Learning to Love: Evan & Daniel (excerpt)

Evan took a deep breath.

“Do you want to go for a moonlit walk in the grounds?” he asked.

Surprised, Daniel smiled. “Yeah, that would be nice.” Evan stood, holding out his hand. Daniel stared at his outstretched hand, hesitating just for a moment, and then took it, rising from his seat. Evan smiled as he led Daniel through the French doors that led into the gardens.

The night was warm and Evan had spoken correctly: the moon was full, bathing the gardens in a bluish hue. They strolled slowly along the paths that ran alongside the flowerbeds, and Daniel detected the heady fragrance of jasmine in the air, inhaling it deeply. Eventually they reached a walled garden, and Evan pointed towards a carved wooden bench set back against the garden wall, surrounded by shrubs, which included jasmine.

“Fancy sitting there for a while?” he asked. Daniel nodded, smiling.  The two men sat, stretching out their long legs, enjoying the scents carried on the warm night air. For a while they sat in silence, both content to simply enjoy the garden.  Evan took hold of Daniel’s hand, placing it on his thigh, stroking it gently.

“Daniel, I know that we’ve not really had a lot of time together, since we first met,” he said quietly. “But I’d like to know where things stand before we start the next term.” Daniel turned to face him, eyes studying his face carefully. Evan continued. “I know I want to continue this relationship, and I’m happy to take things slowly, if that’s what you want.”

Daniel inhaled slowly. “I-I want to get to know you better,” he said at last. “I want us to be really good friends before we consider doing... anything else.” He paused. “Is that okay?” He appeared to be awaiting Evan’s reply with some degree of anxiety, and Evan hastened to reassure him.

“That’s fine,” said Evan, smiling as he caught Daniel’s quiet sigh of relief. “There is one thing, though: I really like kissing you, and I intend to carry on kissing you, if you don’t mind. Do you have a problem with that?” Daniel shook his head. “Would you be alright with the idea of going out on dates with me?” Evan wasn’t sure if Daniel was completely at home with letting his fellow students know that he was gay: that episode in the Rainbow room had been an eye-opener, as it had been the first occasion that Daniel had kissed him in public.

Daniel smiled shyly. “I’d love to go out on a date with you.” Evan’s heart leapt in his chest. “I’m glad that you’re happy to take things slowly. I don’t have that much experience, and if I’m being completely honest, I’m in no rush to change that situation any time very soon–do you think you’d be happy with a relationship on those terms?” He looked earnestly into Evan’s eyes, and once more Evan caught the briefest glimmer of anxiety in his expression. 

“I have no problem at all with those terms,” Evan said quickly, “and to be honest, your inexperience is a refreshing change. Just think of it as a journey that we’re embarking on together: we’re going to learn a lot about each other, and you’re going to discover so much, honey– and I’ll be right there by your side, helping you to enjoy each and every new experience.” He took another deep breath, before raising his hand to stroke Daniel’s cheek softly. “One thing, though: can I kiss you now…properly?”

Daniel’s breath caught in his throat and then he relaxed. “Yes, please,” he whispered.

Evan brought his lips to Daniel’s, brushing them softly, enjoying the warm, silky feel of Daniel’s lips. He inhaled, drawing in Daniel’s sweet breath, and sealed his mouth to Daniel’s, the kiss firm and insistent. Daniel made a guttural sound in his throat as he opened for Evan, parting his lips in invitation, and Evan slowly slid his tongue inside, plundering his mouth, his breath teasing Daniel’s lips as Evan swept his tongue over his.

Daniel moaned softly, his senses overcome by the sweet, heady perfume of jasmine that pressed in around him, Evan’s tongue sliding against his in an erotic dance, and the feel of Evan’s hand softly stroking his thigh, his touch light and sensual.  Evan’s hand curled in the long hair at his nape, pulling his head towards him as that agile tongue stroked more deeply into his mouth, As his other hand slowly moved higher on his thigh, however, Daniel’s heart began to beat faster as panic began to set in, and he tensed up, pulling away slightly. He knew his fear was irrational and that Evan wouldn’t push it any further: he was unable to stop his body’s reaction, though, and couldn’t overcome the illogical desire to distance himself from Evan, his heart now thumping wildly behind his ribs.

