Page 58 of The Good Neighbour

“So into the breach,” the Professor said from behind.

“Indeed,” Josh replied.

They all took a breath before following Mrs Wimpole inside.

TheDuomo di Milanowas lit up. For once, the November sky was cloudless so the pitch-dark provided the perfect backdrop.

“It’s stunning,” Hugh said, staring up at the gothic structure. “What a great idea to stay the night.”

He held a large carrier bag that held the precious suit Mrs Wimpole had picked out. Luckily, they had also spotted a perfect one for Michael too. Even the Professor had approved. Of course, they would both need altering. After a long discussion with Signora Rossi, Josh was confident that he could make them look incredible.

Once they had completed their mission and packed Mrs Wimpole and the Professor off to the airport, Josh had insisted that they get a hotel for the night. He wanted to spend time with Hugh without the baggage of home.

He’d treated him to a fabulous meal in a little-known restaurant that Josh had discovered when he’d spent six months in the city after qualifying. He was amazed to see that it was still there. Sometimes comfort lay in the consistent.

“Fancy a nightcap?” Josh asked.

“I’d love it but you have to let me pay for it. I’m not that skint, you know.”

Josh took his hand and squeezed it. “I know that. I’m not trying to be flashy. I promise. I have the cash and I wanted to do something nice.”

“And it’s received in the spirit it’s given,” Hugh said. “But I’m buying the drinks.”

“Fine.”

They returned to the hotel after having more than one nightcap. In fact, Josh was pretty tipsy. As was Hugh. He kept stopping and admiring himself in the mirror.

“I’m Mrs Harlton, you know. Henrietta Harlton.”

The voice that he’d come up with was perfect.

“Harlton? How come?” Josh asked.

“It’s the neighbouring village to Wimpole,” Hugh explained. “The home of Mrs Henrietta Harlton and Professor Gwendolyn Huffam.”

Josh frowned. “And where did that name come from?”

“Huffam was Dickens’ middle name. This shit doesn’t happen by accident, you know.”

Whenever Hugh talked about his work, he became so animated Josh struggled to not to declare his love. That would be the worst possible timing. Things were way too up in the air to get heavy.

They got into their room. Josh had every intention of showing Hugh with actions how much he cared for him. Sometimes words were not needed.

Hugh’s phone bleeped. He glanced at it.

“Bloody Michael wants me to call him. Do you mind?”

“Of course not. As long as he’s not going to have a go at you again. I might have to step in this time.”

Hugh pinched Josh’s butt. “My hero.”

As he connected the call, he wandered into the bathroom that contained a massive bath. Josh had every intention of both of them getting into it in the not-too-distant future. Josh threw off his jacket and stood by the window. The view over Milan was breathtaking, even at night. All the little lights were twinkling. Rooms where lots of dramas and happiness played out. It put their problems into perspective a little.

Optimism ran through Josh’s veins. After years of walking on eggshells to make sure that Winston was happy, it came as such a joy to be with someone who took control of their own life and didn’t see Josh as a threat.

Thinking of Winston, he considered the list. The lawyer had told him that they would have it within days. Josh had started to waver on giving Winston everything he wanted. Of course, Winston was fully aware that any threat to Josh of losing Queens Crescent was his trump card. As Josh saw Hugh making brave decisions, he wondered if he should finally stand up to his soon to be ex-husband.

“Shit.”