Page 76 of Unexpected Boyfriends

“Um…” I only hesitate a moment before answering, but it must be enough to give me away.

“We’re a family establishment, a respectable establishment, and we’re proud of our family values,” he tells me, and I’m sure he’s about one second away from telling me to get the hell off his property.

But he doesn’t.

“Everyone is welcome,” he continues. “And we don’t stick our noses in other people’s business. We’ve got rooms with one large bed, or two. Or interconnecting rooms. We’re only half full atthe moment because it’s low season. You’re welcome to take whichever setup suits your situation.”

I blink. “Um, thanks. Well, a room with one large bed then.”

“No problem,” the man replies, and hands me a form to fill out. It’s the guest registration.

I fill in the car registration plate… that’s not a problem, there’s no reason Melinda’s car registration would ping anywhere if someone did run a check on it.

But the next few linesarea problem. Name and address, and then credit card for payment. Fuck, he’s probably going to want to sight ID.

“Ah. I’ll pay cash up front.”

He looks at me and nods understandingly. Then he pulls the registration form towards himself, and writes JOHN SMITHin the name, and NFI for the address.

“That work for you?” he enquires, cocking his eyebrow at me.

“Yeah. Thanks,” I reply sheepishly.

“Like I said, everyone’s welcome here.”

He takes my money and hands me a key.

“Room 17. Down the driveway and turn first left, second room from the end. It’s quiet this time of year. There’s no-one else down there. You boys make as much noise as you like.”

“Oh. Er, thanks.”

As I turn to go, he adds quietly, “My uncle came out a few years ago. And a cousin of mine – a decent bloke - is in jail. Everyone’s entitled to have someplace they feel safe. Receptionopens at 7am, but if you leave before that, there’s a box on the wall outside to put the key.”

Then he turns and goes back through the doorway into the other part of the house.

The door bangs shut.

******

Justin looks up hopefully as I get in the car.

“Here.” I toss the room key into his lap and start the car.

The room is easy to locate and set towards the end of the motel, which is a series of separate buildings. It’s probably a bit early for check-in, but even so, the motel does seem very quiet.

Our room is basic, clean and simple, and it’s all we need. There's a bedroom with an ensuite, and a separate living room that opens out the back to a shared porch. We toss our bags in the bedroom and wander out the back door to check out our surroundings.

Our room opens out onto a paddock, where a family of ducks is floating around on a dam. A couple of horses graze nearby, and as far as the eye can see, it’s green grass and paddocks.

Justin heaves a sigh of relief as we look out over the peaceful scene. His nostrils flare as he breathes in the fresh scent of country air, visibly relaxing in front of my eyes.

“We could almost be the only ones here,” he sighs, resting his head on my shoulder.

“I think we pretty much are. The guy at reception said we could make as much noise as we like.”

Justin gives me a mischievous grin – hell, that’s adirtygrin. In this moment I'm seeing the old Justin again.

“Is that right?” is all he says, but I like where his mind is. Truth is, I like even better that he seems to be getting back to being the guy I knew, not the one constantly plagued by all the negative self-talk and doubt. I know it’s early days yet, and it’s too soon to think he’s recovering, and there will be setbacks but if he can joke about sex, it’s a hopeful sign.

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