Page 26 of Unrequited Sloth

“Me and Bobby.”

“Gabriel, please tell me you didn’t . . .”

“No, nothing like that. Look, this has to stay between us. It’s not that I don’t trust Jason, but the fewer people who know the better.”

“Of course. I won’t say a word.”

“My sister’s been cheating on Bobby with his best friend, Dillon.”

“What the fuck?”

“I know. It’s a big mess. And I think most of his friends knew about it as well. I know for a fact some of them do.”

“How?”

“I overheard them talking about it in the pool.”

“And you’re the one who told Bobby?”

“No, Dillon was shouting his mouth off at me, and Bobby overheard.”

Gabriel felt his face heating at the memory. Dillon had also called Gabriel out on how he felt about Bobby. Had he overheard that part as well? He hadn’t said anything, so hopefully not. If Bobby knew how Gabriel felt about him, he’d never be able to look the man in the eyes again.

“What’s got you all flushed?” asked Dexter.

“I don’t get flushed.”

“I’ve known you a long time, Gabriel. You might not go red like this ginger does,” he said, pointing to himself. “But I can tell when you’re all hot and bothered.”

“Dillon knows how I feel about Gabriel. What if he’s told my sister?”

“Anyone with eyes can see you’re into Bobby. It doesn’t mean you’re going to act on it, does it?”

“Of course not, he’s with my sister.”

“Not anymore, from the sound of it. Does that change things?”

“Bobby’s straight.”

“I know better than most that sexuality isn’t that simple.”

Dexter was pansexual, and Gabriel had seen his friend in relationships with many people over the years, but none had made him as happy as he was with their former boss, Simon. They might all have disliked him intensely when they first met him, but he was good for Dexter. He treated him like an equal, but also took charge when needed. Given Dexter’s history, he’d needed to grow up quickly and be an adult long before he was supposed to. It was good for Dexter to have someone who looked out for him.

“Even if that were a possibility, he wouldn’t be interested in someone like me,” said Gabriel.

“Why not?”

“The man is a Greek god.”

“You’re hot, Gabriel.”

He flushed at the compliment, but that was what friends were supposed to say. He took a sip of his coffee. They’d met out of the way of the office, so no one they knew would see them. Knights Corner had not been an option, especially as Langdon seemed to be Jason’s personal spy.

“This is a pointless conversation,” said Gabriel.

“Why did you want to speak to me?”

“I don’t want to lose Bobby as a friend, but how can I do that to my sister? I don’t agree with what she did, but I can’t turn my back on her.”