Page 100 of The Best of Times

Aron nodded.

“I love her,” he said. “And the Professor. My mum took me away for Christmas so I couldn’t come to the wedding. Mrs Wimpole said I can stay with them when they get home and they’re going to tell me all about it.”

“That sounds like fun,” Aron replied. “Will you be sleeping in my bed?”

“I might be.”

“No breaking wind then, please.”

This set Luca off in convulsive fits of laughter. What was it about boys and body functions?

“Thank you, Aron,” Simon said.

“Come on, you,” Paul added, holding up two bottles of Bollinger. “We’re on a mission, remember.”

“Catch you later,” Aron said.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Aron made a fart noise which set Luca off all over again.

“You’re more immature than he is,” Paul said as he climbed to the first floor.

Aron couldn’t be bothered to reply. He was far too busy enjoying the view of Paul’s ass.

Will I ever tire of that sight? I hope not.

The drawing room was wall-to-wall handsome gay men. Granny would be gutted to miss this.

“Blimey,” Aron exclaimed. “It’s like Soho in here. Do you all take your tops off at midnight?”

“Oh, hello,” Alexander said. He was squashed on one of the sofas with Zac on one side and Arvid on the other. “I see you two have come up for air.”

Aron scowled at him.

Paul handed one bottle to Arvid and set about opening the other.

“At least he’s making himself useful,” Alexander said.

“Leave him alone,” Zac said. “The poor guy’s had a busy week.”

Paul was making short work of his bottle and yanked the cork off with a pop. They all cheered.

“Fizz all round?” Paul asked, approaching Charles Worthington.

“Oh, not for me,” Charles replied.

Paul froze. Charles’ struggle with alcoholism had been a regular thing in the gutter press. Since meeting Luis, it appeared that everything was under control in that department. Much to the chagrin of the editors of all the scandal rags.

“I’m so sorry,” Paul said.

Charles shrugged. “Don’t be. Thanks to Mrs W I’ve found other things to get hooked on.”

He winked at Luis, who blushed.

“I’ll have one,” Luis said, holding his glass out.

Aron perched on the sofa arm next to Arvid.

“Are you on your own tonight, Arvid?”