Page 81 of The Good Neighbour
Shifting uncomfortably, Hugh met Josh’s gaze. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to be at other ends of the country to each other right now.”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“Of course I do. I don’t trust him.”
The idea that Winston had impacted Hugh’s professional decisions was too much for Josh.
“Right. This shit is going to get sorted out once and for all.”
He sat in the lobby of The Nickleby Hotel. A beautiful art deco building with lots of artwork dotted around. It managed to have a Dickens vibe without being a tacky theme hotel. There were plenty of those in the city.
Josh had been here a few times over the years to functions. The restaurant was worth a visit too. He and Winston had spent their last anniversary there.
Now he nervously tapped his foot and fiddled with his fingers as he glanced around.
Hugh had wanted to come with him but Josh put his foot down. It wasn’t fair to ambush Winston with his new lover. No matter how much of a louse Winston was.
After much persuasion, he’d given his key to Hugh and told him to take as long as he needed in the bath. Whatever happened, they wouldn’t be spending any more time with this spectre looming over them.
The man himself walked out of the lift. He scanned the area until his gaze rested on Josh. Instantly his face lit up and he wandered over. Josh ignored the pang of guilt that speared his heart.
It’s over. There’s nothing you can do now. Stay on track.
Winston sat in the chair opposite Josh.
“Good to see you,” Winston said. “I knew you’d change your mind.”
This wasn’t going to be easy but it needed to be done.
“Winston,” he began. “I need you to stop this. I haven’t changed my mind and I’m not going to.”
“Then what are you doing here?”
“There’s something you don’t know and I think it’s time you did.”
Winston’s face hardened. He sat in his chair, giving off the impression of being totally relaxed and in control. Except, the little vein on his temple was pulsing. A tell he didn’t even know he had.
“Go on then. I’m all ears.”
“I can’t come back to you for two reasons. One, I don’t want to. We weren’t good together. You probably did me a favour walking out. Not that I would have said that at the time.”
Winston rubbed his bottom lip with the tip of his finger. “And the other?”
“I’m seeing someone else.”
There. He’d said it.
Winston nodded slowly. “You mean that washed-up drag act you were photographed in Milan with?”
So, he had seen the pictures. It made things a little clearer about the timing of this grand gesture.
“I’m not replying to that,” Josh said. “Hugh and I are happy together. That’s all you need to know.”
Winston sat forward, his eyes flashing.
“You are my husband.”
“Estranged husband. Are you trying to tell me that you’ve been in Nice all by yourself thinking deep thoughts? We both know that’s a lie.”
