Page 81 of Poles Apart
“OK, I’ll be there around seven. I’m looking forward to it.”
After disconnecting the call, he went to his room and avoided his brother until it was time to leave. He did not want to discuss his humiliation.
Arriving at Jacob’s house at 7 p.m. on the dot, Abby opened the door.
“Hi, come in. Jacob’s got a take away if that’s ok? Chinese food, but I hope you’re hungry. He’s bought loads.”
“I’m always hungry for Chinese food. Lead the way.”
As they sat to eat, Dom couldn’t help but feel it was a prelude to something, but he didn’t quite know what. As the night wore on, Jacob started to fidget, and he could see the sweat forming on his brow. He kept looking at Abby, who was smiling encouragingly.
“So, I’ve been thinking. Well, actually, we’ve been thinking. All the talk of engagements and moving houses and shit.” Abby gasped and Dom laughed. Something was going on, but he still wasn’t sure where Jacob was going with this.
“When Jordan and Charlie move in together—” Jacob stopped and rubbed the back of his neck as if he was trying to think what he wanted to say.
“What he’s trying to say or ask is will you move in here with him? Well, us, actually.”
“Jesus, Abby, you couldn’t let me get the words out?” Jacob looked over at her, an exasperated look on his face.
Dom didn’t quite know what to say, but before he could say even try, Jacob continued.
“We’ve already wasted so much time, and I’ve already said you’re it for me, but I wanted you to know you have options, and we’d both be happy to have you here if, and when, the time comes. I’m not saying right away. We’ll continue what we’ve been doing for the last few weeks. How does that sound?”
“It sounds perfect.” And it really did. This could be the answer to his prayers.
Chapter Forty-Four
Jacob
Several weeks had passed since he’d mentioned to Dom about moving in with him, and their relationship had gone from strength to strength. He’d started spending more time at the house, and very slowly, items of Dom’s clothing were starting to creep into his bedroom. He even had his own selection of toiletries in the bathroom. Things couldn’t have been better.
Dom had been spending a few nights with Seb too, who’d returned from his parents’ house, feeling refreshed but still miserable about his break-up with Joe. To cap it all, Seb’s stalker had never gone away, and upon his return, he had made even more threats. Jacob knew this was worrying Dom more than he was willing to admit.
They were woken early one Sunday morning by the sound of Dom’s phone. He heard him fumbling around, trying to answer it.
“’lo?” Dom’s voice was slurred, thick with sleep. He heard a panicked voice on the other end of the call, and Dom quickly sat up, fully awake.
“Is he OK? Right, I’ll see if Jacob will drop me off.” Jacob could hear more talking, then Dom again. “I’ll be there as quickly as I can. Just hang on. I’m on my way.”
Jacob was wide awake now and looking at his boyfriend with a worried expression on his face.
“What the hell’s going on?”
Dom was rushing around the bedroom, trying to find clothes.
“Seb’s been in an accident. He’s at the hospital. Nat and Louis are there, and I need to get there too. Can you drop me off?”
“Of course, I’ll get dressed. Do you know how he is? Anything at all?”
“No, just that he’s been hurt.” Dom was slinging clothes around the room now, frustration setting in. “Fuck it. I can’t find my other shoe.”
“Hey, calm down.” Jacob handed him his shoe and held his hands as he did so. “Let’s just get you dressed and go.”
Jacob could feel the wetness of Dom’s tears as he rested his head on his chest.
“I’m just so scared. What if he doesn’t make it? Nat said something about him not being awake.”
“Well, the sooner you get there, the sooner you’ll know. I’ll just put my shirt on, and we can go.”
