Page 124 of Fe
I can’t ask him.It was his own fault.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Ripley asked.
“Cut some cubes of cheese, open the tin of pineapple chunks and put one of each on a cocktail stick. You can make a hedgehog with the melon. Use a black olive for its nose.”
“Erm… Where’s the pineapple?”
“I’m joking.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten pineapple and cheese.”
“It was my mum’s birthday party staple.”
Maybe Fen saw something on his face because he moved into Ripley’s arms. “Didn’t you have birthday parties?”
“Not with cheese and pineapple hedgehogs. And no parties after my father died.”
“No pass the parcel, musical chairs, sleeping lions?”
“No.”
“When’s your birthday?”
“First of May.” What about you?”
“September.”
I don’t want you to leave after six months. When we end, I don’t want it to be because I set a fucking date.All he had to do was say that. Why couldn’t he?
The food was all laid out and Ripley was in awe of what Fen had achieved. It might not be sophisticated catering, but Ripley didn’t care. Fen had decided to manage without his crutch for the party and Ripley felt guilty to be relieved. He didn’t want Fen beset by questions, well-meaning or not. Music was playing, though not Christmas songs. Not yet. But he’d even given way on that and said Fen could change the playlist later. The room had been transformed. So had he.
Most of those coming tonight were friends from university or people he’d met while doing his Bar course: male and female, gay and straight. He knew many of their partners but not all. Josef had been invited too. At least Fen had met him at the art gallery and would manage a conversation without feeling out of his depth.
Christian, who’d shared Ripley’s room in the first year at uni and was with someone new every time Ripley met up with him, arrived with a good-looking guy called Toby. There was something about Toby that reminded Ripley a little of Fen.
Christian wrapped his arms around Ripley and hugged him. “This one is special,” he whispered. “I’ve turned over a new leaf.”
“Seriously?”
He pressed his mouth to Ripley’s ear. “Keep 15thJune free, Best Man! Weekend of. And keep quiet. I haven’t asked him yet.”
Ripley was shocked into silence. He’d not seen that coming. Ever.
“Best man?” Fen whispered after the pair had moved off.
Ripley put his finger to his lips. “Secret.”
Fen nodded.
After Fen’s friends arrived, Ripley felt a little easier. He shook their hands, gave them drinks and went, yet again, to answer the doorbell.
Fen couldn’t believe the difference in Ripley. He was smiling, being sociable and joking with people. What had happened? Why had he changed his mind about Christmas?
“Oh my God.” Seth nudged him. “What planet am I on? Fantastic food. Every drink under the sun and Ripley is gorgeous! But not as gorgeous as you, my love.” He kissed Morgan.
“He’s rich and I’m not,” Morgan said. “I’m tired and he’s not.”
Seth shrugged. “That’s true. Bye.”