Evan recognized the signs of distress and pulled back immediately, breaking the kiss, his hands moving to stroke Daniel’s arms with slow, careful movements. Gentle, soothing sounds passed his lips as he moved slightly away from Daniel. He was distraught to see Daniel’s reaction, and for the first time, it occurred to Evan that there was something more here than merely a virgin’s fear: he tried to brush the thought aside, however–surely if there was something else, Daniel would tell him. Still not completely certain of what was happening inside Daniel’s head to cause such a physical reaction, Evan made a decision: he would let Daniel dictate the pace of their developing physical relationship, and would not push him. Evan was distinctly unhappy to have caused Daniel even a moment’s discomfort, and this feeling doubled when he saw Daniel’s eyes become bright with tears that threatened to fall imminently.

“Honey, it’s okay,” he whispered softly. Daniel’s reply, although spoken so quietly that Evan had to strain to catch it, caused Evan’s heart to plummet, and to wonder anew about his boyfriend.

“I’m just so fucked up,” Daniel whispered bitterly. Evan caught his breath: that earlier fear was suddenly like a knot in his throat that he couldn’t swallow. He sought quickly for the right words to reassure Daniel.

“Daniel–whatever is making you feel like this, I don’t know, but... you’re not ‘fucked up’, all right? I’m sorry: I shouldn’t have pushed....”  Daniel let out a quiet sob, and Evan groaned as the sound tugged at his heart. “Please, love, don’t cry, please.... ” His words trailed off as Daniel suddenly stood up, angrily wiping away his tears with his hand.

“Evan, it’s... it’s not you, okay? I’m the one with the problem here. I thought I could manage it, but obviously I was wrong.” 

Evan was distraught, not knowing what to think of these words. “Do you... are you sure you....”  He was completely at a loss for words. Come on, Daniel… talk to me….Give me something to go on, here…

Daniel took several deep, steadying breaths, which apparently calmed him enough to continue. He stood very still, his eyes lowered, hands by his sides, his fists clenching and unclenching.

“Evan, I do want a relationship with you,” he said, firmly. “I-I can’t tell you right now what’s going on, but I promise, one day I will, okay? Just... please, please don’t give up on me, on us, not yet.” His eyes pleaded with Evan as much as his words did, and Evan leapt to his feet, wrapping his arms around Daniel’s slight form, hugging him tightly, desperate to provide Daniel with some comfort. Daniel seemed to accept the hug as it was meant: reassurance from a friend, for a friend.

“Let me walk you up to your room,” Evan said softly. “It’s getting late anyway.”  Daniel nodded his agreement, and Evan took hold of his hand, leading him through the gardens back to the bar. They slowly climbed the stairs and arrived at Daniel’s room, which was a few doors down the hall from Evan’s. Daniel paused at the doorway, looking down to where Evan’s hand still held his, his expression conflicted. At last he took a deep breath.

“Come in for a second,” he said, his eyes now meeting Evan’s. Evan nodded, and Daniel opened the door, stepping aside to let Evan enter first.

Evan looked around the room, and then seated himself on the armchair next to the bed. Daniel went to the complimentary tray, searching amongst the sachets of drinks, and suddenly pulled out two fat sachets.

“Hot chocolate?” he asked Evan.

Grateful for the return to normalcy, Evan grinned. “Put the kettle on,” he said, “and then see if they’ve left any biscuits, too.” Daniel held up two packets of biscuits, throwing them to Evan, who caught them deftly. “Perfect!” Daniel prepared the hot drinks and brought them to the bed, handing one to Evan and after putting his own on the bedside table, seated himself on the bed. Evan nursed the mug in his hands, before speaking.

“I don’t know what your plans are,” he began, “but I’m going to go back to Manchester tomorrow. Mary has said we could spend another night here, but I’m not sure. I don’t want to outstay my welcome at Mary’s, and besides, Sean and Michael will be getting ready to go on honeymoon on Monday. I’ll stay in the house in Manchester now for the rest of the holiday. The newlyweds are going to go there once they get back from Paris.”

