I averted my gaze, my eyes focused on the screen. “Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.” Cameron’s voice was steady. “I’m heading out for a bit.”
I looked up. “Where?”
“I’m meeting a friend. At Balan’s.” I gave him an inquiring glance, and Cameron continued. “Raquel, from high school. She’s studying for her Masters in London. I haven’t seen her since before I moved. She’s threatening to stage an intervention if I don’t show my face soon.”
I forced a thin smile. “Good. You should. Don’t stay out too late, though.”
Cameron smirked. “Yes, Dad.”
“Again? Did you think I didn’t notice the first time you said that?”
Another smirk. “Oh, I got that you noticed. I just wanted to say it again, you know, to get the message home.”
“Then at the risk of sounding like a parent… Be careful.” I tried to match the tone, but it fell flat.
“I will.” Cameron grabbed his jacket, and then there was the softclickof the door behind him.
The flat fell silent again. Empty.
I leaned back in my chair. I told myself it was better this way—distance, breathing room—but all I could see was Cameron’s mouth parted in surprise when I’d saidwait.
I shut the laptop, pressed my palms against my eyes, and whispered, “Get a grip, Sinclair.”
Cameron
It wasn’t my first visit to Balan’s—Ben had dragged me there once during Pride—and it was exactly as I remembered, warm light, chatter, and music just loud enough to blur the edges of thought. Raquel was already at a table in the back, waving like she owned the place.
She looked me up and down as I sat. “You have the appearance of someone who hasn’t slept in a week.”
I huffed. “That sounds about right.”
“Flatmate trouble?”
“Something like that.”
She flagged down a waiter. “We’ll need two pornstar martinis. And maybe a miracle.”
The waiter smirked. “The drinks I can do. Not sure about the miracle.” He sauntered off to the bar.
I laughed despite myself. “Still subtle as ever.”
“I’m not here for subtlety,” she said. “Okay, you called me, so spill.”
I traced a finger over the cardboard coaster. “It’s… complicated.”
Raquel snorted. “That’s a synonym for hot and stupid.”
“Probably both.” I hesitated. “It’s about Theo.”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course it is. The hunk you used to draw instead of doing your homework. The guy you’re living with. And?”
“And… I kissed him.”
Raquel’s smile turned knowing. “Finally.” She clammed up when the waiter returned with their glasses and two shots of prosecco.
“It wasn’t planned.”