Page 15 of Meet You Half Way
“So what’s the moral of that story then?” I couldn’t help asking, amused at the conversation and deducing from it that Nick was also gay which I hadn’t picked up on until then.
Rob leaned in close and dropped his voice. “Always be the one straight guy in the group.”
“Rob, geez,” Mateo grimaced, glancing around as though to ensure we were out of earshot.
“Can’t say I’ve ever been the straight one in the group before,” I quipped.
“Well you’re in good company here,” Rob returned with a wink while Mateo squirmed in his seat and looked away. Hmm.
We started the game and I quickly realised that these three took their competition rather seriously even though it was all done in good humour. I knew I was letting Rob down with my wayward shots but Mateo and Nick didn’t seem all too concerned and Rob was too nice to say anything. Besides, Mateo was unfairly distracting each time he leaned over the pool table and I got a full preview down his top to all that lovely olive chest, his golden chain dangling loose.
Nick spent a lot of time answering messages on his phone, a soft smile on his face that contrasted with the scowl Mateo shot him each time that phone pinged.
“Are you playing pool or phone tag?” Mateo finally challenged him when Nick hadn’t realised it was his turn.
“Ah, sorry,” he said, pocketing his phone and lining up to take his shot.
“That’s okay, Tempe,” Rob returned. “I have no issues with Ajay distracting you and putting you off your game.”
“He’s not putting me off my game,” Nick returned as he pocketed the pink ball. “See?”
“How is your boy anyway?” Rob asked conversationally. “When’s he coming back for a visit?”
“He’s exceptional and he should be able to come visit in the April term break,” Nick answered.
“Where does your boyfriend live?” I asked, more to keep the flow of conversation going.
“He’s up in Sydney doing a music degree,” Nick told me proudly.
“I’ve never done long distance. That must be hard.”
“It really is,” Nick agreed just as his phone pinged again. At least that explained all the text messages. I couldn’t imagine a long distance relationship would be an easy thing to do. I glanced across at Mateo, his eyes glued to the floor, avoiding our conversation like he wanted nothing to do with it. A few things started clicking into place around me.
I watched a little more closely as Nick lined up for his next shot, Mateo’s eyes back on his friend as pain and longing flickered across his face. It was gone in an instant, back to that aloof nonchalance he had perfected but I had seen enough.
By the end of the first couple of games I had surmised two things. One, Mateo was not openly out, at least outside of his small circle of friends, and two, he was very much hung up on one of those friends.
It was at this point that I started to seriously consider making a retreat. This seemed like a complicated mess and I wasn’t sure I was the right man to delve into those murky waters. Even if part of my soul was openly weeping at the thought of never having a taste of Mateo again.
But no, nope –I was not that shallow. Now repeat and this time, believe it.
But just as I was plotting my exit plan, I was waylaid by Rob once more who yawned with an exaggeration that belonged on the stage.
“Hey, Tempe, reckon we should call it a night?” he said to Nick. “We have that early start in Ives.”
“Yeah you’re probably right,” Nick replied, instantly playing along.
“Jamie, you mind giving Mateo a lift home?” Rob asked, casual as could be. “Nick and I are on tradie time.”
“Ah sure,” I replied before I could think of a reason why I shouldn’t. Mateo was practicing shots on the pool table when he looked up in alarm at Rob, signalling to him with some kind of non-verbal communication. Rob just winked at him before pulling Nick to his feet and waving goodbye before they made a hasty exit.
“Sooo. Looks like it’s just us,” I stated, opting for the obvious.
“Looks like it,” Mateo returned, awkwardness descending.
“You want another game or another drink?”
“Definitely a drink,” Mateo answered quickly. “Don’t breathe a word to the guys but I don’t even really like pool all that much. But it keeps the friends happy.”