Daniel looked thoughtful. “Need a lift?” he asked, looking Evan in the eye, his face calm once more. “I mean, I know you came here by train, but I was planning on going to Manchester as well: I’ve got the car, you could travel back with me.” He paused, his expression almost shy. “What do you think?”

Evan smiled, relieved. “I really like that idea, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

Daniel returned his smile. “Not in the least: besides, it will give us some time on our own to get to know each other a bit better.” He leaned across and took Evan’s mug from him, and after placing it next to his own, he took hold of Evan’s hands, looking down at them. “I meant what I said before. I’m serious about wanting a relationship with you–but please, please be patient with me, for a while at least.” His voice faltered slightly.

Evan let go with one hand, to lift Daniel’s chin with a single slim finger, forcing him to look directly at Evan.

“Honey, we’ve got time–lots of time.” 

At last! The blurb for Learning to Love Book 1!

Learning to Love: Michael & Sean comes out next month, and the blurb is finally written! So, a taste of what's coming.....

Sean and Michael are best friends from the minute they meet and become roommates. But after supporting Sean in the wake of his brother's death, Michael finds himself questioning his sexuality and thinking about his roommate in a totally unexpected light. After all, he and Sean are straight - or so he thought. Suddenly Michael's not so sure any more. He turns to their gay housemate, Evan, for advice. Little does he know he's not the only one seeking Evan's help.

Michael and Sean are both thrilled to explore their newly discovered feelings for each other, but not everyone shares their enthusiasm. When the reality of homophobia intrudes on their academic and personal lives and threatens their happiness, the adversity should draw them closer. Instead, it drives a dangerous wedge between them and puts their relationship, their futures, and their health at risk.

An Interview with Daniel Kaine

 KC:          Today, I'm joined by Daniel Kaine, author of Dawn of Darkness and Origin of Darkness...

Daniel:      and Naruto fanfic... you can't forget that bit J

KC:           How could I forget? So Daniel, are you pleased with the second book's reception so far?

Daniel:     There's been a bit of a mixed reaction so far. Mostly positive, though.

 KC:          Good to hear! So, what are you currently working on?

Daniel:      What am I working on? Or what am I supposed to be working on instead of playing video games? XD

 KC:           Well, I figured the games would feature in there somewhere.... Let's be more specific... What are you writing????

Daniel:      Currently I'm working on a crime story that I've had in mind for a couple of years now. 'Slasherazzi' is about a bisexual homicide detective, his journalist boyfriend, and the serial killer they're both working to unmask.

 KC:          Ooooo, are we talking sexy serial killer here?

Daniel:       He's very sexy, but I wouldn't recommend taking him to bed. His idea of a good time involves creating new orifices for you.

 KC:          Yuck! I think I've heard enough!!! Lol. Is it going well?

Daniel:      Well, like all my writing, it's going slow. Having to work a full-time day job doesn't help. And then there's all the other stories I want to write constantly poking my brain for attention. Plus, I need to get my panda monk to level 90 as well!

 KC:          LOL. What else is going on in the world of Daniel Kaine?

Daniel:      I've got GRL coming up. Gonna be fun heading over to the states to meet so many fantastic people that I've talked to online. Not looking forward to the 20hours of travelling time each way though.

 KC:          You HAD to mention GRL, didn't you? Rub it in... not all of us can go this year, y'know!!!  It's going to be worth it, though, isn't it?

Daniel:      Definitely. I'm looking forward to lots of things. Patti and her husband are going to be taking me for a double down from KFC, the burger that has no buns, just meat. Speaking of buns, I'll be getting a nice thick slab of meat in mine at some point during the trip too. 

 KC:         And as I know EXACTLY where that nice thick slab is coming from... I think we'll skip that part! So, apart from GRL, what's the latest news?

Daniel:      You're not going to give up on this, are you? Okay. I just found out my Mom has a form of lung cancer. I don't know all the details yet, but from what I can figure out, it's bronchial cancer.

