Page 60 of Poles Apart
Chapter Thirty-Three
Dom
He was worried. He knew Jacob had returned the night before, but he’d heard nothing from him, not a text or call. Radio silence. This was not like him at all. Since Dom had pulled his head out of his arse, and they’d agreed to give whatever this was between them a go, he’d heard from Jacob almost every day. Even if it was only a hello, or a funny meme, it was something. This silence was unnerving him.
It was eleven in the morning now, so Jacob would be teaching, but he decided to call anyway and leave him a message to pick up later. He didn’t want to seem too eager, but at least this way, he could let him know he was thinking about him. He dialled his number, fully expecting it to go to voicemail and was surprised when he answered.
“Oh, hey, babe. I wasn’t expecting you to pick up,” he said brightly.
“Hi, yeah, I’m home. Some shit went down yesterday, and I’ve been told to stay home for the week.” Dom couldn’t believe how miserable he sounded.
“What happened? Do you want me to come around? I can be there in about twenty minutes.”
Jacob said nothing, and Dom thought he could hear a sniffle. Was he crying?
“Baby, talk to me. Are you OK?”
“I suppose.” He sighed and continued. “I think I need to get out of the house, though. Can we meet somewhere? Go out for coffee, maybe?”
“Sure. Do you know The Coffee Mill? Next to Seb’s dance studio?”
“Yeah, I know it. What time do you want to meet? I can be there in about half an hour. Just need to have a quick shower.”
Dom knew this was a risk. He wasn’t too concerned about Hayden seeing him with Jacob, but now that he thought about it, he didn’t want to run into Seb. It was still early on, though, and he remembered that Seb didn’t start lessons until late on a Monday. They’d be OK; he was sure of it.
“OK, I’ll see you there in about half an hour. What shall I get you if I’m there first?”
“A cappuccino would be good. Better make it a large.”
After ending the call, he raced to get himself showered and changed. He didn’t know what to expect but knew it couldn’t be good news.
He arrived early but was surprised to see Jacob already there at a small table in the corner, with a coffee waiting for him. He couldn’t see Hayden around, but even if he had, it wouldn’t have stopped him from dropping a kiss to Jacob’s lips before sitting.
He looked as dejected as he’d sounded on the phone, and he wanted to find out what had him all torn up. He reached across the table and took his hand.
“Do you want to tell me what’s got my man all shook up?” He smiled gently at him, but he got nothing back. Something must be seriously wrong.
“You know that wanker we met when we went out? He filed a formal complaint with the school about me. Can you believe the fucking cheek of it? Where does he get off doing something like that? I should be the one making another one about him. Fucking prick.”
Dom had never heard him talk like this before but understood. He listened as Jacob told him what had happened the day before, leading up to him not being at work. To say he was as livid as Jacob about this was an understatement. How the fuck did people get away with this homophobic bullshit time and time again?
His heart ached for Jacob, knowing that this was his dream job. This was what he loved to do, and it was hanging in the balance. Fuck. What would he do if he didn’t have this job?
“So, what happens now?” Dom questioned.
Jacob shrugged and held his hand tighter. “I love my job, love those kids, and I’m being punished for being who I am. How is that fair, Dom?” Jacob looked at him, and he was sad to see such sorrow in his eyes.
“It’s not, baby. Not fair at all. What are you going to do?”
“Wait, I suppose. See what Jodie has to say. I can see her point. Every time I see that guy, he has something to say, and how I didn’t say anything to him yesterday, I don’t know.” Dom saw the glint of tears in his eyes and reached across to wipe a tear as it slowly fell. This was hurting Jacob so much.
“I wish I could help, but…I don’t know what I could do,” Dom said sympathetically.
“Hey, can I get you guys anything?” Dom looked up to see Hayden standing there, a kindly look on his face. He must have realised something wasn’t right.
“I think we’re OK.” He looked over at Jacob. “Hayden, this is Jacob. Jacob, this is my friend Hayden. He owns this place.”
Jacob quickly wiped his eyes and looked over at him. “Hi, sorry about that. Nice to meet you. Dom’s mentioned you before.” He held his hand out, and they shook.
