Page 22 of Need Him
“I can’t handle it anymore, Gareth. I thought I had it all, and it was ripped from my hands without any provocation. I don’t know how to heal from that without removing myself from the equation.”
“Don’t make any rash decisions, Preston. Come out with Victor and me this weekend. We can go to Bound and get shit-faced again.”
Preston sighed. “I don’t know if I can be bothered. I’ve lost any excitement about my life at the minute.”
“I hope that’s not a euphemism for something else. If you even think of leaving this world, Preston, I will bring you back and kick your ass.”
That brought a small chuckle. “No, I wasn’t thinking that. I meant I have to drag myself out of bed to go to work. I’m happy to get out of bed if I can just stay at home and do nothing.”
Gareth’s heart calmed. “Good. And sometimes, it’s good to just do nothing. It gives your brain a chance to catch up with everything. If you don’t want to come out with us, let us come to you.”
Preston was quiet for a minute, and Gareth had to check he hadn’t lost the connection. “No, let’s go out. Maybe I can find someone to take my mind off it for a few hours.”
“All right. Good. I’ll call you tomorrow and sort the details.” Preston made a hum of agreement. “And Preston? Call me any time, day or night, if you need me, okay?”
“I will. Thanks, Gaz.”
Gareth grimaced. “Fuck off, Prez.”
They laughed and rang off. Gareth finished his tea and headed back for work. Why couldn’t everyone’s lives be plain sailing? Why did people have to suffer?
****
Chapter 10
Ben
Ben couldn’t keep his excitement contained the following day. During the meetings, he was fidgety and lacked the usual concentration he had, not that anyone commented on it. The final meeting was with his team leaders, and he could barely remember what information he had to pass on to them. Finally, the meeting ended, and everyone filed out. When the last person closed the door behind them, Ben made himself a milkshake, logged off his computer and grabbed his bag before saying goodbye to a stunned Lindsay and handing over control to Darren, his daytime assistant manager.
By the time he arrived at the first property, he was half an hour early. He flicked through his phone a few times and decided to see if there were any other properties available. A knock on his window made him jump, but he smiled when he saw Gareth. He scrambled to get out of the car and stood before him, hands clenching around his phone.
“Hi,” he said, feeling stupid.
Gareth grinned. “Hi. Are you excited?”
“Very. And still scared.”
Gareth took his hand. “It’s understandable. This is a big step for you. You’ll be fine.”
Ben glanced at the property and found the estate agent waiting for them at the door. “Okay. I’m ready.”
Gareth squeezed his hand, and his heart calmed. He could do this. He didn’t have to be reduced to being a status symbol by his parents. He could be independent.
They joined the estate agent, introduced themselves, and headed for the third floor. When the woman entered, they followed, and Ben’s excitement returned. Gareth squeezed his hand again and asked the estate agent a question about the property. Ben heard the conversation but focused on what he could see and how the place felt. The large windows gave plenty of light into the open-plan space, and he could see himself living there.
“What about the local area? What amenities are there?” Gareth asked.
Ben answered, “There are plenty of shops nearby and a pub. I saw a small cafe down the street, too.”
Gareth smiled at him and turned back to the estate agent, who gave them more information about their surroundings. Ben frowned at Gareth. Why was he asking the estate agent when Ben had given him the answer? The same thing happened the next time Ben answered one of Gareth’s questions. Once the woman had finished talking, Gareth sidled up to him.
“Ben, let the estate agent answer the questions, please,” he whispered. “I want to know what information she has.”
Ben didn’t answer but nodded. What difference did it make if the information Gareth asked for came from him or the woman? Did Gareth not trust Ben’s knowledge? He moved away to the windows and took in the view. He could mainly see the buildings opposite and nothing else. He worked his way through the apartment, finding a small bathroom with only a shower and no bath. That wouldn’t do. Ben loved his baths.
When it was time to leave, Ben said he’d think about it, and they exited the building. Ben strode for his car, unlocking it, only pausing when his hand was on the handle.
“Are you coming to the next one?” he asked, not sure if he wanted the answer to be yes or no.