 KC:         So, knowing you, you're thinking positively about this, aren't you?

Daniel:      Trying to. I mean, we don't know what stage it's at yet, so it could have been caught early. There might not be anything to worry about. Still, there's always that possibility...

 KC:         And I'm sure there are lots of people out there who will join with me in saying we all hope for the best....Do you have any last message for all the friends and fans out there who are reading this? And Daniel.... keep it clean! (Who am I kidding???)

Daniel:      Live, because you never know when your story's going to end. And to make things more interesting, carry a flogger with you J

 KC:          And on THAT note *shakes head at Daniel*, I think we'll leave it. Thanks, Daniel. It's been great chatting with you.

Daniel:      No problem, it was fun. Now, spank me  *grins*

 KC:          Sigh.....

I feel like dancing...

There's a HUGE smile on my face this morning - Dreamspinner press just sent me a contract for Learning to Love: Evan and Daniel, with a view to releasing it in Feb / March.
Want to dance now.....

Getting closer....

Well, I've finally sent off information for the cover designers, so that's being done as you read... So excited!
November is getting closer, so I decided to give you a taste of what's coming. Not been through edits yet, so it might not end up exactly as it is here, but here's the first chapter of Learning to Love: Michael & Sean.

Chapter One

“Do you need some help?”

Michael stopped in the middle of trying to haul two suitcases, several boxes and a guitar up the front steps of his new student accommodation and looked at the speaker. At the ornate front door of the Victorian house stood a slim young man with long, wild, chestnut brown curls and clear green eyes, a polite smile on his face. Michael took a deep breath, glanced around him at the chaos and opted for a Gene Wilder line from one of his favourite films, Blazing Saddles.

“Oh... all I can get!” The young man’s smile suddenly became more genuine and his eyes sparkled with amusement.

“Hey, not a Mel Brooks fan, are we?”

Now, what were the odds on that happening, Michael thought. “Too right!” He replied, smiling back. “Some help would really be appreciated, although you might regret asking when you find out where my room is!”

The young man smiled again. “Too late – as you’re the last of us to arrive, you must be Michael, and in which case, you’re at the top of the house and you’re sharing with me! Drew the short straw, huh?”

Ah, so this was his new roommate, Sean. They were the only two students in the large house to be sharing – the other three had their own rooms. Fortunately, having visited the house a few weeks ago and seen his bedroom, Michael knew that there was plenty of room: in fact, its design meant that he and the other occupant had a short wall separating them, so there would be some privacy, at least.

“Yep, seems like it,” Michael said, smiling again to show that he was joking. Sean came down the steps and lifted up one large packing box. He grunted at the weight of it.

“God, Michael, what have you got in here? It weighs a ton!”
            A guilty look stole over Michael’s face. “Books – lots of them!” His book collection was the despair of his mother, who hit the roof every time he came home with yet more books, claiming that at this rate, she would make him go to IKEA to buy the next set of bookcases.

Sean’s eyes narrowed, and he affected a Deep South accent. “Looks like we got ourselves a reader!”

Now this was getting freaky, Michael thought. It was a line from his comedy hero, the late Bill Hicks.

“You a Bill Hicks fan, too?”

Sean’s smile notched up even higher. “Oh, man, you and I are really going to get along!”

******

That was it, Michael had had enough! Somehow, he’d managed to find space for all his stuff, and now he was hot and sweating profusely. Although it was late September, it was a really warm day, and it had taken him and Sean a while to lug everything up the two flights of stairs, both of them struggling with the narrower staircase that led up to the attic room which they shared. It was really a U-shaped room, with Michael’s half nearest the door, and Sean’s half behind the purpose built partition wall. Fortunately, the beds were large, and there was even room for a small couch. The huge Velux windows were a bonus, offering expansive views of the blue sky above. Storage wasn’t that plentiful, however, and Michael had already made a mental note to go to some junk shops and see if he could pick up another set of drawers.

Sean paused at the doorway, leaning against the frame. “You about finished?”

Michael looked up from his final attempt at sorting stuff. “Yeah, why?”  

