Page 99 of Hold On

“Then tell the truth. Say you’ve just come out of prison. My parents’ friends will either think you’re joking and laugh, or just tap the side of their nose and say “Mum’s the word” or ask you what you’re going to do now you’re out, and my grandpa will likely ask how you escaped. I doubt anyone will question why you went to prison. They’re too well-mannered. But if they do, your answer is you’re not allowed to say.”

“But I am allowed to say.”

“Except I’m telling you not to. And you do what I tell you, don’t you? Damn, you never do.”

Dominic’s lips curved in a lazy smile. “What do you tell them that you do?”

“Data analyst for the Met. I can make eyes glaze over in moments. Mention Excel spreadsheets and people run a mile.” He took hold of Dominic’s hand. “Have you thought more about what you want to do?”

“Yes, but I’m over qualified and under qualified at the same time.”

They chatted for a while about the sorts of work Dominic could do. Ren already knew it was going to be difficult for him. His criminal record was a barrier to everything they came up with. Ren changed the subject. He wanted Dominic to be upbeat and optimistic. If they stayed with each other at the party, he could step in if anyone pushed.

“What else shall I put on our list of fun things to do?” Ren circled his thumb on Dominic’s palm.

“You shouldn’t keep spending your money on me.”

It was all Ren could do not to dig his nail into Dominic’s hand. “Do you think I’d do it if I didn’t want to? I’m having fun.”

“But you never let me pay. I have some money. You even bought the train tickets today. And the coffee.”

Ren’s stomach sank. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Next time you pay then.”

“I’d like to go to an aquarium.”

“That’s a good idea. I’d like to play crazy golf.”

“Maybe visit a museum in London.”

“We could go to an amusement park, ride a rollercoaster, you can spend a fortune winning me one of those horrible soft toys that don’t resemble anything that I will then give to some poor kid who’s crying because their brother failed to win them something.”

Dominic frowned. “Did Will traumatise you?”

“Yes. I’ve never let him forget it. Just say purple fish and he’ll scowl. What else do you want to do?”

“Hmm. Stonehenge? Northumberland beaches. Jurassic coast for fossils.”

“I could teach you to fly.”

Dominic looked at him and grimaced.

“It’d be fun!”

“Why do I think you’re the sort who’d teach someone to dive by taking them to the top of the highest board and pushing them off?”

“Can you dive?”

“Oh God. Of course I can’t.”

“We’ll do it all.” Ren stared into his eyes. “And more. We’ll do it together.”

“Why…?” Dominic hesitated. “Why do you wantme?”

Ren’s heart hurt when Dominic put the emphasis onme.As though he thought he was worthless.

“Why wouldn’t I want you?”

Dominic huffed. “Do you want a list?”

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