Page 73 of Rhymes with Metaphor
“That’s what it feels like,” said Reg and patted his side.
He released Joel then, but Joel stayed where he was, leaning against the wall in the corner.
“Now, let’s go out and get dinner,” said Reg.
“I’ll...get changed,” said Joel.
“What you’re wearing’s fine,” said Reg.
“No, I...”
“Oh,” said Reg, realization dawning.“I’m sorry, cariad.Go on.I’ll wait for you here.”
A few minutes later Joel came downstairs looking terribly dignified.“Reg.”
“Hmm?”
“If you’re not going to participate...fully, don’t do that to me again.”
“Understood,” said Reg.
And nothing more was said.
Chapter 18: In Blackberry Lane
The next morning, theyslept in till past noon at Reg’s insistence, milking the decadence of leisure for all it was worth.When they got up, Reg made Joel a breakfast of laverbread on toast with bacon.They ate on the patio.
“Scraped off the rocks of the Gower Peninsula,” said Reg.“How is it?”
“Salty.”Joel sent him a coy glance.“Is that how I taste?”
“Similar.Laverbread isn’t as runny.”
After a pause, Joel said, “Will you letmesome time?”
“Perhaps.”Reg bit into his toast.