            “Well, the others thought that it might be a good idea for all of us to go out for a drink together tonight in Manchester...you know, get to know each other a bit? What do you think?”

            Michael grinned. “Oh, count me in!” He had met Julia, Evan and Adam briefly earlier, but they hadn’t had much of a chat. “How are we getting there?” He didn’t really want to take his battered VW Beetle into the centre of Manchester on a Saturday night. He was actually relieved that it had made it from the outskirts of Oxford to the suburbs of Manchester without breaking down.

            “Julia suggested that we take the bus in, and maybe club together for a taxi back...or the late bus, depending on how late it gets!”  Then Sean grinned. “Although we might have a few arguments about where exactly to have a drink!”

            “Why?”  replied Michael. “There must be loads of bars and pubs in the city centre to choose from!”

            “Yeah, but then Evan said he wanted to go to Canal Street!” The blank look on Michael’s face must have given him away, because Sean continued, patiently, “Canal Street is in the Gay Village.”

            “The what?”

            “The Gay Village! Did you never see Queer as Folk? Not the US version, the British original!” Michael’s expression was still blank. “Queer as Folk was about these gay blokes in Manchester – it was directed by Russell T Davies, you know, the guy who did Dr Who!  The Gay Village is this bit in the city centre, full of gay bars and clubs.”

            “Is us going there going to present a problem, then?” Michael asked. It wouldn’t bother him if they went to a gay bar, as he wasn’t in the least bit homophobic – his mother had raised all her three children to accept everyone, regardless of race, colour or sexual orientation.

            Sean grimaced. “For me, no, I couldn’t care less. Not gay myself, and gay bars are something of a rarity where I come from, but apparently for Adam, yes. And I quote, ‘you won’t find me going into a bar full of homos! And I’m NOT walking down Canal Street – someone might see me who knows me!’ ” Well, that gave Michael a bit more information about the occupant of Room 1, and he wasn’t that thrilled about it. He was all for a pleasant, stress-free existence, and there was no room in his life for bigotry and those who spouted it.

            “Well, I don’t care where we go, as long as I have time to take a shower first, because believe me, I need one after all this effort!” said Michael. Sean smiled cheekily.

            “Oh, is that where the smell is coming from?” He was rewarded with a well-aimed towel thrown at his shoulder, which he was unable to avoid. “Careful – you could take out someone’s eye with the corner of a towel, you know!”  Both young men were laughing now. “We’ll meet in the hall at seven – that sound OK for you?”  Michael nodded. “Great – I’ll tell the others. Although Evan will be disappointed!”

            Michael laughed. Even for a very brief introduction, it had been obvious that Evan was gay, and had no qualms about everyone knowing it. To be honest, Michael was looking forward to getting to know his housemates. Usually first year students were given accommodation in a hall of residence, but he had opted for a shared house, preferring the privacy that wouldn’t be possible in a block of student flats. Of course, it was a gamble – they all had to get with one another for a year, but he was easygoing enough to feel that he could get on with anyone – even Adam.

Could they have found a noisier bar? Sean looked around at the five of them huddled around a corner table in the pub Moon on the Water, which was heaving with students that night. They had been there for an hour, and Sean already had a good take on the differing personalities of his housemates.

Julia was the quietest of them all, a slight, pretty, pale girl with long black hair and blue eyes. She didn’t seem bothered to be the only girl, and had already shown herself to be quick-witted and amusing when she did choose to speak. She was studying Maths, which always went right over Sean’s head anyway, so she obviously had a good brain, he concluded.  Adam, on the other hand, was tall, muscular and laughed loudly, sometimes too loudly, at every remotely funny utterance, although notably whenever Evan spoke, the laughter was conspicuously absent, accompanied by a narrowing of his lips. Oh dear, the end of the first day and Sean could already see problems arising there. Evan was a real scream, though, and Sean liked him immediately, as it was obvious from the start that Evan was a very genuine person. If Sean had to describe him, he supposed that the first word out of his mouth might be ‘pretty’; a slim young man with short blond hair which swept onto his face, framing blue eyes that always seemed to hold amusement.

