Page 98 of The Good Neighbour

“I told him not to let you up.”

“I talked him round.”

“No mean feat with Michael. How did you manage that?”

Josh inched a little closer. Hugh didn’t flinch. So far, so good.

“I’ll tell you later. Can I please say something first?”

“I suppose you’ve come a long way and you got past my guard.”

“I’m not joking, Hugh. Nothing would have stopped me from saying my piece.”

Hugh put his hands on his hips. “Well you’d better crack on then.”

Forcing his shoulders down in an attempt to relax, Josh took a moment.

“I know what it looked like,” he began. “And if I was in your shoes, I would think the same. I have three pieces of evidence that prove nothing happened.”

Hugh folded his arms. “This sounds interesting. Go on.”

“One. Suzanne had only just left to get food. There wasn’t any time.”

Hugh nodded. “Go on.”

“Second. Winston’s clothes were in the bathroom. Surely they would be strewn all over the studio?”

“Another fair point. And the third?”

“I have absolutely no motive for having sex with Winston,” Josh said. “Why would I when I am hopelessly, ridiculously and painfully in love with you?”

His last evidence made Hugh stagger backward.

“What did you say?”

“I love you. I can’t say it any plainer than that. I love you and I need you.”

“You love me?”

Josh allowed a tear to roll down his cheek. “How could I not? You’re incredible.”

With a clatter of heels, Hugh bolted across the room toward him. They crashed together. Josh held Hugh so tightly he was scared he might choke the air out of him. To have him in his arms again was almost too much joy to bear.

Hugh pulled away and kissed him. A deep, long, loving kiss that had Josh seeing stars.

“Oh, thank fuck for that.”

They broke apart to see Michael.

“I didn’t dare buy champagne, so I got cider,” Michael said, holding up a carrier bag. “And crisps. I presume we’re toasting your reunion?”

Josh looked at Hugh who had a big smile on his face. “We certainly are.”

“I won’t have to deal with you moping around like a depressed basset hound for any longer. Hurray.”

He got out some cans from the carrier bag and handed Josh and Hugh one each. Josh hated cider but he didn’t think it worth mentioning.

They popped them all open.