Page 33 of The Fete of Summer (Tales of Crumbington #1)

Nathan sat there, his gaze frozen to the spot in the clouds, the vanishing point, waiting for something to happen.

Maybe he’d expected a massive wave of abandonment to overwhelm him or a bolt of lightning to illuminate the sky and strike the tarmac, just—something.

But nothing came. And why should it? Just like someone going to work in the morning, Jaymes would be returning home.

Maybe not today, but he would be coming back to him.

At the thought, Nathan felt the comfort of certitude.

Leaning back, he inhaled a deep breath and held on.

But his mind had not quietened. Jaymes’ voice sounded in his head, telling him to stand up, get moving, take control and get busy.

The voice warmed him, the effect empowering and invigorating him until he slowly exhaled.

After paying up and texting Clifton’s driver, he noticed a spring in his step on his way to the car park.

Tomorrow he would rally his teammates and they would play their best game of the season.

He would also ensure a full turnout on Tuesday, not just for the players but also for their families and friends. Tuesday would be a knockout.

Outside in the car park, the air felt fresh on his skin, and despite the distinctive and all-pervading taint of aviation fuel, Nathan strode through the rows of parked vehicles to the waiting Lexus.

As he approached, the driver lowered the automatic front window and nodded once before opening the sliding back door.

Smiling to himself at the opulence, Nathan almost missed the pair of tracksuit-wearing legs inside the back, sitting on the far side.

When the door of the car had fully opened, the handsomely grinning face leant into view.

Clifton.

“Thought you could use a friendly face right now,” came his familiar voice. “Can my old friend Nate come out to play?”

“What are you doing here, Cliff?” asked Nathan.

“I told you. Raul had an appointment, an early flight to Lausanne, to meet the Winter Olympics Committee. He had transport already arranged, and we checked into the VIP lounge here this morning. After he left I waited around for the driver to call and tell me you’d arrived.

I need to attend a reception tonight, but I have the afternoon free and my grandparents’ empty house.

Just like old times. Except with a hot tub, champers and recreational confectionery left behind after my recent dinner party, if that's your thing.”

Maybe something in Nathan’s expression alerted him, or Clifton sensed he’d overstated his case, but his usual confidence deflated.

“Or we could just chat.”

Nathan stared down at Clifton, mulling over his words. He had a decision to make. After a moment, he stepped forward.

“Budge over. You’re right. A chat is long overdue. And I need to give you a few home truths.”

Clifton looked momentarily startled before shuffling over. Nathan climbed into the back seat, with Clifton watching nervously as Nathan buckled up.

“Why do I suddenly feel I’m not going to like this?” asked Clifton as the door slid closed. “Where to?”

“Home. My home. Drop me off there, please.”

Once they had reached the multi-laned M25 motorway, the driver navigated them into the fast lane and they cruised smoothly past fields and green verges.

“Let me ask you this, Cliff. If you had stayed in Crumbington and we’d grown into a couple, how long would we have lasted?

How long would it have been before you got itchy feet?

You’re ambitious. You always have been. Maybe your father saw that in you and didn’t want me holding you back.

And you have Raul now who is equally popular, motivated and beautiful and clearly dotes on you.

Any other person on this planet would be counting their lucky stars to have found someone that wonderful.

He’s honest and faithful, traits he and I have in common. ”

Clifton’s body language had changed. Besides the flush of his cheeks, he had a raised jut to his chin and a pout on his lips as he stared out of the window, watching the world flash past. Nathan guessed that people rarely spurned Clifton’s advances.

“Do you have any idea how often I’m propositioned?” asked Clifton.

“No. And honestly, I don’t really care.”

“A lot. And by some very famous people.”

“Who will happily surf in the wake of your fame but will drop you in a heartbeat if your career ever floundered. Don’t ruin what you have, Cliff. Raul is a keeper.”

Clifton went quiet again, but his posture remained stiff and aggrieved.

“Look, Cliff. I’m always going to be your friend, no matter where you are in the world. You and your mother helped to get me through losing my mum, and I’ll forever be grateful. What I’m trying to say is that I’m always going to be here for you.”

“And what about you?” said Clifton, his tone softening.

Nathan laughed softly. “I always believed there was somebody in this world for me, although I admit I was giving up hope. Imagine my surprise when that somebody turned out to be a treehugger with an appalling sense of humour who has just flown halfway across the world.”

“How can you know he won’t jump the bones of someone else while he’s away?”

“Apart from the fact that I trust him, I just know.”

When Clifton still didn’t make eye contact, Nathan reached across and squeezed his hand.

“Friends still?”

Clifton turned and sighed at that, his face blooming into a smile that reminded Nathan of his young, innocent friend who had disappeared in the night.

“Always. What are you doing tonight? Seeing Polly Wynter?”

“No. I am staying in tonight, on my own, with leftover lasagna, a can of Pilsner, and a movie that’s just popped up on my streaming service called Tangerine Smile starring an ex-resident of Crumbington. I will text you my verdict later tonight.”