Page 26 of Don't Point at the Moon

“Tell me about this best man, Alec,” asked Mitchell, who appeared to have been emboldened by their exchange.

“He’s a demigod.”

“Yes, but what kind of things does he like? I think we’ve established you have the hots for him and his mere presence does a number on your libido. My question is about Alec the person. What other things do you know about him? Or are you planning to stand in his presence again, gawking like a goldfish and drooling onto his lapel? How did that work out for you last time?”

Tommy stopped walking and glared at Mitchell.

“Rude!”

“I’m trying to help. How much do you actually know about him?”

Mitchell had a point. Tommy recalled a conversation with Daley about how Alec had planned to set up an extreme sports travel company straight from college.

“He has a sister. Or maybe two? His family are definitely Australian, but I’m sure he told me they come from Newcastle. That’s in England, isn’t it?”

“There are lots of Newcastles around the world. Canada, the US, Jamaica, Barbados and Australia. I imagine he meant the Australian Newcastle in New South Wales. Supposed to be beautiful. Around a hundred miles north of Sydney, I believe.”

“Oh, yes. That would make sense. He does have a great tan.”

Mitchell turned to Tommy with an expression of disbelief.

“You don’t seem to know much about him. Is he actually gay? Or are you hoping he finds you so irresistible that he decides to jump—”

“Stop already. He’s gay. Or possibly homoflexible. Daley told us he’d been popular with girls in college but secretly dated a guy, a jock on the soccer team. So yes, I am fairly sure he bats for our team. But I’m not sure how out he is, if you know what I mean? And at college he talked about starting his own specialist travel company.”

“And did he?”

“No idea.”

“Then it seems you have some homework to do.”

“Are you suggesting I cyberstalk him?”

“No, I’m suggesting you phone Daley. Far more efficient and less creepy. And they’re best friends, aren’t they?”

“Good point. And Daley owes me.”

“What for? Marrying your sister?”

“Finding a plus-one to bring to his wedding,” said Tommy with a smirk.

“Finding a plus-one todumpat his wedding, I think you mean.”

Tommy chuckled again. They settled into a peaceful stroll and this time the silence felt companionable rather than awkward. Tommy noticed signs popping up announcing the imminent end of the first section of the walk.

“How about you?” asked Mitchell, after a considerable pause. “Any long-term relationships I should know about?”

“Define long-term?”

“A year. Maybe two or more.”

“I think the longest I’ve been with anybody is two months.”

“Not something I would publicise, if I were you. Anyone the family got to meet?”

Something in Mitchell’s words niggled at Tommy.

“No. Look, I’ve been told I’m picky. Overly picky, if you know what I mean?” Tommy realised his tone had begun to sound defensive. “But nobody has held my attention longer than a couple of dates. We’ve normally run out of things to say to each other by then. That doesn’t make me a flake.”

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