Page 79 of The Best of Times

“Goodnight, Granny,” he called after her. “Thank you for a perfect day.”

“Yes, thank you,” Paul added.

“You’re both very welcome.”

They closed the door behind them.

“We’re trapped in here for at least fifteen minutes,” Paul said. “I’m not being responsible for disturbing a sweet lovers’ parting.”

Aron sipped from the brandy glass he’d been nursing. The sting sending heat throughout his body. Being this close to Paul was intoxicating. It was a shame he wouldn’t get to spend all night in his arms.

“It’s crazy to think they must have bottled up their feelings for each other for ages,” Paul said.

Aron hadn’t thought about it like that. Granny was the least likely person to hold anything in. Life took some unexpected twists.

“What a waste of time,” he said.

Paul turned to him. “Yeah. Stupid really.”

Aron wasn’t sure if they were still talking about the happy couple or something even closer to home.

The front door closed and Granny could be heard padding up the stairs. He gazed into Paul’s eyes.

“I have something to tell you,” he said.

“Oh yes?” Paul replied, warily.

“It’s nothing bad, Mr Suspicious,” Aron said. “I’ve all but been offered a job in London. At the British Library.”

Paul sat up. “That’s incredible news. Why didn’t you say something?”

“Because it’s not guaranteed. Forget I mentioned it. Must be the brandy giving me loose lips.”

The flames lit up Paul’s eyes.

“No. There’s a reason why you didn’t tell me. Out with it.”

Aron sighed. “Okay, fine. I worried you might think I’d made the decision to go for it because you’re coming home too.”

“I didn’t think that for a second.”

For a second, Aron was speechless. Did Paul consider whatever they had so inconsequential?

“Good. That’s okay then. I’ll probably take it. Just for your information.”

Aron drained his glass and put it on the coffee table. Perhaps a little too hard.

“Have I upset you?” Paul asked.

Oh fuck it.

“What is this, Paul?” Aron blurted out. “Us. There is something there. You can’t deny it. Being around you I’m a different person and I like it. Then there’s the uncertainty of it all. I’m not a robot. I can’t control my feelings as well as you.”

Paul leapt to his feet. “I told you. This can’t be anything more than this. Two people who enjoy each other’s company from time to time.”

This time Aron stood up. “Enjoy each other’s company? What the fuck?”

“Keep your voice down,” Paul urged. “Your granny won’t be asleep and we don’t need a scene the night before the wedding.”