Page 96 of Playing the Game

Adam wasn’t exactly in the closet. He was discreet. There was a difference.

“You think I’m overreacting?”

“A little.”

“I guess I’m triggered after Tygo.”

“Yeah well that cheating piece of shit doesn’t deserve a minute of your time.”

Tygo de Lint had been Jonas’ reason for coming to the UK. They’d been together for six years when Jonas discovered Tygo had an inability to keep his penis in his trousers. After living with a cheater for a father, Jonas had zero tolerance for that kind of behaviour.

“I mean it, Jonas,” Heidi said. “Don’t let the past fuck up the future.”

“You’re right,” he replied. “I convinced myself he was cheating. He really didn’t want me going round to his.”

“Babe. He did have a point. If you both get sick, you can’t play. I know you get stressed about this stuff. With Tygo and…”

“And what?”

“Well, your mum and dad.”

Jonas sat up. “It’s got nothing to do with them.”

“You sure about that?”

“Positive,” Jonas snapped. “Do you want to come to Stockholm with me? It’s just a night.”

“Of course I do,” Heidi replied. “We haven’t had an adventure for a while.”

“Will work be okay? I’m going on Monday.”

“Honey, I’m the best they have. They’ll be fine.”

“Thanks.”

“Go out with your friends. Do something to take your mind off it.”

“Okay.”

“I know you’d rather be banging Adam in a private jet. I promise to be the next best thing.”

He was glad she was looking forward to it. His stepmother would have plenty to say about his proposal.

“I’ll see you Monday then.”

“Bye, hon.”

Jonas finished the call. The four walls were looming.

He couldn’t stand it so went along the corridor to Noah’s apartment. He knew he’d find some kindness there.

Udo answered the door.

“Hello?” Jonas said.

“Hey,” Udo replied. “Are you okay?”

Jonas wandered into the apartment. Noah kept it spotless. Jonas knew this because the cleaner regularly complained that she had nothing to do round there. He would be willing to bet cleaning Tito’s apartment more than made up for it.