Page 23 of Need Him
“If you still want me there.”
Despite what happened, he found he still needed Gareth’s support and nodded, climbing into his car. His excitement had dimmed, but he still wanted out of his parents’ house, so he had no choice but to go through with the viewings.
He parked at the next one, meeting a different estate agent this time. They waited until Gareth joined them a couple of minutes later and entered the property. During that visit, Ben made sure he was quiet unless they asked a specific question and showed himself around while Gareth and the man spoke. The bedroom appeared smaller than the pictures showed, and he wasn’t sure he’d be happy with it. Although he supposed he would be working most of the time, and he would use a bedroom for sleeping and not much else, so it probably didn’t matter how big it was.
When they finished the visit, they said goodbye to the man, and Gareth grabbed Ben’s arm, guiding him to Gareth’s car. Gareth opened the passenger door.
“Get in.”
Ben did, though he didn’t know why. Gareth shut the door and rounded the car to the driver’s side. Once he was situated, he told Ben to put his seatbelt on and started the car.
“Where are we going?” Ben asked when he did what Gareth had asked.
“You’ll see.”
Gareth drove for several long minutes, and Ben didn’t start up a conversation. He was too wound up, and after their conversations in the days prior to this, he knew he would lash out if he said anything. He was trying not to do that, even though he believed Gareth deserved it after shutting him down during the viewings.
Gareth parked in a large car park, and Ben gazed around. “Where are we?”
“A bowling alley.”
“Why?”
“To chill out.”
Gareth switched the car off and climbed out, Ben following suit. “I’m not exactly dressed for this,” Ben said.
“Take off your jacket and tie, and you’ll be fine.”
“I also don’t know how,” he admitted.
“I’ll teach you.” Gareth held out his hand. “Come on.”
Ben removed his jacket and tie, leaving them on the back seat of Gareth’s car, and threaded his hand into Gareth’s. The bowling alley was busier than Ben had expected. He hadn’t realised people still enjoyed the sport. Gareth paid for them to have one game, and they changed their shoes, Ben wrinkling his nose at the smell.
Gareth chuckled. “Just don’t think about them.”
They found their lane, and Gareth showed Ben how to choose the right ball. Ben found a blue one, which didn’t feel too heavy, and set it on the stand.
“Right, are you ready?” Gareth asked, a small smile in place.
Ben rolled his eyes. “Would it make a difference if I said no?”
“Of course, but unless you try, you won’t know if you like it.” Gareth waved his hand. “You go first. I’ll show you how.”
They went through the motions of holding the ball, where to stand, how to bring the ball back and send it sprawling down the lane. Ben thought it seemed easy enough, but when he tried, the ball went straight into the gutter.
“Good try. For this next ball, try keeping your arm a little straighter when you bring it forward. It takes a bit of practice sometimes.”
Ben gritted his teeth and threw the second ball. The same thing happened, although it got a little further down before it sank into the gutter. Ben slapped his hands on his hips and stormed to the seats. When he sat, he crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Gareth.
“It’s not a problem. I’ll help you next time. Watch me and see how I keep my arm. I’ll do it slowly so you can see it better.”
Ben watched, mesmerised by the movements of Gareth’s body as he walked forward and swung his arm back and forward. The ball went sailing down the lane in a straight line, smashing into the pins and sending most of them flying. Ben chewed his bottom lip, wishing he was somewhere else. On Ben’s next go, Gareth settled behind him, moving his arms for him.
“When you bring your arm forward, keep your elbow locked and try to keep your wrist straight. It takes practise.”
Gareth stepped back, and Ben followed his instructions. At least, he thought he did. The ball didn’t agree. Ben tried again, and a similar thing happened. He firmed his jaw and glared at the floor as Gareth took his go. This continued in the same vein for a few tries until Ben had enough.
