Page 32 of Light Up
“The numbers rhyme,” Corey said. “Favourite of mine, sixty…?”
“Oh.” Tal blushed. He actually blushed, which didn’t help the state of Corey’s dick. He didn’t think he’d ever made anyone blush before.
The breakfast was delicious. His eggs were perfectly runny, no undercooked white gloop, and the coffee was the best he’d ever drunk. But then Corey’s coffee usually came out of a jar. No way would he waste money buying one in a café. Even the coffee the staff got in the restaurant staffroom had come out of a jar—well, a tin—and not the machine. Matilda was mean.
“Is your food good?” Corey asked. “Mine is.”
Tal nodded. Corey half-regretted not opting for something more unusual. When the meal was included in the cost, he might as well try stuff he’d never eaten. But this reminded him of his mum and how could he regret that?
He spotted a waitress moving from table to table, speaking to guests and handing out envelopes and wondered if they’d get them too.
They did.
She handed a large envelope to Corey and another to Tal. They had their names on them and Corey wondered how she knew who was who.
“Instructions for our murder-mystery the day after tomorrow. Clothes and props will be provided. Please read everything carefully.”
“We might not be here,” Tal said.
She glanced at the window. “I don’t think you’ll be checking out anytime soon.”
Corey recalled his jokey comment about Hotel California and unease rippled through him. He shook off the sensation. He was being stupid. It was only the snow that was stopping them leaving.
“There’s a talent show in the ballroom tomorrow night,” she said. “Sign up at the front desk. Bottles of champagne for all those who take part.”
Corey heard Tal exhale. He guessed that was in theno wayfile with Bingo.
“If you’d like to take a walk in the snow, though we don’t recommend straying too far, the hotel has outdoor gear in the boot room. We have a snow sculpture competition today. Part of the lawn has been marked off into sections. There’s also a biscuit decorating class later in the kitchen. Christmas wreath making after that. Lots to sign up for.”
Including sex with Tal?Dare he make that joke with Tal?No.
“And we’re also running a pottery course.”
“Ooh,” Corey sighed.
He had the feeling she was going to keep going until she found something that made them both explode with excitement. Tal hardly appeared to be listening. Corey was imploding because he’d never had the chance to do any of those things and he wanted to try all of them, but didn’t want to squeal with excitement. He was always hopeful he’d one day discover some hidden talent that would make his fortune.
“The hotel crockery was made on site,” she continued. “We have a talented potter among our catering staff. There are lots of other activities. Wood carving to make Christmas ornaments. Making sea glass decorations. Learning to paint. Dancing classes…”
“Wow,” Corey said. Not because he felt he had to say something, but because he was seriously impressed. He had no idea there were hotels that did things like this, but then he’d never stayed the night in any hotel.
“Some planned outdoor activities are on hold because of the weather, but we do our best to meet all of our guests’ expectations, so if there is something we can do for you, please let us know.”
Sex with Tal? Can you arrange that?Corey cautiously edged his foot towards Tal’s, then changed his mind.Of course I did.
The waitress made her way to the next table.
If it wasn’t for the anxiety about how much this was costing, Corey would have been bouncing, but Tal looked unmoved by the thought of any of it. Was there a way to cheer him up?To make him like me? Or am I going to restrict myself to quietly lusting and mourn a missed chance.
“Like the sound of anything?” Corey asked.
Tal merely sighed.
“Shall we have a go at snow sculpting?”
He took so long to answer, Corey was sure he was going to say no, it was too childish, why get cold when they didn’t need to and maybe they should go to bed and get to know each other a little better. But he didn’t. Of course he didn’t. Not that last part anyway.
“Okay.”
