Page 106 of B is for Beg

Archie’s eyes widen. Even on my tiny screen, I can see the hurt in them. “I know you won’t. That’s not why I called.”

Fuck, I was out of line. I suck in a breath. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not. I get tetchy when we talk about Mum and Dad. I shouldn’t be taking it out on you.”

“Apology accepted. Do they know?”

“What?”

“About Gabe and Calvin?”

My head is spinning from the abrupt change of subject. I close my eyes and take a moment before replying. “No.”

“Are you going to tell them?”

I shrug. “I dunno. Maybe. Not tonight. I will eventually.” I’ll have to.

I’m not ashamed of being with Gabe and Cal. I’m just dreading my parents’ inevitable disapproval. I’m pretty sure they think I go out of my way to annoy and frustrate them. I don’t. I’m just… me.

“Do you want me to come home this evening?” Archie asks. “For moral support?”

“What? And drag you away from Hamishtwonights this week?”

“Ha fucking ha.” Archie gives me ‘the look’, the one that makes me feel about two feet tall. “Be serious. If you need me, I’ll be there.”

Archie’s heart is in the right place. Maybe if he was older than me by a couple of years rather than a few minutes, I’d appreciate the big brother act more.

“I’m sure I can handle a conversation with Mum and Dad,” I say as I ring the bell to tell the driver I want to get off. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll be fine.”

I stand and make my way to the front of the bus, holding my phone lower than when I was sitting. I’m probably giving Archie a fantastic view of my jaw and neck.

“Let me know if you change your mind,” he says. “I finish at five.”

“Only if you’ve got your work done,” Hamish says.

I chuckle. “It sounds like your boss is a real slave driver.” I thank the driver and step off the bus, walking briskly towards home. “What’s he going to do if you don’t get your work done? Put you over his knee and spank you?”

“Aye, I might,” Hamish says.

Archie laughs. “That’s not much of an incentive to work hard, Sir.”

“No sex, then.”

Archie pouts. “That’s the worst punishment.”

“You realise this is bordering on too much information, right?” I ask.

Archie shrugs. “Maybe… A little.” His face becomes sober. “I’ll always have your back, Blake. You know that, don’t you?”

“I know.”

“Call me if you need to.”

Although he doesn’t spell it out, what he means is that I should call him if things go pear-shaped between Mum, Dad, and me tonight. Let’s face it. They probably will. I can’t remember the last time I had a conversation with them that didn’t leave me feeling upset. Not that I ever say anything. I let them voice their disappointment without ever standing up for myself. Maybe one day I’ll stop being gutless and tell them how hollow their opinions leave me.

“You’d better get some work done,” I say. “Or you’re going to end up sex-deprived tonight.”