Page 90 of He's the One

“Sadly, I don’t have any peanuts.”

Theo laughed and led Col out of the hut. “Did you see the folly when you were looking round?”

“Yes, if it’s the half-ruined structure on the edge of the walled garden. Looks a bit like a castle tower.”

“That’s it.”

“Was it ever used for something?”

“Traditionally, follies were merely something interesting to look at, but we used to play in it when we were kids. I’ll give you a tour of the grounds and we’ll finish at the folly. Okay?”

“I’m in your hands.”

Theo groaned. “No, you’re not. Not yet. Don’t tease.”

Col grinned.

“Asquith has a garden for all seasons,” Theo said as they started walking. “James is brilliant. He knows exactly what to put where. What plants like shade, which like light. There’s always colour, always something to see. Lots of people come just for the gardens.”

“Is he gay?” Col whispered.

Theo shot him a look. “Why do you say that?”

“He pinged my gaydar.”

“You have a gaydar? Why don’t I have one?”

“It didn’t ping when I was lying on top of you?”

“Maybe it got lost under the shock of what happened. It’s not every day a good-looking guy saves my life. Did… Did you think I was gay?”

“Yes.”

Theo gaped at him. “Yes? No hesitation?”

“I thought you were cute.”

“I’m cute?” Theo blinked at him. “Really? Is that how you tell? Cuteness? Because I’m pretty sure not all gay guys are cute. I mean, those who are all big and hairy? That’s cute?”

“To some guys it is. Don’t expect me to explain gaydar. Plus, I’m not always right. I’ve wondered if it’s linked to not being out when I was younger. When I was in care, it didn’t seem wise to confess to being gay. I was very nervous about giving myself away and maybe that made me more aware of seeing the way othersdidgive themselves away. A gesture, speech, a way of walking, how someone just…is. Like James. Nothing that he did or said, only a feeling.”

Theo hesitated, then nodded. “He is gay, but don’t tell anyone. I’d probably never have known if I hadn’t been struggling in my teens. He sat me down and… He listened and I felt so much better that someone could tell me I wasn’t weird or sick or pathetic…” Theo exhaled. “I was already called names at school, so they knew before I did.”

“Not necessarily. Boys go for words that hurt regardless of meaning. Whether you’re gay or not, being called a poofter hurts.”

“How old were you when you realised you liked boys?”

“Eleven.”

“I was thirteen.”

“Last year then?”

Theo laughed and elbowed him. “I’m not that young and if I was, you’d be in trouble.”

“I’m in trouble anyway.” Col shot him a little smile.

“Don’t drive me mad with lust until we’re not surrounded by spies!”

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