control. “Whoever’s spreading those lies needs to check their facts.”

“So are you denying that you pay these rent boys to come away with you on holiday?”

“For starters, they’re not rent boys. And why they’re here is nobody’s business—”

“Oh, come on, Kennedy. People talk. Ewan told us all about your arrangement last year. So no doubt this year’s plaything is on your payroll. Can you really blame Patrick for hating you? You fucked him up royally.”

Everyone’s eyes were on them now, boring into him, singling him out. They appeared to relish every accusation coming out of Richmond’s mouth, bystanders enjoying a show. By now, Mike had turned away embarrassed.

“I did nothing of the sort—”

“You treated him like a piece of shit when you were together. Did you even know he was seeing a counsellor for depression when you dumped him? No, because you never bothered to ask, never gave a shit, would rather turn a blind eye if it didn’t concern you. Even on this trip, he’s barely left the cabin, because he’s worried about bumping into you parading this year’s top model. You are a sad, pathetic excuse of a man, Kennedy Grey.”

Kennedy stood there stunned. Richmond’s words stung. Did they believe he had purposely hurt Patrick? Because Patrick’s exit from their relationship had taken him completely by surprise. Had he not been paying attention? Admittedly, keeping the company afloat had taken up much of his time back then. But why had none of these so-called friends warned him if they could see things falling apart? Until Patrick had walked out of the door, Kennedy had assumed everything was fine. Not perfect, perhaps, but what relationships were? Now Richmond stood there talking to him as though Kennedy were on trial with Richmond’s own handpicked jury watching and judging him. Did all his friends feel the same way?

“I don’t fucking need this,” said Kennedy, slamming his glass down on the bar and heading for the exit. As he ripped the door open wide, Patrick and Joey stood there, about to enter, a look of genuine shock on both their faces.

“Yeah, go on,” called Richmond, from somewhere behind. “Run away. It’s what you do best.”

Kennedy didn’t stop, but pushed past them.

Enough of this shit, he thought.I need a fucking drink.

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