Page 7 of Joey

“At the moment. If I need anything else, I’ll get it later.” He put the bag near the stairs, out of the way, and asked, “What would you like me to make for dinner?”

Ethan chuckled. “I was only joking about cooking for me. You don’t need to.”

“I don’t mind. I like to do it to relax, especially after a long day doing…” He stopped himself.

Ethan stepped in front of him. “Look, I know you’re hiding something, and it’s absolutely fine. I have no issue with it. But know thatIcan keep a secret if I need to. If you want someone to confide in, I’m here. You don’t have to watch your words with me.”

Joey sighed and rubbed a hand over his head. “It’s not that I don’t trust you. If you’ve not recognised me by now, you probably won’t, but it’s still too…raw to talk about.”

Ethan rested his hand on Joey’s chest. “Okay. Offer will always be there.”

“Thanks.”

“As for dinner,” Ethan continued, “anything.” He waved his hand towards the kitchen. “Whatever I’ve got is yours to use.”

Joey leaned down and placed a kiss on Ethan’s cheek. “Thank you for everything.”

Ethan smirked. “You’re welcome. Now, I’m going for a shower. Feel free to join me—oh, I mean, shower after me.” He winked and sauntered to the stairs.

Joey wanted to follow him, but he refused, not wanting to mess up their new friendship. He was beginning to like it there. Checking the fridge told him Ethan liked meat and fruit but not much else, and unless he’d already eaten them all, he wasn’t a vegetable fan. There was some chicken, which he could use to make stir-fry, but he’d need to grab some peppers and onions. And maybe some tortillas. Ethan was also nearly out of milk, so Joey made a list, and when Ethan came back from his shower, all pink and toasty, Joey said he needed to go to the supermarket.

“Let me go. You stay here and have a breather. It won’t take me long,” Ethan said.

Joey offered him some money, but Ethan refused, and Joey set a note to tally whatever Ethan spent on him so he could pay it back later.

While Ethan was gone, he familiarised himself with the kitchen and where everything was, then settled on the sofa and rested his head back. He knew he needed to call his mum and let her know he was doing okay, but he didn’t want to ruin the even keel he was on. He had people who counted on him, even those who worked for him, but he’d left Ani in charge, and she knew what she was doing. If she had a problem she couldn’t solve, she would call him, and he’d answer.

The lock clicked, and he sat upright, expecting to see Ethan, but a woman came in.

“Hey, babe! I didn’t see your car, but that doesn’t mean you’re not here!” She shut the door and then stopped, her bright green eyes boring into him. “Who are you? And where’s Ethan?”

He held up his hands. “He’s at the supermarket.”

She pointed a sharp nail in his direction. “And who areyou?”

“His new lodger.”

She put a hand on her hip and pursed her lips. “This house is barely big enough for one giant, let alone two. Who are you really?”

At that moment, the door opened, and Ethan returned. “Oh, hey, Christi.” He glanced between them. “This is Joey. Joey, this is my best friend, Christi.” He pushed the door closed with his ass, and Joey jumped up to grab the bags from him. “I bought a bit more than I went out for.”

He’d say. Definitely more than the peppers, onion, milk and tortillas he’d put on the list. Carrying the bags to the kitchen, he left the two friends to argue not so silently in the living room while he put away what Ethan had bought, which included crisps, more fruit, vegetables he was sure were just for him, and some milk, plus other snack food.

“Okay, then,” Ethan said, smiling brightly. “I thought you had work this afternoon?”

Christi tucked her dyed blonde hair behind her ears and rolled her eyes. “Two appointments cancelled at the last minute. I have to go back at four o’clock for my final appointment, but I wasn’t waiting around just to get harassed again. I thought I’d harass you instead.”

Ethan chuckled, flicking the kettle on. “Leave Di alone, and she’ll leave you alone.”

“She started it!”

“And you can finish it and have a happy work environment again.” Ethan glanced at Joey. “Christi is a beautician, but her arch nemesis is trying to take her clients.” He looked at Christi again. “You know your clients are loyal.”

Christi stared at Joey. “Please tell me you’re straight?” she asked instead of responding to Ethan’s words.

Joey cleared his throat. “Sorry, no.”

She huffed. “Ethan, why are all the big ones gay?” she whined.

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