Page 22 of Treehouse Whispers
Chapter 8
The following week passed by in a blur of painting, kissing, sexting, fucking and loving. Benji had never been as content as he had been since Jamie had made his revelation. They had been in each other’s pockets previously, but now, they were hardly ever apart, especially at night-time.
They hadn’t told anyone about their relationship, and tonight was Benji’s birthday party at his parents’ house. He wasn’t sure how they were going to pretend they weren’t together when they could hardly go thirty minutes in each other’s company before one pounced on the other.
Benji frowned and drew out his phone. He wouldn’t be able to concentrate until he sorted this out with Jamie.
We need to tell people before the party. They’ll know something is up as soon as they see us.
He rested the phone on the table and redirected his gaze back to the easel, picking up a brush, but putting it back down less than a minute later when his phone buzzed.
I was thinking we could tell everyone as soon as we get there. As you said, they’ll know something anyway.
Benji blew out a breath. He wasn’t sure his parents were going to be happy about being kept in the dark, but perhaps Jamie was right. No point telling people now because they’d only be either ringing him or coming over to see him when they’d all see him tonight anyway.
Alright. Sorry, just wondering how my parents will react.
It’s okay, Benji. I’ll be there with you every step of the way.
As always. X
As always. Love you. X
Love you. X
I’ll be home by four, so we’ll have plenty of time to relax before the party ;-) x
Benji grinned at the winking emoji. He knew exactly what kind of relaxing Jamie was talking about, and he couldn’t wait.
See you soon. X
Feeling better about the situation, he set his alarm and picked up his brush again. He had a few hours to get some work done before Jamie got home.
****
“Benji? I’m here!”
Jamie’s voice brought him out of his painting, and he heard his footsteps on the stairs.
“Hey! My alarm didn’t go off,” he grumbled, checking his phone, frowning. “I wonder why?”
“They let me leave early. It’s only past three.”
“Oh, how come?”
“Because I couldn’t concentrate or sit still, they told me to go home andrelaxbefore the party tonight.” Jamie’s eyebrows rose in question.
“Well…I do need a shower,” Benji said slowly, a smile crossing his face.
“Great! Let’s go!” Jamie went to grab his hand, but Benji pulled back out of reach.
“Hold your horses, mister! I have to put all these things away first.” Benji mock frowned at Jamie.
Jamie held up his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay.” He snorted. “Can I help with anything?” he asked.
“Nah, it won’t take me a minute.”
Benji sorted his supplies: cleaning his brushes, palettes and cloths, then covered the easel and hustled over to Jamie. “Told you I wouldn’t be long.”
