course not.”
I don’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. I mean, it’s not like I could have agreed to move anyway; my whole life is here in Finchley—my friends, my family, my business. But it would have been nice to be asked…
“I meant,” Jesse continues, skating over the brief moment of awkwardness, “could you come back with me for a day or two? I have a funeral to go to on Monday and it’d really help if you’re there.”
I don’t even hesitate with my answer. “Yeah, of course. I can be there.” With Slater away on his honeymoon next week, it’s probably not the best time for me to jet off to New York, but I don’t really care right now. Jesse needs me, so I’ll make it work.
21
From the private Facebook group ‘Finchley Locals Community Hangout’
* * *
Post by Lawson Hale: Holy shit! Look what just popped up on my IG feed! *Laugh emoji* *laugh emoji*
Tansie Goode reply to Lawson Hale’s post: *eye roll emoji* We get it Lawson. You love Real Vegas Weddings!
Lawson Hale reply to Tansie Goode’s comment: Did you actually LOOK at the link?
Tansie Goode reply to Lawson Hale’s comment: No…
Axel Goode reply to Lawson’s Hale’s post: Haha look at those idiots falling out of the gondola! *Laugh emoji* Thanks man, I needed that this morning. Head is POUNDING. I think someone was tampering with my drinks last night
Delia Goode reply to Axel Goode’s comment: I think that someone was you *eye roll emoji*
Lawson Hale reply to Lawson Hale’s post: IS NOBODY ACTUALLY LOOKING PROPERLY AT THE VIDEO???? CAN YOU NOT SEE WHO’S IN IT???
Harriett Goode reply to Lawson Hale’s comment: Oww…is shouting really necessary? It hurts my brain!
Eloise Goode reply to Lawson Hale’s post: OMG! My baby is one of those idiots in that video!
Missy Clarke reply to Eloise Goode’s comment: When did you have another baby?
Lawson Hale reply to Missy Clarke’s comment: I think she means Web. Who can be a baby if you try to touch his hair.
Tansie Goode reply to Lawson Hale’s comment: Doesn’t look like he has a problem with Jesse touching his hair *wink emoji*
George Goode reply to Lawson Hale’s post: Web and Jesse sittin’ in a canal K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Delia Goode reply to George Goode’s comment: Doesn’t really have the same ring to it bro
George Goode reply to Delia Goode: Don’t tell me what I already know!
* * *
Jesse
* * *
Waking wrapped up in Web’s arms feels just as perfect as it did this time last week. Except that this time I’m actually allowing myself to admit how good it feels.
Sensing he’s awake by the way one of his fingers is tracing lazy circles over my hip, I shift onto my other side so I can face him, meeting sleepy eyes and a soft smile.
“Morning,” he murmurs.
I return the smile, leaning in to brush my lips over his. “Morning.”
“What time is your flight back to New York?” he asks.
“Not ’til tonight.” I reach out to stroke my hand through his hair, offering a bright grin. “And you’re going to be on it, remember?”
He lets out a soft breath of laughter. “Yeah, I remember. I’ve got to say, you seem pretty upbeat considering you’ve invited me to a funeral.”
“The funeral’s going to suck, but I’m just so glad you’re going to be there.” It’s not lost on me that the last time I had to go to a funeral my boyfriend at the time was far too busy to fly all the way across the country to be there to support me. Just one of the countless ways Web is so different to David.
I wrap my arms around him and draw him in for a long, languid kiss. I’d be more than happy to stay like this all day, but evidently life has other plans…
“OH MY GOD! IT’S TRUE!” Zack cries, barging through the bedroom door.
“Argh! What the fuck?” I scramble to drag the sheets up so our naked bodies are shielded from view.
“Don’t ‘What the fuck?’ me!” Zack says, hands fixed firmly on his hips. “What the fuck you?”
“What the hell’s going—oh my god!” Slater exclaims, having just rushed into the room, no doubt worried for his husband, who sounds like he’s about to have a conniption.
“Did you find them yet?” what sounds like Axel’s voice calls from the hallway.
“Yes. They’re in here and they’re naked!” Zack cries back, glaring at me as though I’ve done some terrible wrong.
“Aww, I don’t want to see them naked,” Axel groans.
“I do!