Page 78 of Everything That Kills Me
“Whatever you want.”
Don’t leave me!
Martin and Paulo were coming to collect Zeph’s belongings on Saturday morning. Zeph had hoped Jack would hang around to meet them, but when he made plans to go away for a couple of days from Thursday morning until Sunday afternoon, Zeph suspected he didn’t want to meet them. The last few days hadbeen the best of Zeph’s life, though they’d not gone all the way. Anticipation was everything!
Zeph had read enough to know that this euphoria didn’t last forever but it felt as if neither of them could get enough of the other. When Jack left, Zeph felt a physical pain in his chest.
By the time Martin and Paulo arrived, Zeph had packed up everything he needed them to take. Originally, he’d planned to go back with them, collect a few bits and pieces from home, then get the train, but there didn’t seem to be much point. He told them what he needed and they were going to bring it with them. When they arrived, they parked on the drive and Zeph took them into town for a meal.
When they’d ordered, Zeph took a deep breath.
“So how’s this term been?” Paulo asked.
“Great.”
“You seem happier.” Martin looked at him carefully.
“I’ve met someone,” Zeph finally managed to get out.
Both guys smiled at him.
“He has a car so…” Hewillhave a car.
“Fantastic,” Martin said. “Do you need any money?”
“I’d be grateful if you could lend me some. I’ll work in September and pay you back.”
“How long are you going to be away?”
“Around two months. We leave next week after the ball.”
“You’re going to a ball?” Paulo said at the same time as Martin said, “Two months?”
“Yes, and yes,” Zeph answered.
“That’s a long time,” Martin said.
“Lucky thing.” Paulo grinned at him.
“Of course we’ll lend you the money. I’ll put it in your bank account, okay?”
“Thank you. I don’t know how much I’ll need but…” He’d almost said Jack’s name. Zeph was reluctant to tell them it wasJack. He’d cried about him when he’d gone to live with them. They knew how much Zeph missed him. Though Zeph had hidden how much he’d continued to miss him.
“How well do you know this guy?” Martin asked. “Are you sure you’ll be safe? Is he a student here? How old is he?”
They were the questions Zeph had expected. “He’s not a student. He works. He’s a year older than me. Yes, I’ll be safe.”
“What does he do?” Martin asked.
“Security consultant.”Don’t ask me where he lives.Because that would have to be a lie.
“And we can’t meet him?” Paulo raised his eyebrows.
“He went away on business yesterday. He’s not back until Sunday night. Late.”
The food arrived and they tucked in.
“It was all about that shooting on the news,” Martin said.
