Page 59 of The Good Neighbour

Hugh looked pale as he walked into the bedroom.

“What now?”

“We’ve been outed.”

Anxiety gripped Josh. “What do you mean?”

Hugh handed him his phone. It was open on the website for a low-level scandal site. One of the ones that usually covered reality TV stars or social media loudmouths. The headline saidTroubled designer and viral drag star.

The picture was them walking in the streets of Milan with Mrs Wimpole and the Professor, although it gave the impression Josh and Hugh were alone.

“Someone took our picture? Who?”

Hugh shook his head. “Surely not a paparazzi. I mean, they’re not going to get enough money to make it worth their while.”

The idea that they had been followed to Italy sent chills through Josh’s body.

“What are we going to do?”

“There’s nothing we can do,” Hugh replied. “The world knows about us.”

Winston would go crazy if he saw this.

“Can’t we get them to take it down?”

“Josh, we were walking hand in hand. I think we’re bang to rights. Maybe it’s for the best.”

“For the best?” Josh wailed. “I’ve got an impending divorce and a new collection.”

Anger flashed across Hugh’s face. “And being seen with me is so terrible, is it? Wow.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“You’ve said it yourself. You’re going through a rough patch at the moment.”

Hugh nodded. “And you don’t want me dragging you down to my level. Is that it?”

All his words were coming out wrong. He probably needed to stop talking altogether. Unfortunately, Hugh appeared to require a reply.

“You’re putting words into my mouth,” Josh managed. “I would rather be able to help you from the sidelines instead of getting caught up in it all. Is that so difficult to understand?”

“Don’t worry. I’m capable of handling whatever they throw at me,” Hugh replied. “I’ll think about it in the bath. Alone.”

He went into the bathroom and slammed the door. Josh sank down onto the bed. Everything had started out so perfectly.

Who the fuck had taken those photos? And why was Josh so worried? He should be proud to be with someone like Hugh.

If he stood by him, it might strengthen Hugh’s public image. It was too late now. Any action from him like that would come across as lip service now.

He lay back and stared at the ceiling.

If the mystery photographer’s aim had been to cause a row, they had accomplished their mission.

Why is everything so fucking difficult?

CHAPTER THIRTEEN