Michael was good-looking, Sean supposed, with black curls which were a lot shorter than his own, and hazel eyes.  As first impressions went, Sean was optimistic. Michael gave off some solid, steady vibes, as far as he was concerned, and upon glancing through the extensive DVD collection which Michael had brought from home – another really heavy box! – Sean realised that they had very similar tastes, which boded well. Truth be told, when Michael had come out with the Blazing Saddles line, then recognised his Hicks quote, Sean had relaxed quite a bit. He had been quite apprehensive about sharing a room, but Michael had allayed those fears within an hour of meeting him.

Sean suddenly realised that he had been daydreaming, when Evan prodded him. “What?”

“I asked you where you come from, and what you’re studying – what planet were you on just now, Sean?” Evan asked, smirking.

“Oh, sorry, I was miles away. Foreign languages - French and Spanish to be exact - and I’m from a small village on the Isle of Wight,” Sean replied, reaching for his beer. Adam frowned.

“Is that the one with the funny cats?” he asked.

Sean cracked up laughing. “No, you’re thinking of the Isle of Man. The Isle of Wight is off the south coast – not the most expensive ferry crossing in the world, but bloody close!”

“OK,” continued Evan, “so anyone got a significant other back home? Or are we all young, free and single?”  Sean tried not to notice Adam’s sneer, but the guy wasn’t exactly trying to hide it. He sighed internally.

“Well, I’m unattached,” said Julia, “but to be honest, I haven’t got time for romance – it’s really hard for me to keep focussed on my studies and have a love life at the same time – I tried that in the Sixth form for a while, but don’t go there, OK?” Evan smiled at her, and briefly touched her hand on the table next to him.

“What about you, Adam?” He asked the blond. Adam gave a tight smile to the others.

“That’s all part of being a student, isn’t it?”  he said, “being away from home, having freedom, lots of parties, lots of alcohol, and lots of sex...” He leered at Julia, whose smile in return was merely stretching the corners of her mouth. “And I suppose you’ve got loads of different fellas, Evan.”

“Sweetie, why would you think that? Gay doesn’t mean promiscuous, you know – although it does describe some of my friends very accurately, come to think of it!”  Evan gave a wink at Sean, who laughed. ”No,” he said, shaking his head, “I’m single, though not by choice. I’ve had the occasional one-night stand, but I want more than that.”

“Waiting for your prince to sweep you off your feet, eh, Evan?” said Michael, smiling. Sean watched as an emotion registered on Evan’s face – something akin to longing, just for a moment. He suddenly had this urge to defend his new housemate.

“There’s nothing wrong in wanting to be swept off your feet, and I for one still believe in true love. Imagine that – in this cynical day and age!” Sean said, smiling as he grasped Evan’s hand in support. Evan’s glance at him was warm and grateful, and he suddenly felt really pleased that he had spoken up. “But I’ve never even had a girlfriend.”

“Me neither,” said Michael. “No-one has really caught my eye yet.”

“Well, give it time – and a few parties with loads of booze – and all that will change!” Adam said, draining the last of his pint. “Another, anyone?” After receiving some nods, he wandered off towards the bar. Evan took advantage of his momentary absence to sidle up to Michael and Sean, seated next to each other.

“So I take it that neither of you bats for my team?” he asked, looking at them flirtatiously through long black lashes. Michael burst out laughing, Sean joining him. “Well!” Evan said, “My gaydar must definitely be out of order, ‘cos I could’ve sworn.... Oh well! Nothing ventured, as they say!”  Julia laughed.

“I think that the so-called gaydar is a myth,” she said. “You can’t really tell just by looking at someone if he’s gay or not!” Unfortunately, Adam chose this moment to return to the group, laden with a tray of drinks, and he overheard the comment.

“ ‘Course you can!” he retorted. “I mean, it’s obvious!” 

Evan suddenly had a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Really? Shall we put it to the test, then?” Adam looked uncomfortable, but thrust his chin out, and nodded, albeit somewhat reluctantly. Evan glanced towards the bar for a minute, and then said, “What about the bloke standing over there, in the dark brown leather jacket?” Everyone followed his gaze, seeing a very well-built, muscular man stood at the bar, talking quietly with another man. They stood apart, and the conversation was obviously amusing, as both were smiling.

