Page 127 of Rhymes with Metaphor
“What did Silas mean about an invitation?”said Reg.
“He wants me to come to a party at his place.”
Reg was very attuned to Joel’s body language, and he could tell something wasn’t right.Joel was walking closer to him than could be accounted for solely by their joined hands.
“You must have made an impression,” said Reg.“Do you want to go?”
“I’ll go if you come with me.”
“Of course, but why do you want to go?I gathered you don’t like him.”
“I don’t.He says he auditioned for Juilliard thirteen years ago and got in, but he rejected their offer.He said he could give me tips for my audition.”
“He got a lot of information out of you in such a short time.”
“You were gone for twenty minutes,” said Joel reproachfully.“Where were you?”
“I was waylaid by a poem,” said Reg.“About a golden-tongued lizard.”
“Was it about me?”
“Obliquely.”
“Can I read it?”
“Once it’s finished.”
At the car, Joel reluctantly released Reg’s hand so he could get in.
On the way home, Joel said, “Thanks for being with me.”
“I had to come cariad.It was my exhibit.”
“I meant,” said Joel, “thanks for being in my life.For taking care of me.”
Reg parked the car in the underground car park.“Something’s got under your skin tonight.”
Joel pulled Reg into a cinch and kissed him hungrily, trying to clamber into Reg’s seat.
Reg eased him off.“We’re in a car park.”
“Didn’t stop you at the Old Mill.”
“We’re almost home,” said Reg, getting out of the car.
But as soon as they were in the elevator, Joel started kissing him again, opening his own coat with one hand and guiding Reg’s hand down with the other.Joel’s arousal startled Reg, surging up into his hand.A moment later, he made a sudden, choked-off sound and sighed.
“Did you...?”said Reg.
“Sorry,” said Joel.“I’m sorry.”
Reg had never seen him so flustered.“Have I ever minded that?”
Joel looked uncomfortable.“It’s just...I’m really angry.”
“At me?”
“At Silas.He reminds me of Flip.”
