Page 11 of Unrequited Sloth

“Oh, look who’s graced us with his presence,” said Dillon. “We feel so honoured you can leave your luxury seat to slum it with us peasants.”

The others laughed, as they always did at Dillon’s antics. Bobby would have laughed as well if it had been a joke, but there was no mistaking his tone.

“I don’t have long since I need to order my freshly cooked steak,” he smiled.

He could be a bitch too if he wanted to be.

“Has gay boy tried anything yet?”

“What the fuck did you say?” His voice was louder than intended. There was no way Dillon had just said that.

“Relax. It was just a joke. I know you don’t swing that way.”

More laughter from his sidekicks. It was only because they’d known each other since uni that they were here. They were more Dillon’s friends these days. Bobby never saw them unless Dillon was there, and his friend had got pissy when they weren’t on the original invite list.

“Why are you calling him names?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You said gay boy. That’s what I’m talking about.”

“Mate, you need to clean your ears out. I said Gabriel. You know, his name.”

Bobby flushed with embarrassment. Had he really misheard? He must have. Dillon had never given Bobby reason to think he was homophobic. He’d always gotten on well with his brothers, and two guys on their rugby team were gay. he’d never been funny in the locker room either. Bobby was about to apologise and then remembered the rest of what Dillon had said.

“Alright, I may have misheard that part, but what did you mean by tried anything yet?”

Dillon rolled his eyes and scoffed.

“What’s that for?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

They had a bit of an audience because of his earlier outburst. He didn’t want to cause a scene, but he wouldn’t have anybody speaking poorly of Gabriel. Bobby felt protective of him. Even though he was five years older than Bobby, it was the same as he was with his brothers, and Gabriel would be his brother soon as well.

“It’s obvious he’s into you, and then he arranges a little upgrade for you so he can get you all alone.”

“What are you talking about?”

The other guys were laughing again, so Bobby glared at them.

“He’s into you. How can you not see that?” said Dillon.

“I’m marrying his sister.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s not true. If you take a nap on the plane, I’d keep one eye open.”

“What the fuck, Dillon? Where’s all this coming from? You know my brothers are gay as well, don’t you?”

“What’s that got to do with anything?”

“Any more homophobic comments and I’ll be looking for a new best man.”

Dillon’s jaw dropped. “I’m not homophobic. I just don’t trust the guy. He clings to you and acts like he’s above the rest of us just because he owns his own flat. I’m just saying you should watch your back.”

“Dillon!” he growled.

“That’s not what I mean. Why did he even come? It’s not like he’s going to have a good time in the strip clubs.”

“The what?”