Page 155 of A Night with Damien Spur

Look at that! She’s ready to back another horse, said theVoice.

‘It’s a long story,’ Damien said.

‘Okay. Well, suppose I’d better go. You must think I’m terrible.’

‘At least you told the truth in the end.’

He took her arm to take her down the steps. She turned to wave goodbye to Damien’s mystery guest.

‘I’m sorry, I don’t know your name,’ she called.

‘Theo.’

‘I hope we meet again,’ she said, and gave him her broad American smile.

She said it with just enough enthusiasm to irritate Damien.

‘Me too,’ Theo said.

That night he slept well. Thank the Lord that Frances wasn’t pregnant. He was free again. Even the Voice nodded off the moment his head hit the pillow.

***

Next day, Damien awoke to find Theo in the bathroom, liberally splashing himself with his Vétiver.

‘Morning,’ said the boy.

‘You’re still here?’ Damien glanced at him coolly and shifted his eyes to the cologne.

That’s a bit of a cheek. Help yourself, why don’t you,said the Voice.

‘My favourite fragrance. I can see you like it? Judging by what’s left in the bottle.’

Theoblushed. ‘Oh, sorry, Damien. I should have asked you first. Yes, it’s lovely. Very sexy. I like your taste.’

‘Well then, what are your plans today, Theo?’

‘Oh, I don’t know. You didn’t tell me what time you wanted me to leave. So I thought that we could have breakfast together. My turn to cook.’

‘I’m not sure I have the time.’

‘Oh, what a shame. It’s been so wonderful to meet you. And so kind of you to let me stay overnight. I really didn’t expect it.’

Damien felt sorry for him. He was in two minds. He had to admit he liked him. And he knew what it was like to be lonely. No mother, father, sister, brother. If he was his son, it could make things very difficult. He’d probably want to live with him. And then what? He was definitely cougar bait. And he had drive. Who knows – he might bulldoze into his life and take advantage of Damien’s sentimental generosity!

‘Well then, Theo, I think it’s time to say goodbye,’ he said. ‘I want to have a run now and I’m meeting my editor for lunch.’

‘So, shall we take a DNA test?’ Theo said.

Damien was in a fix.

Don’t be mean, said the Voice.You can’t leave unfinished business. It’s his life too.

‘Okay, we can go together.’

Theo looked at Damien and gave him a sweet smile. ‘I could be calling you Papa soon.’

Damien had to admit the boy had charm. Maybe even if it didn’t work out, he’d still keep in touch. Be his sponsor, help him pay his uni fees, take him to restaurants and the theatre, even go fishing together. Be like a father to him.

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