Page 49 of Joey

“Are—” Joey’s phone rang, and he reached past Ethan to unplug it from the bedside table. “Unknown number.” His heart raced as he answered. “Hello?”

“Joey Reynolds?”

“Yes. Who’s this?”

“Denny. I knew Elliott.”

Joey scooted up the bed, the cold of the headboard taking away some of the warmth Ethan had provided. Ethan did the same. “How did you know him?”

“We were…intimate. I originally met him about a year ago at a party. We hooked up. After that, whenever our paths crossed, we would sneak away and find a room. I’m assuming you don’t need more information than that.”

“No, I’m good. Why didn’t he ever tell me about you?”

“I asked him not to make it public.”

“Why? Was he not worth your time?”

Denny sighed. “He was, but I’m not out. Or rather, I wasn’t.”

His voice rippled on the last words, and Joey softened towards him a little. “What happened?”

“When?”

“That night, and I’m assuming you had a coming out you weren’t planning on.”

Denny huffed. “You could say that. I’d rather we talk in person than over the phone. Can you meet me?”

Joey stared at Ethan. “Where and when?”

“Today, two o’clock. Battersea Park bandstand.”

“Okay. I’ll be bringing a friend.”

“Who? I don’t want the police involved yet. I need to talk to you first.”

Joey frowned. “It’s not the police. It’s my boyfriend.”

Denny was quiet for a moment. “You have a boyfriend. Elliott didn’t mention it.”

Joey gritted his teeth. “Yeah, well, Elliott didn’t tell me a lot of things, so it seems.”

“Okay. I’ll see you there.”

The phone went dead, and Joey let his hand fall to his lap.

“Everything okay?” Ethan asked, covering Joey’s hand with his.

Joey nodded. “We’re meeting up with the guy at two o’clock. He didn’t want to talk over the phone.”

“That’s understandable if there’s something important.” Ethan glanced over his shoulder. “It’s eleven o’clock now. How about we get dressed and go for some brunch?”

Joey raised his eyebrows. “Brunch?”

“It’s too late for breakfast and too early for lunch; therefore, brunch.”

“I can think of something to tide us over until lunch,” Joey said and rolled them until he caged Ethan beneath him. “I’m thinking…ties. One for each wrist and ankle. One for your eyes. One for your mouth.” He lowered his head and voice. “Maybe something to cover your ears. You won’t know what I’m going to do to you until I’ve done it.” He skimmed his lips over Ethan’s jaw. “What do you think?”

“I don’t think I’m going to last long if you do that to me,” Ethan whispered.

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