chose was completely inappropriate. Kirk had been imagining a burger joint, or an Italian spot at best. Instead, Gregory had booked them a table at the very expensive, extremely fancy, and endlessly romantic Ivy.
“I’m so glad you came.” Gregory had decided to dress in a colorful suit that was just so his style. When Kirk had arrived, he’d been pulled into a warm, little too-long hug and even given a kiss on the cheek. “Oh my! You do look scrumptious, don’t you?”
“Hey, Gregory. Thanks.” The moment that Kirk had seen Gregory waiting for him, he had known he’d made a huge mistake. Gregory didn’t want to have a casual dinner. Gregory didn’t want to just talk. Gregory was trying to get him back!
“So. What looks good here? Apart from you, obviously.” Gregory winked over his menu and licked his fat lips as he started to read down the selection. “Kidding, Kirk. Just kidding. Now come, come. What are you feeling? I’m staaaarving”
Kirk suppressed a shudder and then glued his eyes to the menu. Guilt began to take hold of him. And pity. And remorse. What the heck was he doing here?! And what was more, how was he going to get out of it?
The only way that Kirk was able to stomach sitting across from Gregory was by telling himself that his motive for being here was non-Lance related. Technically, Gregory still owed Kirk a lot of money from the apartment he had sold... a lot of money. When Kirk had started getting cold feet earlier in the day, he reminded himself that he could at least try and squeeze that out of Gregory tonight. He was a new man after all.
“Before we go any further.” Kirk put the menu down in front of him and looked to Gregory to do the same. It took a moment, but when Gregory saw Kirk looking at him expectantly, he too put down his menu. “I wanted to talk to you about the money you owe me.”
“Oh, that.” Gregory rolled his eyes and waved Kirk away. “Kirky, is that all you can think about?”
“No, it’s not all I can think about. But the fact remains—”
“You’ll get your money – gee, you’ve always been as tight as a nun’s behind, haven’t you. One of the many things I find so cute.”
Kirk’s nostrils flared, but he kept his temper in check. “It’s not about that.”
“What’s it about then, hhhmm?” Gregory blinked his eyes furiously and smiled a repulsive smile. “Pray, do tell.”
“It’s about – Lance!” Kirk blurted before he could stop himself.
“Lance? Ah, the mystery hunk’s name. I was wondering when we were going to get to that.” Gregory’s eyes lit up with intrigue.
“No, not – well, yes that is. But I meant – it's Lance!” Kirk pointed across the restaurant to where Lance had just walked in. Dressed casually, almost like he had just rolled out of bed, Lance took one look around the small restaurant floor, spotted Kirk and Gregory, and made for them like a bull at a matador.
“He’s cute,” Gregory gushed. “What’s he doing here? You know I’m not into threesomes, Kirky.”
“I don’t... I don’t...” Kirk was lost for words. What was Lance doing here? How had he even known where he was? Not that any of it really mattered. He was here now and the look on his face, pure rage, anger and betrayal, was indication enough of Lance's intent.
Chapter Fourteen
The fact that Lance was in a sports bar, drinking beer with Carlo, spoke to how depressed he was. The fact that he had picked up the phone at all, after seeing that it was Carlo calling, was all the indication that anyone should have needed. Never, ever, ever in a million years would Lance have guessed that this was where he’d be spending his night. Ever!
Carlo on the other hand, could not have looked happier. They sat at the bar, facing the largest TV screen in the joint; currently playing a Test match cricket game. Carlo had one arm draped over Lance’s shoulder, the other nursing a beer as he cheered on the game.
“I cannot believe I finally got you out of the house,” Carlo shouted into Lance’s ear. The bar wasn’t even that empty, but Carlo was well and truly drunk so he didn’t seem to notice. “How many times have I tried before!”
“A dozen. I don’t know,” Lance shrugged and took a swing of his beer. The fact he was drinking beer was another sign of his