Page 52 of Leather and Longing
“Here in the UK. She’s got four berths below, a portside galley with a sink and gas cooker, and lockers port and starboard.”
“What d’you use to navigate?”
“Garmin 923 GPS.”
Adam nodded approvingly. “I bet she has lovely lines.” He stifled the sigh right behind his lips. He could envisage the sleek yacht, clear as anything.
“She’s a beaut, all right, and she steers like a dream. Want to try her for yourself?”
Adam froze. “Really?”
Eric chuckled. “Really. I mean, you’ve done this before, lots of times. Paul told me.” A hand to his upper arm. “Step right this way, Adam. The wheel is yours. I’ll be right beside you the whole time.”
Adam stepped up to the wheel, his hands at ten and two. He gripped the polished wooden surface, estimating its diameter to be about one meter. “What’s her top speed?”
“Around the seven knots mark, although Ihavecoaxed more out of her.” Eric chuckled. “Just don’t tell my dad.”
Adam nodded. “Well, we shan’t be attempting to break any records today. Anything on the horizon I need to know about?”
“Adam, we’re in the English Channel, and there isn’t another vessel in sight. Go for it.”
Adam let out a sigh of sheer contentment and spun the wheel to port, the movement instinctual. “What’s our speed?”
“Three knots.”
He grinned. “We can do a bit better, don’t you think? Let’s open her up and take her to six knots.”
“Aye aye, Sir.” Adam loved the note of amusement in Eric’s voice.
He had no idea how long Eric allowed him at the wheel. All he knew was, he was in heaven. A beautiful boat at hiscommand, the sea breeze fresh and warm on his face, the feeling of salt on his skin. Adam was feeling wonderfully, magnificentlyalive. He knew this dream would have to end eventually, but until then, Adam let go and relished every single second of it. Eric didn’t interfere, but let him get on with it as he changed direction, ordered a change of speed, and eased the yacht through the water with a skill he’d almost forgotten he possessed. He was dimly aware of the chatter around the cockpit, but he let it wash over him, concentrating instead on enjoying the experience to the full.
“Ready to hand back the controls?” Eric asked him.
Adam exhaled, nodding. It had been glorious, but all good things had to come to an end.
Eric took the wheel from him and Adam retook his seat. “I can’t begin to thank you for today, Eric,” he said after a moment. “Firstly for inviting us aboard, and then for allowing me to steer. You have no idea what this has meant to me.” He was still buzzing from the experience.
Eric fell silent and Adam wondered what on earth he’d said. After a while Eric spoke, his voice quiet, barely audible above the waves and the animated conversations of the boat’s occupants. “I thought you knew. This trip out, you taking control of the boat—this was all Paul’s idea. All I did was say yes.”
Adam sat still, his mind processing Eric’s words.Paulhad done all this? For him?
It was as if someone had delivered a punch straight to his solar plexus. He’d been an utter bastard to Paul from day one. He’d denigrated him, treated him like shit, fucked him and then walked all over him like he was a piece of dirt on Adam’s shoes. And what had Paul done in return?
Given him the best day he’d had in recent memory. Given him back his confidence, his belief in his own abilities. Shared his friends.
“Adam? Are you all right?” Eric’s voice pierced his reflections.
“Not really, no.” Adam sighed. Berating himself would change nothing. What was required in the circumstances was a heartfelt apology.
And there was no time like the present.
“Thank you again, Eric.” Adam grasped his cane. “If you’d point me in Paul’s direction, please.”
“I think he’s below deck, sorting out drinks. There’s bottled water if you want some, but knowing Paul, he’s probably attempting to make coffee using the gas cooker. There’s a whistling kettle he can use.” Eric paused. “Shane, show Adam below deck, yeah?”
“Sure.” A hand lightly touched his arm. “Wanna step up here, Adam?”
A minute or so later and he was below deck, sitting on a bunk, drinking water and wondering how on earth to begin the conversation that had to take place. It was clear to Adam he couldn’t go on as before. Paul was doing all he could to help Adam move forward.
