Page 83 of Out of the Shadows
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Daniel says.
Perry smiles, and nods. He looks bashful as James’ smile widens.
“Thank you. We finally set a date for the wedding, hence the official engagement party.” Perry’s eye roll is exaggerated but good humoured.
“This is Daniel. Cosmo’s boyfriend,” James makes the introductions.
My attention shifts from Perry back to James. He hesitated beforeboyfriend. I’m sure he did — except I’m not.For god’s sake…Daniel’s nervousness about being out with me amongst family and friends is catching. We both need a drink to calm ourselves, but when my gaze flicks back to Perry, a tiny frown creases his forehead and there’s a glint of confusion in his eyes.
A stone drops in my stomach. No, I haven’t imagined it. The brief silence that settles on us is strained and awkward, and I’m just a twitch away from grabbing Daniel by the arm and hustling him out of here.
“I see James is being a crappy host. Let me get you a drink.” Perry’s smile is sweet and open as he links his arm with Daniel’s.
That’s a lot more than can be said for his fiancée and my fucking cousin.
“I don’t think you look like a lurid cocktail man. How about a glass of wine, or a beer?” Before Daniel can answer Perry leads him away, his light and bubbly chatter trailing behind them.
Thank Christ for Perry, but James is a different matter.
“What are you playing at?” I hiss.
“I think that’s something you should ask yourself. Or maybe you should ask Daniel.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
James huffs and shakes his head. There’s not a hint of intoxication about him, so I can’t even pin his behaviour on the booze.
“You’re not an idiot Cosmo, so don’t start acting like one. Do you think I don’t know who he is?” He hustles me into a corner and despite the crush, it gives us some privacy.
“Yes, he’s the same Daniel who sacked me—”
“That’s not what I’m talking about, although I’d have thought seeing the guy who chucked you out on your ear was bad enough.”
He’s glaring hard at me, and it takes all I’ve got to not flinch.
“Freddie told Elliot you were back working fortheDaniel, so when you told me you were bringingaDaniel, I put two and two together. A little bit of digging on the internet, andbingo,there he was. Daniel Russo. So many girlfriends over the years! Ms. Laferty’s a beauty, she even cheers up my gay old heart, so he’s got good taste. But his taste is women. Bit of a problem there, don’t you think? For the love of god, Cosmo,” he says, his voice softening a little, “you know the path you’re treading, and it’s a dangerous one. You don’t want to go through that again.”
“Daniel’s not another Leon.”
My voice is flat and heavy. I’m right, I know that with every bone in my body, but James is just shaking his head, and looking at me as though I’ve lost my mind.
“He’s very good looking, so I’m not blind to the attraction, but ex-girlfriends and a fiancée… Are you really so sure?”
“Yes,” I spit at him. “I know what I’m doing, James.
I deliberately use his proper name; I’m in no mood to call him Jimbo, the long held nickname and endearment.
“You could have just asked me about him, but to be honest who Daniel is isn’t any of your business. It’s not Freddie’s either, nor Elliot’s. You either make him feel welcome here tonight, or we turn round and go. And how’s that going to look? Because when he asks me why I’ll tell him. Yes, he’s had girlfriends, yes, he was engaged — and yes, he’s gay. He was nervous about coming here tonight and meeting you and Freddie, because all this is way out of his comfort zone.”
I throw my arm out indicating the room and no doubt the rest of the house. Nearly every guest is a same-sex couple, nearly every guest is a man. There’s kissing and flirting; the scent of sex and heat and alcohol hangs in the air.
My hands clench into fists as tears burn the backs of my eyes. They’re angry, indignant tears, but more than that they’re unhappy, disappointed tears. I won’t let them fall, not in front of James.
He says nothing, as his eyes stay locked to mine. He nods, and lets out a long breath as he slumps against the wall.
“I’m sorry. Perry is obviously a better host than I am. I’ve no wish to make either of you feel uncomfortable. If you believe he’s on the level, then I’ll go with that. But you’re my little baby cousin whom I used to bounce on my knee.” He gives me a lopsided smile that’s so full of love and affection, my anger wobbles. “I know you’re no innocent, and you’re smart and sharp, but it still doesn’t stop me being concerned for you.”
“You got nothing to be concerned about.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Forget what I just said. Too many garish cocktails can addle the brain. Let’s go and find your Daniel and rescue him from Perry’s clutches.”
