Page 69 of Handle with Care
“There’s too much to do,” Will explains, shrugging. “Our supervisor has drawn up a schedule, and we’re mostly working separately. And lots of odd hours over the next week. It’s a ten-day changeover.”
“Whew, that’s fast,” says Gray. “For exhibitions that size.”
“And some of it is going on a traveling exhibition too,” I add. “They’re staging for that as well with the logistics company. There’s a lot going on in the galleries right now.”
Gray shakes his head, impressed. “No wonder you look stressed, old bean. But listen. Working separately means your supervisor must have great confidence in your abilities. Which is great.”
“See?” I grin at Will. “Another vote of confidence.”
But Will doesn’t quite glow as much as he does when he’s alone with me or give off the charisma he does at work. With his brother, he’s more real in what he’s feeling, deep down, especially compared to how he presents himself at work. Not to say Will’s inauthentic with me—I know he’s having a great time. But he’s trying to mask his feelings about everything ending between us when I leave, which I know is in an effort to protect himself from getting hurt. Except denial only makes pain burrow deeper.
We order drinks and appetizers to share when the waiter comes around. Beyond the patio, the path is busy with commuters walking past, with Tower Bridge in the background as we face north. The sun’s lowering, and the shadows grow in the golden light.
“Will speaks highly of you, Dylan.” Gray smiles at me. “I’m thrilled to meet one of his boyfriends. It’s been a long time since I’ve met one.”
“He’s not?—”
“I’m not?—”
Gray tries to hide a smile behind his hand. “I see.”
“I’ll, er, always remember this time together in London when I’m back home.” I glance over at Will.
“You’re leaving?” Gray looks surprised.
“Dylan’s only here for the summer internship,” Will explains, shaking his head at his brother. “I told you, I’m sure.”
“Hmm. I thought you were already permanent, Dylan. My mistake.” Gray gives a wry smile. The way he glances over at his brother is both curious and a little protective too, like he’s used to watching out for Will. Not that I’d ever do anything intentionally to hurt Will, never.
“That’s alright.” I glance at Will, wishing I knew if it was okay to take his hand under the table. But Will seems closed off now and shutting down, and I’m starting to worry I’ve said something wrong. If only I knew the right thing to say or do right now.
Shit.
“Excuse me,” says Will, his expression frustratingly unreadable. But his shoulders are tight. “I’ll be back in a moment.”
I blink in surprise, shifting to let him by on the busy patio. “Where are you going?”
“WC,” he says curtly and then goes off.
I look at Gray, lifting my eyebrows. “Did I say something wrong?”
Gray gives me a wry look. “No. Sometimes he’s like that.”
“Like how, exactly? I’m worried I’ve upset him. I mean, it was a stressful day.”
“Will sometimes retreats when he gets overwhelmed. He told me there’s a chance at a permanent job at the museum after the internship. I didn’t quite put it together that you’re an intern as well. So, you must be vying for the same role…”
“We are.” I nod. “Though I’m sure he’s a shoo-in.”
“You don’t know that.” Gray shrugs. “And then, that means there’s a risk of losing you too. Even as a friend.
“Well…” I squirm uncomfortably. “I’m back to Canada in a couple of weeks, most likely.”
“Where are you from in Canada?”
“Vancouver. Which isn’t exactly in the neighborhood, unfortunately.”
“I can see why Will is upset, then. Along with being stressed at work.”
