Page 110 of Fe
“Me?”
“The only reason we won was you. You ask. He’s more likely to say yes to you.”
Fen made his move when Matthew was crossing the room.
“Excuse me, Mr Armstrong.”
“Yes?”
“I’m not going to be able to take up your offer of the villa holiday.” He lifted his crutch.Read what you like into that.“Would it be possible to give it to Billy instead?”
“What’s the issue?”
So his wife hadn’t told him yet.“I have a disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. No golf or tennis or anything like that for me. I’d rather Billy had it.”
“Is Ripley in agreement?”
“He said it was up to me.”
“You tell Billy he can have the week then.”
“Thank you.”
Ripley was talking to Billy when Fen went over. When Fen smiled, Ripley smiled back.
“Are you busy in August?” Fen asked.
“Me?” Billy frowned.
“I’ve asked your Head of Chambers if you could take the villa instead. He agreed.”
Billy gaped at him. “What?”
“Pick your week and tell him.”
“You’re serious?” Billy looked from Fen to Ripley.
Ripley nodded.
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”
“Harry’s outside,” Ripley said.
“We need to leave before Ripley turns into a pumpkin.” Fen grinned.
Fen’s head fell against Ripley’s shoulder before the car had reached the end of the street. He was holding Ripley’s hand but was clearly asleep. Fen had surprised him tonight. Ripley had wondered whether to bring him, if Fen would feel awkward. He should have known better.
Though Ripley’s motives weren’t noble. He’d wanted people to see he’d got over Alejandro. He hadn’t cared what anyone would think about Fen because he liked him and that was all that mattered. But…he’d discovered hedidcare what his colleagues thought if they upset Fen. Listening to one after the other question Fen about his crutch had irritated him. He was particularly annoyed by the way Spencer had spoken to Fen. If Ripley had actually heard Spencer say what he did, they’d have been having a few words of their own.
Despite thinking Matthew was a patronising dick, Ripley was glad he’d agreed to Fen’s request. Even if he hadn’t been aware he and Fen wouldn’t still be together in August, he didn’t want a week at Matthew’s villa. He had no interest in competing for the trifles thrown their way. Ripley was happy to let Billy have it. He’d only met Billy’s other half once, but thought he seemed a good match.
They were back in Islington before midnight and Ripley nudged Fen awake.
Fen jerked upright. “Power nap. Sorry. Did I fall asleep before I got in the car?”
“Not quite.”
Ripley waited for Fen to get his balance after he’d climbed out before he shut the car door. “Thanks, Harry.”
