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“Frankie-”
“Don’t Frankie me, and don’t judge me for the movie.”
We sat in our recliner seats and waited for the movie to start.
I’ll admit it wasn’t what I would have chosen. I’d never been one for animated films, but Frankie laughed the entire way through, and I spent more time watching him than I did the screen. Could I tell you what it was about? Unlikely, but sitting in the dark, holding his hand for almost two hours was a treat in itself.
I’d needed to pee halfway through thanks to the big drink I’d bought, and barely found my way back to him, but I managed.
When the lights came up, Frankie’s eyes sparkled with happiness. I’d have brought him to the cinema every day if I got to see him look like that.
“What do you fancy eating?” I asked as we left. Despite buying a big bucket of popcorn, I was still hungry.
“I don’t mind. I have a limited palate, but I’m open to trying anything.”
We held hands, like it was the most natural thing to do, and even though I’d never been open about my sexuality, no one stared. In fact, no one took any notice at all.
“Mexican? Chinese? Italian?”
“Ooh, can we have pizza? I’ve not had one in ages.” He bumped my shoulder as we walked, and happiness filled me. Frankie was showing me there was more to life than work. Why had I shut the door on this?
The restaurant was almost empty. A few lunchtime diners, but we were there before the teatime crowd. A couple sat by the window, and a group of guys was in a booth at the back. They looked like they were in the middle of a meeting, their faces solemn.
Frankie and I ordered a pizza to share; pepperoni, of course.
“How’s your week been?” I asked while we waited.
“Fraught. Brian has been on one since he finally came home on Sunday. I might have suggested to Mum that she ask where he’d been all night.” He winced. “It didn’t go down well, but Logan and I stayed out of his way as best we could.”
“He often gets mad, doesn’t he? Sounds like he has anger issues.”
“Oh, definitely, but we’ve got used to him and know when to avoid him.”
I had my doubts. I don’t think Frankie avoided him enough, judging by the scars I’d seen on his body.
“Does he hit your mum?”
He shook his head. “Not to my knowledge. Let’s change the subject. How was work?”
“Same old, same old. Nothing to report. No misplaced vibrators.” Time to lighten the mood.
“You’re kidding. Does that really happen?” Frankie looked shocked.
“More than you think. I mean, I’ve never had to remove one, but Sal has removed his fair share.”
“Who’s Sal? Should I be worried about him?” Frankie eyed me suspiciously, but there was no malice behind it, just playfulness.
“God, no. He’s a colleague, and I guarantee I’m not his type. Not that he’s mine either,” I added, in case there was any doubt.
“How’s the family? Is your dad okay?”
“He’s great.” I looked down at our joined hands. “I can’t believe we’re doing this, and I wake up smiling, remembering I have a boyfriend.”
“Me, too. I’ve been thinking, too.”
I’ve always worried when people say that because you never know what they’re going to say. Would it be good, bad, or indifferent?
“Go on,” I said, bracing myself.
