Page 125 of A Long Way Back
Tay’s smile switched to an expression of horror. “Oh God, are you okay? Did I hurt your back? Shit, I’m a bad person. I’m supposed to be looking after you and—”
“You did. And I want you to do it again and again and I need to look after you too.”
“Which also requires lots of again and again.”
Ink laughed and pushed to his feet. He held out his hand to Tay and hauled him up. When Ink let him go, Tay caught hold of his face. “Practice makes perfect.”
“Is that right?” Ink reached for his crutch and gave it to him. “Show me where we’re going to practise.”
INK ADORED THE HOUSE. Even without Tay’s parents there, it was so clearly a loving home. There were photos of the family everywhere, a hall lined with action shots of Tay and his sisters at all ages—surfing, riding, swimming, doing gymnastics. In some of the pictures Tay was with a slightly shorter guy who had white blond hair. Ink assumed it was Jonty. He was smiling on every shot and on a couple, Tay was looking at him and smiling back.
I’m not jealous.Ink really didn’t think he was. Jealousy was pointless, as was envy, but he felt something uncomfortable stir in his chest. Now Tay had come out as gay, what would happen when he met Jonty? Then he mentally kicked himself. Better for Tay if he and Jonty became a thing. Not for Devan, but Ink wasn’t a good bet for anyone.
The kitchen was beautiful, a mix of dark blue and off-white units with a white and grey granite work top. There was a dining area at the end of the kitchen that looked out onto a rolling lawn with a view of the sea. A telescope had been set up in one corner.
“Who’s the peeping Tom?” Ink asked.
Tay laughed. “What? Watching mermaids? My father loves the stars. He made sure we did too. One of his hobbies.”
“Making his kids like hishobbies?”
Tay grinned. “None of us are into golf, much to his disappointment.”
He opened a cupboard, took out a bowl and filled it with water for Dog.
“He needs feeding,” Ink said. “I’ll get his bowls.”
He went back to the hall, took them out of his backpack and returned to the kitchen.
Tay was unpacking the groceries and handed Ink a bag of kibble. “Will he eat that?”
“He’s not picky.”
Ink fed him, then helped Tay put things away. He gulped when he saw the box of hair dye. But better purple than Jonty’s white blond hair. He was glad Tay hadn’t suggested that.
“I’ll show you upstairs. Want to bring your stuff? Leave that blood-stained T-shirt in the utility and we can wash it later.”
Ink did as he said, putting the T-shirt in the sink and covering it with water, before he followed Tay up the stairs.
“Five bedrooms. Four bathrooms. This one is mum and dad’s and this was mine until I fell.”
Tay pushed open the door and gave a short laugh. “I thought they might have changed it after I left, but it looks the same.”
“SpongeBob SquarePants wallpaper?” Ink asked as he followed Tay in.
“They made me get rid of that when I was eighteen.” Tay grinned.
“Look at the sea.” Ink walked over to the window and Tay came up behind him.
“I missed seeing that every morning.”
“I’m not surprised. I’ve never had a room with a view I didn’t wish was different. I liked sleeping outside when I felt safe. I spent the night in the gardens opposite your flat before you decided I was the least shitty of the interviewees.”
“I didn’t want anyone.”
“I know.”
“Sleeping outside in London doesn’t sound safe.”
