Page 53 of Unrequited Sloth

“Then let him make the first move. Or you could force his hand.”

“How?”

“We'll go for a drink, but make it look like you’re coming back to mine.”

“What will that do?”

“You’ll know if he’s just a possessive friend, or if he sees you differently.”

“I don’t want to hurt him.”

“Wow.”

“What?”

“You’ve got it bad for him, haven’t you? How long?”

“Two years. Since I first met him.”

“When he was with your sister?”

“Yes, I know, I’m a terrible person.”

Sergio took hold of his hand. “We’ve all had that unrequited crush on the straight friend. You just kept it in the family.”

They both laughed. He glanced over at Bobby, who looked like he was about to burst a blood vessel. Gabriel wondered why and then realised Sergio was still holding his hand. Could Bobby really feel something for him other than friendship? There was only one way to find out.

CHAPTER 17

BOBBY

Bobby burst out the door of Knights Corner as the cab pulled away with Gabriel and Sergio inside it. How had this happened? Gabriel said he didn’t sleep with guys on the first date, so why were they getting a cab together? There could be no other reason than that they were going back to Sergio’s place. Or could they be going to his place? Bobby knew it was Gabriel’s flat, and he was just a lodger, but it felt like home to him. Would Gabriel take him there, and Bobby would have to listen to them fucking all night? Gabriel had said he liked to be noisy, so he’d hear everything. Did he want to be the one causing Gabriel to make those noises? He still wasn’t sure. All he knew was that he didn’t want Gabriel to be with Sergio.

Having no idea where Sergio lived, he contemplated calling Daniel to find out, but his rational brain was still online and telling him that could be a career-limiting move. Needing to speak to someone, he walked back into Knights Corner; the place was still busy. It was nine o’clock, and they closed at ten on a Saturday, but the kitchen would have stopped taking orders. He walked past the bar towards the staff area and was stopped by Langdon.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“I need to speak to Ryan.”

“Take a seat, and I’ll send him out.”

“I need to speak to him in private.”

Langdon looked at him. He had the usual brooding scowl on his face, but his eyes softened with . . . what was it? Understanding? He wasn’t sure. Langdon offered his office and took Bobby back there. He wasn’t sure what to do with himself while he waited – there was no way he could sit down, he was too restless – but he didn’t have to wait long before Ryan walked in.

“Bobby, is everything okay?”

He took one look at the concern on his big brother’s face and broke down. Before he could say anything, he was pulled into Ryan’s arms. He said nothing as he let Bobby cry it out. He wasn’t even sure why he was crying. His feelings were all jumbled up, and now Gabriel had gone off with Sergio. What if they fell in love? Where would that leave Bobby? Was he selfish to think like that when he couldn’t give Gabriel what he wanted? What he deserved?

Once the tears had stopped, Ryan pulled away and looked at him.

“Is this about Gabriel?” he asked.

“Did Martin call you?”

“No. I just took a guess. The way you’ve been speaking about him lately.”

“And you two made a bet on me.”