Page 51 of Take My Breath Away
“I’ve had to have my house fumigated. I’m sure I’ve got fleas. And a rash somewhere I shouldn’t have a rash.”
“My dog doesn’t stink and he doesn’t have fleas. If you have a rash somewhere you shouldn’t, then the least said about that the better.”
Elliot’s voice on the other end of the phone is as calm and measured as always, and I grin.
“I won’t charge you for the men in hazmat suits, nor for the industrial sized pot of flea powder. We won’t mention the ointment I’ve been forced to apply three times a day. As I’ve already told you, you owe me for the trauma of having your dog in my house.”
“His name’s Jasper.” Elliot’s sigh is exaggerated, bordering dramatic, and my grin stretches wider. “And here was me thinking you were happy to do a good friend a favour in his hour of need.”
“And I was, which now means you can do me a favour in return. Well, technically it’s two favours. I want to take you up on your offer of using the cottage, for a long weekend—”
“That’s no problem at all, I’ve always said we’re more than happy for you to use it. I have to be honest and say I’m a little disappointed you’ve not already been down.”
A tinge of hurt colours Elliot’s words. The truth is, it’s not that I’ve not wanted to go, but I’ve always had the invite to go with him and Freddie, and I wasn’t sure I had the strength to witness their lovefest. Being a gooseberry’s never been my style.
“Whenever you suggested it, it’s never been the right time. But the right time is the weekend after next — if you and Freddie aren’t using it of course.”
“I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to come down with Freddie and me… Hold on…”
I’ve already taken the time from work. Official time, with lines through diaries. No appointments, no interruptions. I’m not sure when the last time was I did that. It sends a ripple of excitement through my belly, but it’s not the only reason.
“That’s absolutely fine. In fact, due to various commitments we have, we won’t be going down for the next month. But you said you had two favours to ask?”
Ah, this is potentially the trickier bit. I lick my lips, finding them drier than they should be.
“I want you to give Perry a couple of days off, either side of the weekend.”
The silence stretches out like chewing gum. Telling him I want to take Perry is provoking all sorts of questions. I can almost hear the wheels turning.
“Are you sure that’s wise?”
“It’s a long weekend, Elliot. I can do with the break, and so can he. Perry’s waxed lyrical about your little love nest—” I wince, relieved my friend can’t see me. It’s a bitchy bite back to his question because going away for the weekend with Perry is, indeed, anything but wise. “He said it’s lovely, and like you say, I’ve not been down yet.” My words sound as limp as wet lettuce.
“Has he started looking for a place yet? I keep meaning to ask him, because I’d want to have a good handover with the new person.”
Elliot’s words both rattle and rile me.
“Yes, but he’s not having much luck.” If Elliot can hear thethank God for thatin my voice, he doesn’t say anything. “I’ve suggested concentrating his efforts after Christmas would likely yield better results. There’ll be more on the market.”
“Maybe there will, but it’s good he’s already got moving, seeing as he’s made his decision. There’s no point in him dragging his feet. Best for him, but for you too.”
“Why best for me?”
Another silence, followed by a small breath. I clutch my mobile tighter to my ear, as I wait for Elliot to speak.
“James, you know why. He’s fond of you, that’s easy enough to see. And you are of him. Don’t even attempt to deny it.”
“Fond. Such a quaint word. I like him, he’s become my friend and I’ve become his.” I’m being evasive, my response flippant.
Fond? More than fond, so much more…
My lips are so arid they could crack, and I sweep them with a tongue that’s as dry as old leather.
“Then just make sure you keep it at friends, because anything else would be dangerous.” Elliot’s words are as steady and level as the man himself.
“There’s nothing to be concerned about, because we’re—”
“I’m not talking about Perry. It’s you who’s in the most danger.”
