Page 54 of Doubting Hearts

I heard the frustration in his voice and bit back a chuckle. Simon could be very bossy when it came to work, and I had a feeling that the slow pace of the whole “mañana” attitude was driving him crazy.

“Going away with Luis, hey? That sounds promising,” I teased.

He was quiet. “He’s a nice man. My age, and he’s one of the bankers overseeing the project. We get on well enough.”

“I’m pleased for you, Simon. You deserve a good man.” He sighed deeply, and I felt a twinge of guilt. I wondered if he still had feelings for me or if being away had diluted it somewhat and he’d realized Luis was his new man. His next words gave me a little comfort.

“Luis is a good man, Toby. You’d like him, I think. How is Rain? You said he’s taking care of you. Is he at the hotel?”

I hesitated. “Actually, I’m staying at his place. He and Tammy insisted that if I was at the hotel I’d never rest. So, I’m staying at his cottage in Oakham for a few days.”

“They aren’t wrong. You always were a workaholic.” I heard the smile in his voice. “So, things are getting serious between you, then?”

His voice sounded wistful.

“Errm, we’re seeing how things go. He experienced a bad breakup, and understandably he’s a little wary.”

“He’d be an idiot to let you go. Tell him that from me.” His voice was fierce, and I felt a surge of affection for this man. “Anyway, I need to go now, Toby. You take care of yourself, and I’ll see you in a week. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too,” I murmured. “I’ll see you then.”

The call disconnected, and I put the phone back into my pocket.

I went back to work three days later. Rain had now finished up the final touches to the Canterbury Bar. After Monday, he’d be in Leicester every day building a library with Lucas. We hadn’t talked about that yet, the fact we were no longer going to be seeing each other as often. It would certainly give us both space.

Rain had been a little withdrawn the last couple of days. I think the strain of looking after me, even though I’d been adamant he didn’t need to, and having me in a state of permanence at his home had worn him down a little. I still struggled with pain, and I was having trouble sleeping, tossing and turning and waking Rain up. The one saving grace was that I’d heard nothing from Dave Webber about any charges being levied against me. A local reporter named Ginny Loomis, someone I knew quite well, had made mincemeat of Neil in the local paper. She’d accused him of being homophobic, a bully, and hadn’t held back. I was gratified to see that article.

Both Rain and Tammy had been dismayed that I wasn’t going to press charges against Neil. The last thing I wanted was my past bandied all over the place in the village to people who knew me, and I hoped, respected me. If they found out exactly who I’d been, I’d be mortified. Lucas was the only one who wasn’t hounding me, and I’d seen his expression of sympathy when the other two were badgering me.

Rain had stroked the hair from my forehead during one of our late- night talks. “You know,” he’d said, “there’s nothing stopping that wanker, Neil, or Dave from telling anyone anyway, whether you press charges or not. So, why not just do it?”

“I can’t, Rain.” I’d shaken my head. The thought of having to stand in a courtroom and tell the audience what I’d done in the past and what I’d been to Ricky—his little bit of “gay rough”—to people who’d known me for the past four years was anathema to me. Best let it lie like a sleeping dog and see what happened.

* * *

ON MY first day back, I sat in the office, catching up on what had happened when I’d been gone. Tammy and Chris had done a superb job of managing things, and I felt a little miffed at that. No one wants to think they’re replaceable. I was sitting, checking through some of the catering bills, when there was a quiet knock on the door. I looked up to see Haruka Hayashi, the translator from the Japanese contingent, standing at the door with an apologetic smile on her face.

“Mr. Prentiss-san? Can I speak with you? I have someone who wishes to say hello.” Her English was flawless, delivered with a charming Japanese accent, and I smiled.

“Of course, Ms. Hayashi. Please, come on in.”

She turned, saying something quietly to someone standing with her, and then she came in, with Mr. Miyamoto trailing behind her. I stood up and moved toward him.

“Mr. Miyamoto. I’ve been meaning to come and see you to thank you for what you did for me, speaking to the police. You and your friends were very helpful.”

He smiled, a wide smile full of teeth, his mouth opening and torrents of excited speech pouring forth. His hands spoke volumes, but I had no bloody idea what they were saying as they waved excitedly in front of my face. I watched him, feeling a little out of my depth. I was relieved when the verbal diarrhea ceased.

Haruka chuckled, watching my rather perplexed face. “He says he is so glad to see you standing and looking better. He was very worried about you, and he thought you were very brave to hit the other man after you were stabbed. He says you were like Superman.” She laughed softly, a musical sound that made my toes tingle.

I blushed. “I don’t think I’m Superman, Haruka. I suppose it was the adrenaline that helped.”

She turned and translated for Mr. Miyamoto, and he frowned. The diarrhea commenced again. When he stopped and took a deep breath, Haruka turned to me with another smile.

“He says definitely Superman. He wants you to know he admires you greatly for fighting back and that he has the greatest respect for you.” My heart swelled at the sight of this little man looking at me with something akin to worship on his face. I felt a little uncomfortable. Haruka noticed it.

“He also says he has told the police everything he saw and impressed upon them that the other man was a coward and a bully. His friends have done the same.” She grinned. “He also says the bully deserves to have his balls cut off and fed to him.”

I laughed at that and then grimaced as the pain hit my ribs.