Page 49 of Survival Game

Kyle blinked. “Who tried what this morning? Who the fuck is she?”

The way Eric’s arms folded across his chest told Kyle he wasn’t happy about spilling the beans.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he said. “It’s my business.”

Kyle had heard enough. “For fuck’s sake. You just answered your own question about being boyfriends. If you’re not ready to talk to me about whatever bug you have up your arse, I don’t think that’s a term we can call ourselves.” His chest ached and his heart was bleeding but he had to say it. “I think the word fuckbuddies is more what you have in mind. And that’s not something I want to be for you.”

Eric remained silent and shut off. He folded his arms across his chest and looked down at the floor.

“The fact you aren’t denying it makes me think it’s the truth.” The lump in Kyle’s throat made the words hard. His eyes prickled but he was damned if he was going to cry. “Look, maybe we need to be alone tonight. You have issues. I have issues. Maybe this isn’t a good idea right now.” Say something. Tell me I’m wrong and this is as serious for you as it is for me.

Eric remained tight lipped. Kyle closed his eyes briefly then opened them to see Eric staring at him. His stormy gaze showed both pain and guilt but his face was unreadable.

Kyle reached for his phone. “I think maybe you should go home. I’ll call you a taxi then we can see how things are tomorrow when we’re both not so hyped up.”

Eric stood up and pushed Kyle’s hand away from the mobile. “That’s not necessary,” he said. “I’ll find my own way home. Perhaps you’re right. We need to think about things for a while. Alone.”

Before Kyle could say anything, Eric had picked up his jacket and was out the door. It swung shut behind him and all Kyle could do was stand there and wonder how everything had suddenly turned to shit.

“And now—it’s karaoke time!”

The audience in Club Delish roared in delight, anticipating the entertainment that was to come. Seated at the table in front of the stage, Kyle laughed out loud at how those words must have stricken fear and fury into Ryan. He knew how his boss felt about the dreaded curse of patrons butchering his favourite songs.

The fund-raising benefit had taken some organising; the little surprise they’d all planned for Ryan’s unofficial welcome-back party had been hard to keep secret. Between himself, Luce, Mango and Lenny, though, they’d managed.

And now the object of that surprise, young teen singer and Goth sensation Callum Webster was pouring his heart out on stage. Kyle was sure when Ryan realised exactly who they’d convinced to karaoke at his club, all would be forgiven. His boss had an unholy crush on the singer. Luckily Kyle had an in with Callum from his days in Vegas and he’d been happy to oblige with a favour.

Kyle took another sip of his drink and looked around the room. He stared at the name badge on the table next to his, and wondered if Eric was still coming tonight. Since their argument a week ago, he hadn’t heard a word from him.

He reflected drolly that it was just as well Eric had been out of the picture, as Kyle had had more time to devote to the event tonight. He was still hurt by the fact Eric hadn’t even tried to get in touch.

And since Kyle had been left with plenty of time on his hands, he made sure his flat was sparkling and tidy. He tended to clean when he got upset.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Brook Hunter leaned across the table, his smile dazzling. Lenny’s boyfriend, with his dark, debonair good looks, was a delicious specimen of man who wore a suit like a fashion model.

Kyle forced a grin. “Just thinking about Ryan’s reaction when he heard the word ‘karaoke.’ I bet he threw a hissy fit the likes of which even Mango hasn’t seen before.”

Brook’s hearty laugh rang out around the room. On stage, Laverne glanced their way and blew Brook a kiss.

“The lady is looking mighty fine tonight.” Kyle waved a hand at Laverne. “She certainly knows how to put on a show.”

“You know it,” Brook said fondly as he regarded his partner. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way for either of them.”

“Evening.”

Kyle’s heart leapt at the familiar voice.

“Am I still welcome at the table?”

Kyle looked up. Eric looked splendid in a pair of dark blue smoothies and a pale blue shirt teamed with a trendy open waistcoat in differing shades of blue and grey. His auburn hair curled around his ears and Kyle noticed it had grown a little.

He shrugged. “Sure, feel free. It says your name right there.” He felt a little better when Eric rolled his eyes at his sass as he sat down.

Brook nodded at him. “Hi Eric—you’re looking good. How’s things at work?”

Kyle tried not to listen to their conversation, affecting an air of disdain he didn’t feel. He watched the show but kept his ears pricked for mentions of him or signs that Eric was missing him. They didn’t come.

Why doesn’t Eric look more upset that he hasn’t seen me for a week? Why doesn’t he talk to me, or apologise? Well, two can play that game.