Page 11 of Poles Apart
“Maybe?” His phone pinged, and he resisted the urge to look, to check it straight away. He frowned, seeing it was a message from Jacob, then turned it over.
“Don’t you want to read that?” Hayden asked, smiling smugly.
“No. No, I don’t.” Actually, he did, but he wasn’t going to read the message with Hayden sitting there. “Haven’t you got something to be getting on with?”
“No, have you?” Hayden looked at him, his head tilted. “You’re being awfully cagey.”
“Just because I don’t want to share all my messages with you doesn’t mean I’m being cagey,” Dom said defensively, but he turned over the phone to check the message.
“If you must know, it’s about some dance lessons for a new student. I’m giving her some private tuition, and this is a text from her brother giving me some times for us to get together.” Dom felt himself blushing. He never blushed.
“Mm, mm. Is that so? Have you met him before? How old is he? Is he hot?” Hayden leaned forward, staring at Dom for any reaction.
“Oh my God, Hayden. Why would you think I’ve seen him before?” He started fiddling with his phone and keys. “Are you sure you don’t have anything to do?”
“Yep, quite sure. Come on! Give me something here. I know there’s something going on.” Hayden was outright laughing now. He obviously found this funny. Dom was not impressed.
“Hayden, can you come help with the coffee machine, please? There’s water everywhere.” Dom could have kissed Janine. She was a barista working behind the counter, and from the panic in her voice, she was clearly having problems with the machine.
“Oh, no!” He faked concern. “You had best go and help out, Hayden,” Dom said sarcastically as he dropped his money onto the table. He finished his coffee and stood. “I’ll call you later about going out for a drink.”
“I’ll find out, you know. You can’t dodge me forever,” Hayden called out to him as he opened the door. Dom saluted him with his middle finger.
“Dream on, sunshine. Dream on.” He walked to his car and leaned against the door, finally reading the message from Jacob.
Thanks for replying. She’s free on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday afternoons. So, whatever suits you. Are you free later for a coffee, or do you want to wait until tomorrow? I could meet you after school if that suits. J
Dom read the message again. Did he want to meet him today? Was he mentally prepared to go through what would no doubt be difficult to face? Losing Jacob all those years ago had affected him more than he would admit to anyone, himself included.
He’d shied away from relationships and had become the ‘king of hook-ups’ when he was on the circuit, taking what he needed, when he needed it.
The only relationship he’d had, if you could call it that, was with Luciano. A fellow dancer he’d met in Vegas. They’d been together several months, and it had been hot and intense, but when he’d walked in on Luc and two waiters from a local club, he’d known it was time to call it quits. Luc didn’t call him, and he didn’t lower himself to call Luc either.
He’d been upset but not heartbroken and had thrown himself into his dancing. He’d moved out of their apartment the same day and in with another friend, who didn’t mind that he slept on their sofa until he could find somewhere else.
Before long, though, he’d received the news about Jordan being in a coma, and he had returned to the UK within the next few days. Since then, he’d had a few one-night stands and signed up to one or two apps, but his heart wasn’t in it lately. It all seemed so pointless. His brother had gone through hell, and all he was concerned about was getting his dick wet.
Well, all that was over and done with now. Jordan was the most important thing in his life now, making sure he got what he needed to get him on his feet.
If he didn’t meet with Jacob, would he lose sight of this? He didn’t know but wasn’t about to take the chance. He’d meet with him, see what he had to say, and then tuck it all away along with the other shit he had to deal with. He’d unpack it all once Jordan was sorted, one way or the other.
Hi, I can meet with you later if you want. After school suits me, I’m at a loose end anyway. Where and when? D
He had just enough time to open the car door and sit when he received another message.
Thank you. I need to explain what happened. How about four at Molly’s, the little café by the river? CU then. J
Dom knew where that was. He would have preferred a beer for this talk, but tea would do at a push.
OK, see you then. D
He started the car and drove to their apartment to see how Jordan was getting on. Was it wrong to wonder what he should wear to impress? Yeah, probably, but there was no harm in looking your best, was there?
Chapter Six
Jacob
Thank fuck for that. He’d agreed to meet him. Jacob breathed a sigh of relief.
