Page 22 of For Fake's Sake and other stories

“Nah, you two are perfect for each other. And head over heels too.” He shakes his head. “You’re both stubborn pricks, but I could see you’re the real deal. Or you could be if you tried.”

“Yeah, well, it seems that we’re now officially boyfriends. And he fucks like a dream. I came so hard I saw stars. His dick is like—” I laugh when Jack sticks his fingers in his ears.

“La la la. I’m not listening. I have to work with him. And you better not have given him a hickey. Tory will burst a blood vessel.” He takes his fingers away.

“Well, now you mention it, he may have one, but I’m pretty sure you’re not going to see it.” I smirk. I love the purplebruise high up on his inner thigh. Memories of what he did to me after that pop up, and my mouth goes dry.

“Why are you back here if you’re fucking like rabbits?” Jack asks.

“Because we both have work tomorrow, and I’m expecting a call from the new head. He approached me on Saturday and wants to discuss my ideas. I want to get some of the proposal ideas ready. This is important to me. I don’t want to fuck it up by not being prepared.”

“You did an amazing job last night, Ollie. They were hanging on your every word, and a lot of people shedded tears. This project is going to work because if you keep giving speeches like that, they’ll be writing you cheques and soon other heads will be asking you into their schools. I’m so proud of you.”

“Yeah, well, now I’ve got to make it happen and keep my job.” I sigh. I’m sick of finance. The whole cutthroat environment is getting old. I didn’t mind it at twenty-one and straight out of uni. I thought I was the dog’s bollocks, but I’d happily give up my place for younger men and women who want it all.

“You must have enough saved to quit and do something else. You said you wouldn’t stay there long. It’s been nearly eight years.”

“I know, but if I quit and devote all my time to the foundation, I’ve still got to pay myself a wage when I have nothing to do. How long will my savings cover that?”

“That’s why you’re doing this as a consultant. You can charge up to six or seven hundred quid a day. It’s your knowledge that they’re paying for.”

“That’s just it. Do I have enough knowledge? I need to speak to LGBTQ therapists, youth groups, a ton of people.”

“You could start with Banner,” Jack says.

“What? Gage’s friend.” Gage owns the house we live in. He has the top floor flat.

“Yes. He’s a therapist for LGBTQ teenagers and young adults. How do you not know this?”

“I don’t know. I’d forgotten. Do you think he’d be interested?”

“He might, but if it’s not something he can be a part of, he’ll know someone who will.” Jack shrugs. “You’ve got nothing to lose by asking.”

“Yeah, I’ll ask Gage for his number. Nice one, Jack.”

“You don’t have to sound quite so surprised, arsehole.” He cuff the back of my head.

“You hide that you’re clever so well. It shocks me.” I rub over the sore spot. “I’m gonna go and try and put something together.”

“’Kay.” Jack takes his beer and heads back to his game.

When I get into my room, I pull out my phone and search my contacts for Gage’s number. It’s not too late to call my landlord.

“If you’re giving me notice on your flat, then no, I won’t accept it,” he answers without any preamble.

“What? No! Why would I want to move out?” Why the hell would he think that?

“Oh, okay. That’s good.” He chuckles. “What can I do for you?”

“Um, could you give Banner my number. I’d like to talk to him about something.”

“You know he’s in a relationship, Ollie. You may’ve missed your chance.” I hear the smile in his words.

“What? No, no, it’s nothing like that. I, um, need some advice, that’s all.” I stammer like an idiot.

“Oh, well, I’m with him now if you’d like to speak to him?”

“That would be great, Thanks, Gage.”

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