Page 78 of Thrill

“I’m fine, thanks. How are you?”

“Well?”

“That’s right. Gavin is bringing someone, so why shouldn’t I?”

“Because…well we have no idea who this person is.”

“I know who he is. That should be enough. When did you meet Gav’s latest victim?”

His mother sighed. “We haven’t.”

“There you go then. I bet I know more about Danny than he does about this poor unfortunate.”

He recognised his own pettiness. Something inside him needed to make this point.

“I suppose you’re going to play the “either he attends or I don’t” card.”

Tyler scowled. “I might do, yes. Mum, does it have to be such a big deal? Everyone knows I’m gay. It’s hardly going to hit the front pages that I bring a man with me.”

He had her there. When he’d come out of the closet, his darling sister had taken it upon herself to beg most of the town, their family and assorted randoms for sympathy on Facebook.

“It’s Deborah’s day.”

“I realise that. I have no desire to take any attention off her. Not that anyone could.”

“Can I expect you to act respectably?”

“I’m not sure what that means. If you’re asking will we be all over each other, then I can assure you I’ll keep my hands to myself at all times. It will be quite the struggle. Danny is very good-looking…”

“Don’t be disgusting. I have no idea why you would want to put that poor man through a family wedding.”

This time Tyler chuckled. “You know, weddings are supposed to be enjoyable occasions, not an endurance test.”

“Your sister is very highly strung right now.”

“Mum, I won’t make any scenes. I promise. I feel differentlyabout this guy than anyone I’ve ever met. Is it wrong that I would want to show him off a little?”

“I suppose not.”

“Please be kind to him.”

His mother had never got on with Greg. The few times they’d met, she had glared at him like a cat being served sour milk. Tyler was starting to have second thoughts about taking Danny. Yet, if he backed down now, he would be giving them exactly what they wanted.

“I’m always kind,” she replied.

They both knew that to be a total lie.

“I’ve booked us into a hotel,” Tyler said. “I know you’ll find it hard and breakfast might be awkward.”

“You’re the usher,” his mother said. “You have to be there early.”

“I know. I’m sure Danny can sit in a pew while I’m doing my bit.”

“I can see I’m fighting a losing battle here. Well, tell me he’s at least from a respectable family.”

Now they were getting to the bare bones of her reason for calling.

“They’re the biggest crime mob in Brighton,” he said. “Oh, did you want any cocaine for the reception?”