Page 73 of Hold On

“I want to pay my share,” Dominic said.

“Don’t worry about it. You can buy the food.”

“You’re going to eat that much?” Dominic laughed.

“Just because you don’t eat anything…”

Back at Asquith, Ren put the bike in the garage and Dominic walked down with him towards the dig site.

“I can move in with you and your large bed, right?” Ren asked.

“There’s not much hanging space in the wardrobe.”

Ren chuckled. “Come with me to get my stuff from Will’s tent.”

While Ren was packing his things, Will came in.

“What are you doing?” Will glanced from Ren to Dominic.

“Moving out.”

Will almost growled. “Would you mind if I had a private word with my brother?”

Dominic left the tent but stayed near enough to hear what was said.

“Are you out of your mind?” Will growled. “I told you I didn’t want him here and I don’t want you around him.”

It was strange how much that physically hurt, as if an iron belt had been tightened around Dominic’s chest.

“You’re not my keeper,” Ren said.

“Someone has to be when you’re not thinking straight.”

“Everything’s fine.”

“Ren, you’re stumbling from one disaster to another. Go back and stay with Mum and Dad. Organise a session with the psychologist you’re supposed to be talking to.”

“No.”

“Fuck! Where are you going to stay?”

“Dominic has a tent pitched away from here. I’m going there. You said he wasn’t welcome on the dig. Is that still the case? Because you don’t get my help either if it is.”

“I think I can manage without the pair of you.”

Dominic tensed at the harshness of Will’s voice.

“Oh for fuck’s…” Ren made an exasperate sound. “Will!” His tone had turned gentle on saying his brother’s name. “I like him. He’s fun and interesting and smart, and it feels…right.”

“Because you do such a good job of identifying what’s right.”

Dominic bit his lip.

“Please give him a chance. Christ, he’s been through enough. Don’t let him have to fight a battle that’s unnecessary.”

“But—”

“Me and you, we’ve been lucky. We have parents who love us, who’ve always wanted the best for us. They’ve supported and encouraged us all our lives. Even me and I wasn’t the easiest of kids. Dominic hasn’t had anyone looking out for him almost his entire life, not anyone who cared. Sixteen fucking years locked up, Will! His childhood gone. Can you imagine that? When we were out finding out what we were, what sex was all about, going out full of hopes and dreams and expectations, Dominic was behind bars. For my sake, give him a chance.”

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