Page 70 of Out of the Shadows
Good. I’m glad. I told you you needed to get out and about. I hate to think of you mouldering at home with just Wally for company.
Wallace.
I key his name in automatically, and wait for her response and the question I know is coming.
Are you with Cosmo?
My fingers hover over the screen. I’m not ready to join the parade and wave the rainbow flag, but I’ve no reason to not tell her because I know she’ll keep it to herself.
Yes.
There’s a slight delay, before the next message drop in.
I’m glad you’re seeing somebody, but workplace relationships etc. Let’s catch up soon, I’ll send you some dates…
We finish up just as Cosmo returns from the bar. In one hand is my G&T, in the other is a tall glass of something green, with an umbrella and a piece of pineapple on a stick.
“What in god’s name is that monstrosity?”
Cosmo smirks. “Hawaiian Love Affair. I was astounded the barman didn’t know how to make it so I had to tell him. There’ll be a rush on these, you’ll see. Hmm, tropics for the tongue. What’s that?” he says, nodding to my mobile which I’m still holding. “I hope you weren’t dealing with work emails?”
“No, nothing to do with work. It was Geraldine,” I say, after a moment’s hesitation. “Checking in to see if I was free this evening. I told her I wasn’t.”
“Did you tell her why?”
I nod. “Yes, I did.”
Cosmo says nothing as he smiles and takes my hand, giving it a brief and gentle squeeze before he turns his attention to the stage, and the band who’ve re-emerged to rapturous applause.