Adam smiled. “Now HE is straight – just look at him!”  Evan nodded thoughtfully, then got up and walked towards the man, glancing back towards the others and winking.

“What is he doing?” said Sean, concerned etched on his face. “He could end up getting his face smashed in! Anything’s possible!”  They watched as Evan spoke quietly to the man, then everyone gasped as the man took Evan’s face in his hands and kissed him thoroughly on the lips, oblivious to the people stood around them at the bar, who couldn’t help but notice them. The kiss continued for at least five seconds, and when Evan finally surfaced, he was blushing and smiling. He took the man by the hand and led him to their table.

“Housemates, allow me to introduce my friend Oscar. And by the way, the other guy over there laughing his ass off is Oscar’s husband Peter.” The group looked in Peter’s direction, to see him with tears of laughter rolling down his face.

“You mean... you already knew Oscar was gay?” said Michael. “I mean, he really is a friend of yours?” 

Evan laughed. “Oscar and I first met a few months ago in Via Fossa, a fantastic gay bar on Canal Street – might take you there one night! Anyway, he and Peter were out on the town, and we got chatting.” He looked at Oscar. “Thanks, sweetie – you did really well!”  Oscar leaned across and kissed Evan, this time on his cheek.

“You’re welcome, honey,” he replied in a deep voice. “Anything to help out.” He nodded to the others, and returned to his husband.  Evan smiled innocently at Adam, who was trying hard not to scowl and failing miserably. It was too much for Julia, Sean and Michael, who doubled over, laughing.

“Ok, time to go home now,” said Adam shortly, getting up and reaching for his jacket. The others looked at each other, realising that the night out was apparently over, Adam’s mood having changed for the worse.

******

            “Are you asleep?” Michael whispered across their room.

            “Well, not now!” came back Sean’s equally quiet reply. “Only kidding. What’s up?” Michael got out of bed, wearing his pyjama trousers and T-shirt, and padded silently around the wall to Sean’s side. Sean was lying on his back, staring up at the roof light window above his bed, through which stars could be seen like diamond dust on black velvet. “Are you OK?” he asked Michael.

            “Just have trouble getting to sleep. Can we chat for a bit?” Michael asked.

            “Sure,” replied Sean, “seeing as I’m having the same problem. What do you want to chat about?”

            “Tell me about the Isle of Wight – I’ve never been there.” Michael sat in the armchair next to Sean’s bed, curling his legs under him and hugging a cushion against his chest.

            Sean smiled up at the window, and sighed. His favourite subject.  The two young men talked quietly into the early hours, sharing details about their families and lives back home. Michael learned that Sean’s father was a farmer, his mother worked too hard and that he had a brother, David, who was two years younger. Sean had only been able to afford the university fees because of the money left to him by his grandmother, who had wanted Sean to pursue his love of languages, rather than follow his father into farming.  Sean already knew that he and Michael were studying the same languages, French and Spanish. He learned that Michael’s father had died when Michael was seven, leaving his mother to bring up a boy and two little girls on her own. It was evident from Michael’s tone that he simply adored his family, and that they were very close. Sean envied him that, as the relationship between Sean and his father was strained most of the time, Sean always feeling as if he were a disappointment to his father. But Sean obviously loved the sixteen-year old David, and was missing him already.  For both eighteen-year-olds, it was their first time away from home, and both were grateful that at least they got on well with each other, and looked likely to become good friends.

Oops! Update!

Sorry - just hit 100!

Great day with Sue Brown... and more friends on FB!

Had a wonderful day yesterday with Sue Brown: it was great to spend some time with her, and chat about lots of things. It was reassuring as an about-to-be-published author to talk with someone whose work I admire and who is obviously enjoying a lot of success. Her latest book, The Isle of...Where? was wonderful!
And as for Facebook, my Friends total currently stands as 99! I've been able to chat online with quite a few authors, and it's been a humbling experience - I never, ever imagined this!