Page 44 of Poles Apart
They’d had a good time, and Dom finally managed to smile at how things had gone last night. When he thought about what he’d promised Jacob he would do with his tie, his cock started to harden in his shorts. But then he remembered what he’d come home to, and instantly, his erection deflated. He threw himself back on his bed. How the fuck was he going to manage all this? Jordan, Jacob, Seb even.
He felt he was being pulled in so many different directions, and his head hurt trying to put it all into perspective. He knew he had to be there for Jordan, that was a no-brainer, but his friends were right. He couldn’t continue to keep putting his life on hold. He did deserve something, even if it was only a little fun now and again.
Jordan had been getting better until this setback. Even the physio had said his strength was returning, that before long, he could probably go back to work. Not necessarily doing what he’d been doing before, climbing trees was going to be out of the question for a while yet, but maybe he could start going back to work doing the admin. Dom knew Jordan wouldn’t be overly enthralled with that, but maybe he should start getting back to normal.
He’d already been chatting with Seb about taking up a teaching position at the studio. Natalia and Louis had auditioned for a new show and could be selected to tour with them, which would leave Seb without another tutor. He was seriously considering the position, and if Jordandidmanage to get back to work part-time… Well, that would help solve some of his worries about leaving him home alone.
But that was a thought for another night.
The good news was, Jordan was getting better, even in such a short space of time, and he could only hope this would continue. He’d need to keep an eye on him, though, to make sure he didn’t overdo it again. He got out of bed, made sure the flat was locked up and went back to his room. Although he’d slept earlier, he was still fucking tired and got back into his bed. Tomorrow was another day, as they said.
The next morning, he woke feeling better than he had in days. He still crawled out of bed, though. Until that coffee hit his system, he was useless. When he reached the kitchen, he was surprised to see his brother sitting at the small table.
“Hi, sweetcheeks, how are you doing this morning?” He kissed his brother’s cheek. “You look better than you did yesterday. You looked like death warmed up.”
His brother snorted. “I felt like it but must admit, I feel much better than I did yesterday. I’ve taken my painkillers, all my other meds and do actually feel OK. Movement is still a bit stiff, but yeah, I reckon I’m good.”
“I still don’t want you overdoing it, though, until you’re completely better, so no running around the apartment and no more fucking exercises until you’re ready for it. Got it?”
His brother looked at him sheepishly. “I promise, Dom. I do. I can’t have you constantly looking after me, and the only way I’m ever going to get better is if I look after myself properly. I need to get back to work. I’m fed up with sitting here day after day, relying on you.
“Lying in bed yesterday after you’d taken care of me again, ringing the doctor, fetching my meds… I knew I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and try. I won’t be the one that stops you having a life, and if I’m honest, I need a life too.”
Dom didn’t know what to say. He’d had this argument with his brother many times, but he had never before seemed so adamant to do something about it, to actually start to have a life again. Maybe he’d been partly to blame for the way his brother was. He’d vowed when he came home from Vegas that he’d take care of him, that he’d never be alone again, but perhaps he’d contributed to his brother’s apathy. They’d become dependent on each other. Was Dom using him as an excuse not to get out there again, and was Jordan using him as an emotional and physical crutch in an effort to avoid the realisation that he might never again do what he loved?
Either way, his brother seemed to have come to a decision, but what Jordan said next shocked him to the core, and he didn’t quite know what to say.
“Actually, there was something else I wanted to talk to you about.” Jordan looked terrified, and Dom grew concerned.
“What’s wrong? Why do you look like you’re about to throw up? Is everything all right?”
“It’s not easy for me to say this, and to be honest, I never thought it would happen for me.” Jordan took a deep breath. “I’ve met someone online!”
Dom was lost for words and just stared, open-mouthed. He sputtered but managed to speak.
“What the fuck? How the fucking hell did you manage that? Why didn’t you tell me before?” Dom felt a little hurt at this admission. Did they not confide in each other?
“I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure what was happening, whether it was going to lead anywhere, but she’s a nurse, and we’ve been chatting in one of these help groups. She lives locally, and we’ve Skyped a few times now. More than a few times, actually.
“I’d like to invite her around to meet you.” Jordan sat quietly, presumably waiting for Dom to say something.
“And,” Dom prompted, not being particularly charitable at the moment. He was happy for his brother, sure he was, but he might have said something.
“I wondered if you were going out tonight, and if not, would you mind if she came around? We can order food in. I’m not expecting you to cook or anything, but I would like you to meet her.”
Well, fuck me!There was life in the old dog yet, even though he was only a few years older than him. But now that he thought about it, he was doubly glad Jacob had called him and didn’t let him end things between them. If it worked out with Jordan and his girl… Shit, he didn’t even know her name.
“What’s her name?” he asked.
“Oh, it’s Charlie. Well, Charlotte actually, but she prefers Charlie. Is it OK? Do you mind?”
“It’s your apartment, Jordan. I just live here with you. You can invite around whoever you want.”
The look on his brother’s face when he said that. Jesus, when had he become so petty and small-minded? Of course he didn’t mind.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I’d love to meet her.” At the relief he saw pass across his brother’s face, he felt like a complete prick. He needed to stop being such a dickhead.
“I don’t mind cooking if you want, or we can order in, your choice.”
