Page 82 of Everything That Kills Me
“The prices are ridiculous,” Lester muttered. “The balls are elitist, overpriced and pointless.”
“Thanks a lot, Lester,” Zeph said. “Have you ever been to one?”
“No.”
Zeph shrugged. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I know not everyone can afford to go. Yes, they possibly are overpriced but they’re fun. And Jack paid.”
Lester rolled his eyes. “Fine. You made your point.”
Back in Zeph’s room, they hung up the shirts next to the suits.
“I should have ironed my own. Sorry,” Jack said.
“It’s fine.”
“Lester’s a ray of sunshine.”
“The irony is, he has more money than anyone else in this house. He’s studying human, social and political sciences. He wants to be a member of parliament. Actually, I think he wants to be prime minster. He objects to anything fun on principle, but he’s generous and kind, so of all my housemates, I like him the most.”
They walked into town to find somewhere to eat and Jack let Zeph pay.
“Did you get the work done that you needed to?” Zeph asked.
“Yes. I went to see Thomas as well. He helped me pick a car. I’ve paid for parking until Wednesday morning.”
“There’s no point taking it out of wherever you’ve put it because you’ll never find somewhere to park in town.”
Jack chuckled. “That sounds like a challenge.”
Zeph sighed. “Why do I have this feeling that a parking place would magically open up when you needed it? I remember my mum once taking me out and when she couldn’t find anywhere to park, she drove home again.” He laughed. “Mind you, I also remember that unless there was a two-car length space, she didn’t even attempt to parallel park. Once, when we were in a multi-story in Manchester, she had to reposition twice to get the car up the ramp to the next level. We had to go up four levels to find a space! She hated driving.”
“I put you on the insurance for the Ferrari.”
The chunk of fish fell off Zeph’s fork. “You’re joking.”
“Yes, it’s an Aston Martin.”
“You’re still joking.”
Jack laughed.
They helped each other fasten their cufflinks—which took longer than it should have done. Then their bow ties—which took three attempts to get right. All the time Jack was thinking of how much he wanted Zeph naked, but also how good he looked in his suit. It fit him perfectly, as if it had been made for him. But he’d seen the label and knew it was from a high street store. Zeph still looked spectacular. Jack took hold of his hips and pulled him close.
“You look fantastic,” Zeph said.
Jack nuzzled his neck. “I was just going to say that to you.”
“Oh God, no nuzzling allowed or I’ll have to keep my jacket fastened all night.” Zeph pulled back. “One rule. You’re not allowed to leave my side. It’s going to be packed and I might not find you again. You need the toilet, then I go too. And vice versa, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Are we ready?”
Jack patted his pocket. “Tickets, driving licence and phone.”
“And your gun, James Bond.” Zeph grinned.
Jack managed to smile. “If you’re good, I’ll let you play with it later.”
