Page 41 of Falling for You
‘Cool.’
‘Not cool; it took seven hours to get back. The traffic was so bad.’
Stevie started drag a few years after he moved to London. I’m not sure whether he’d always wanted to be a drag queen, but he always loved dance, music and performing. He’s exceptionally creative, so really, when he told us that he’d started performing as Stevie Trixx, it felt like a natural fit. It was like all of his talents had been combined into one.
‘Are you okay?’ I ask, peering down at him as he stares mindlessly at the ceiling.
‘I’m so tired,’ he groans. ‘I’ve worked the past ten days straight.’
He lifts his head slightly so he can see me. ‘How’s Mom?’
I think back to her in the hospital, making everyone laugh and chatting to all the nurses and fellow patients like they’d known each other for years.
‘Exactly how she always is,’ I say after a pause. ‘Acting like nothing had happened.’
Stevie drops his head back onto the cushion. ‘I’m glad she’s okay.’
‘She misses you,’ I say, unable to help myself. ‘She was asking all about your shows.’
Stevie unlocks his phone. ‘Yeah, I’ll send her some pictures or something. I miss her too.’
I sigh inwardly. There is no point trying to push Stevie any further on this. It’ll only start an argument – and for what? He knows I think he doesn’t speak to Mom enough and I find it extraordinary that he seems to not want to speak to his own mother. Who also happens to be the kindest, most supportive person in the world.
But, like I said, there is no point in saying all that. It’s not like I haven’t said it before.
‘I missed you,’ Stevie mumbles, his eyes fixed on his phone.
‘Yeah?’ I say, taken aback.
‘The flat is too quiet when you’re not here,’ he continues. ‘I’m glad you’re back.’
‘Well, I’m glad to be back,’ I say automatically.
Stevie flings a floppy arm towards me and pats my arm, the closest we’ll get to physical affection.
‘Are you sure you’re all right, man?’ I say. ‘Was it a bad show?’
He shakes his head, not looking up from his phone. ‘Just tired, feeling a bit drained.’ I nod, getting to my feet. Stevie looks up at me, his eyes widening. ‘Where are you going?’
‘I was going to take a shower and go to bed,’ I say. ‘Why?’
‘I thought you might want to watch a film with me or something.’
I look at him, feeling like I’m back looking at six-year-old Stevie, asking if I’ll play hide and seek with him after school. ‘Yeah, of course,’ I say. ‘And have you eaten?’
He looks up at me and I know the answer.
‘I’ll order us some food,’ I laugh, ruffling his head as I walk towards the kitchen.
‘I’ll do it,’ Stevie calls after me. ‘I can’t have you getting robbed again by a shitty burger joint. I’m supposed to be looking after you.’
I poke my head out of the kitchen, frowning at the back of his bleached head. ‘I thought I was meant to be the one looking after you.’
He waves a hand at me, scrolling through Just Eat. ‘You look after enough people already, Nate.’
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Annie
