Page 13 of The Best of Times
Oh for fuck’s sake, Granny.
“Hilarious.”
“Adorable.”
“I’d better go or it’ll be Parkin making a mess all over your father’sGreat Expectationsrug.”
Paul held him by the arm. Aron determined to ignore that surge of energy that swept through his body.
“Do we need to talk?” Paul asked. All of a sudden serious.
“About what?”
“About my leaving like that. I had to. You don’t say no toVogue.”
Aron nodded. “I understood and still do. Look at the award you got.”
“You heard?”
“I follow you on Instagram.”
“Oh, someone manages that for me.”
“I can tell.”
This was going way better. Aron refused to let Paul disarm him.
“As long as we’re cool,” Paul said.
“Aren’t you too close to fifty to talk like that?”
Paul was only forty-five but it didn’t hurt to rib him a little. Aron had to make up for lost ground and quickly.
Paul sniggered. “Wow. You’re on fire today, Wimpole. Working together is going to be a lot of fun, clearly.”
“Consider this a preview. Listen, we can split the tasks if it makes you feel more comfortable.”
Paul let Aron’s arm go. Aron instantly missed the contact.
“I’m not uncomfortable. Besides, that’s not the brief and you know it.”
“Can’t blame a boy for trying.”
“See you tomorrow, grouchy.”
Aron went to make his way back to the others.
“Nice muscles, by the way,” Paul said.
Without looking back, Aron walked into the lounge. Let him watch.
Once in the safety of the room, he went straight to Alexander.
“Get your coat. You’ve pulled.”
“What?”
“How about you, me and a hairy beast take this outside?”
