Page 80 of The Good Neighbour

“Can I buy you all dinner?” Josh asked.

The pianist shook his head. “Thank you but no can do. I’ve got a gig at a jazz bar in Shoreditch. In fact, I need to get moving.”

“I’m hitting the town,” Michael added. “Looks like it will be you two lovebirds tonight.”

Hugh stuck his tongue out.

“I’ll be glad to get out of this shithole,” Michael said. “Did you see the damp in the toilets? It will be a miracle if we don’t get some disease or other.”

Hugh sighed and rested his head on Josh’s shoulder. “It’s not that bad.”

“It’s a bloody fortune is what it is,” Michael fired back. “That we wouldn’t have to pay if you would be sensible.”

Josh frowned. He had no idea what Michael was alluding to.

“Let me grab my things and I’ll be with you,” Hugh said, shooting a death stare at Michael.

Josh wandered over to the window. The view of the high street was limited. Still, London was his favourite place in the whole world. No matter which angle he viewed it from.

He could hear a whispered conversation going on between Hugh and Michael. There was definite tension there. Although that seemed to be a semi-permanent fixture in their relationship.

Good job Suzanne and I aren’t like that. I think I would go crazy.

“Ready,” Hugh said, eventually.

Josh crossed the room and took his outstretched hand. Another evening with this gorgeous man lay before him. It was a very appealing prospect.

They said their goodbyes and went down onto the street.

“Can we skip dinner?” Hugh asked. “I’m knackered.”

“Fine,” Josh replied. “You can have a long soak in the bath and I’ll cook. Pasta okay?”

“Perfect.”

They walked in a happy silence for a little while.

“What did Michael mean about the rehearsal space?” Josh ventured.

Hugh groaned. “Ignore him.”

“I’d like to know.”

Josh sensed a distance from Hugh. It had been there since Winston had appeared out of the blue. Josh had done his best to reassure Hugh. He hadn’t really convinced either of them by the looks of it.

“The venue where we’re opening have offered us some rehearsal space for two weeks. Dirt cheap.”

Josh frowned. “Why aren’t you taking it?”

“It’s in Newcastle,” Hugh said.

“And?”

“I don’t want to go right now.”

Josh stopped. “Because of Winston?”

Other Londoners tutted and walked around them. Josh didn’t care. He only had eyes for Hugh right now.