Page 56 of Just Like You
“Dude, you’re a grown-up. Get over yourself. Kieron has been looking for someone all his life. Someone who would see through the bullshit and love him for everything he is. He keeps fucking these youngsters who just see the big muscle daddy with too much cash on his hands and who want what he can give them. But they don’t give him anything back, and he needs so much more than that.”
“I don’t know what I can give him,” I almost shrieked. Like we were actually having a conversation that I was part of and not just sat here watching The Gina show.
“You gave him validation. A belief that he’s lovable. You love him, and don’t fucking look at me like that, because next you will say something about time and space and all that bloody bullshit. It’s not always like in a romance novel. Sometimes love just hits you. Sharp and bloody and savage to the max. And when it does? Don’t fight it, Julian, because do you know how bloody lucky you are?”
“And where do you fit into all this, Gina?” I wasn’t proud because I was shouting. This was all so bloody weird, and here I was sippingmy tea and trying not to explode with… I couldn’t even explain how I was feeling.
“See? You love him.”
“Seriously?”
“You’re all defensive. Sat there with his watch, clasping it like it’s the most precious thing to you.”
“I…” She was right. I couldn’t even defend myself here.
“When we… When he was with me in the Maldives.”
“Jealous as anything of that little jolly.”
“But…” I shook my head.
“And?” she prompted. “Can I make another tea?”
“Feel right at home.” I threw my hands in the air. I had no control here. Well. What was new?
“Give him a chance,” she said softly, again flicking my kettle on and finding two new cups in my cupboard. Like this was normal when it was anything but.
“How can I?”
“Because you were in the wrong here. Kieron is not my boyfriend. He’s the guy whom I love and always will, but we were never a couple. We were friends who relied on each other when we needed it the most. He taught me everything I know about sex. Good sex. Sex that is not forced or taken in anger. I taught him about how to be lost and learn to live with it. We have always had each other’s backs, and I hope you will allow us to always have. But I couldnever make Kieron happy, not as a couple. And he could never make me happy. And trust me, Julian. I am really happy. I’m on my own and finally feel comfortable with everything that I am. And he is a huge part of that. Do you see what I mean?”
“Not really,” I admitted. “I’m so confused now that I can’t even…”
“You’re fine. And now you’re going to go to work and get your job done, whatever it is you do on that plane, and then you’re going to spend whatever spare time you have there talking to Kieron. Let it all out. And after that? Come home. Let me take you out for lunch because I love a good stir of the pot. Come out with me. Get papped and have a laugh about the ridiculous life of Gina DeSanto. Icon. Influencer. TV host.”
“Queer defender. Host of Eurovision,” I popped out, and she giggled softly.
“Indeed. I’m right on that flag with you. Ace. Aromantic. Asexual as fuck. Also not in my autobiography. Available in all formats from a retailer near you.”
“I want a signed copy.”
“Available to purchase from my official website. Or my TikTok Shop. My agent has every angle covered, darling. But for you? I’ll grab one from the office. I’ll bring it for our lunch.”
“Lunch.” I smirked.
“So what? I like food. Good food, like Tamino’s in Knightsbridge. Have you been? Steak, proper potatoes and garlic-infused broccoli.”
“Sounds nice.”
“It is. I can actually cook, but why should I when I can just have it delivered to my table? Pure perfection. You should ask Kieron to make you his grilled chicken with pesto. He makes it from scratch, and it’s divine.”
“Food,” I said, still feeling like I was stuck on another planet.
“I’m always hungry. Fast metabolism and all that.”
“Me too.” I smiled. “I’m sorry, had I known you were coming, I would have got something in. As it is, I only have toast at home. Ran everything down since I’m going away.”
“I like toast.”
