Page 46 of Sparring Partners
Alex laughed as he led the way through to the kitchen. “Pulled out the stick that had been rammed way too far up his arse.”
A couple of minutes later, with coffees in front of them both at the large kitchen island, and perched on stools that should have been uncomfortable but were anything but, Luca met Alex’s level gaze.
“Ryan’s not here, in case you were wondering.” Alex sipped his coffee, his attention never leaving Luca.
Luca took a moment to answer. His and Ryan’s relationship was good, but the impression remained that Ryan couldn’t quite forget that he and Alex had once been much more than friends, no matter how many years ago it had been, and no matter how many years since it had been confined to a box labelled ‘The Past’. It was easier to talk to Alex alone when there was more than the business of the hotel to discuss, and today was one of those days.
“We need to talk about my position at The New House. You’ve been hounding me for some time to stay?—”
Alex’s faux look of hurt indignation didn’t fool Luca.
“I prefer the words gentle persuasion.” Alex’s expression morphed into genuine disappointment as he put his cup down. “Don’t tell me you’ve come here to formally tender your resignation. Seriously, Lu, whatever it takes to make you stay, it’s yours.”
“I’m not here to negotiate my employment package. I’m here to tell you that I’ve decided to stay.”
Luca quickly told him about the call from the consultant.
“You don’t know how happy I am, knowing you’re staying. Honestly, that’s the best news I’ve had all day.” Alex’s smile split his face in two.
“Given that it’s only 10.00am, I’m not sure that counts as much of an endorsement.”
“So why the change of heart? I’m very, very glad there’s been one, but you’ve been pushing back at me every time I’ve so much as hinted about you staying.”
Playing for time, Luca took a sip of coffee.
Alex’s question hung in the air. This was all suddenly feeling a lot more difficult than it had when he’d been making his way over. But Alex wasn’t only his employer, he his oldest friend, and Luca wanted him to have the full story.
“I’ve been seeing somebody. We agreed we’d be discreet, because neither of us wanted to be the subject of gossip, but also because he has a professional relationship with the hotel.”
“You’re seeing a member of staff? I’m surprised but I completely trust you not to compromise either yourself or the hotel.”
“No, he’s not an employee.”
Alex’s brow crinkled in confusion. “Then who is it?”
Luca turned his cup around in his hand.
Alex’s voice, filled with tenderness and warmth, cut through the sudden, heavy silence. “Lu?” he spoke softly, coaxing his friend to open up. “We’ve been friends for over half our lives. You can tell me anything, and I won’t judge you. You know I’ve done enough of that for myself.”
Luca looked up from his hands, which were worrying at his coffee cup. Catching Alex’s gaze, he felt a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth as their eyes met.
Years of friendship and love had built an unspoken understanding between them. All the times Alex had confided in him, pouring out his deepest fears and struggles, of a difficult, damaging upbringing with a cold and unloving father, and an insatiable drive to succeed and prove himself in spite of it all. And Luca, as both lover and friend, had always been there to support him without judgment or hesitation, just as Alex would be for him.
“I’ve been seeing Adrian Hardy,” Luca said quietly.
“Adrian…? You told me there was nothing going on between the two of you. That’s a bit of a turnaround — unless you weren’t telling me the truth?” The shock in Alex’s voice didn’t disguise the hurt in his eyes.
“No, I wasn’t lying to you, because nothing was happening between us. Not then. Or not properly. I certainly wasn’t seeing him, not the way I am now.” Luca felt the heat throb in his face as Alex raised a brow.
“Hmm. Well, I suppose I did saynothingwas open to interpretation. Pleased though I am you’ve decided to stay, are you sure it’s for the right reason?” Alex asked quietly, a hint of hesitation in his voice.
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Because you’re so different to each other.”
Luca took a deep breath before responding. “But couldn’t I say the same about you and Ryan?”
“You could, and you’d be right. I’m sure there are more than a few people in the village who see us as a very odd couple. And do you know what? They’d be right. Yet, somehow, we make it work. God knows, he was the best thing to happen to me. No offence.”
