Changing Venues
Part 1
Signalling the last turn, Geoff swung his bicycle wide on the corner, wary of the broken curb. He had lost a tyre and very nearly his front teeth only a week earlier. Manoeuvring around a parked delivery van, he spared a glance back over his shoulder. The car, which had followed him too closely for the last few blocks, was unable to negotiate around the van, and the sound of an angry horn followed him down the street.
Sparing the driver a quick grin, Geoff returned his attention to the block ahead. Even in early afternoon, there was enough activity to warrant keeping a careful eye on car doors opening, and neighbours deciding to cross the street directly in his path. Steering around an au pair with pram and dog, he braked to a stop in front of his building. Glancing down the street, he recognised Jamie's slim figure marching away. He opened his mouth to call after him, but upon reaching the corner, Jamie wheeled about and started back.
"Oh dear." Swinging his rucksack onto the steps, Geoff wheeled his bicycle to its spot beneath the steps and chained it to the iron grating. By the time Jamie reached him, he was sitting on the steps.
"Robin's out?"
Jamie squinted up at the windows. "Hmm, don't know." Crossing his arms, he took a deep breath. "I came to see you."
"Let me put my things inside, then we'll take a walk, all right?"
Jamie nodded. "Good, I need to move."
Geoff left his things under the table in the foyer; confident they would be there upon his return. Putting his keys in his pocket, he ran down the front steps. Jamie had begun pacing back and forth.
Wrapping his arm around Jamie's shoulders, Geoff strode off at a fast pace. His plan was simply to walk until Jamie told him they should stop. From the frown on Jamie's face, it would not be soon.
When he had met Jamie, it had been much the same. He had come home from a long shift soon after Robin's arrival to find a young man with a face like an angel — albeit an avenging one — striding up and down, glaring at the building while muttering to himself.
Stopping directly in his path, Geoff had inquired, "Are you lost?"
"No," the angel had snapped as he started to walk around the obstacle.
Geoff moved with him. "Looking for someone?"
"No!"
"Then may I ask why you're wearing out the pavement?"
"If it is any of your business," (and his tone implied it was not), "I've come to visit a friend."
"And your friend isn't at home?"
Shooting him a hard glare, the angel deliberately walked around him.
"Is —"
"Look, call 999 if you're so bloody concerned! I've every right to be here." He took three steps then turned back. "Do you live here?"
"Here?" Geoff asked, gesturing toward the building. "As a matter of fact I do."
"You're Tristan, aren't you? "
"You're looking for Tris?" A raised eyebrow answered that. "No, I'm Geoff Saunders." A humph dismissed them both. "Wait, you're Jamie, Robin's friend. Why on earth haven't you rung the bell?"
"Because…"
"Because?"
"It isn't your concern." Jamie dismissed him with a wave. "I'm sure you have things you should be doing."
"No actually, I haven't." Geoff settled himself on the step. Stretching his legs out, he picked up a box with the name of a Covent Garden bakery and inspected its contents. Miniature cakes — each beautifully executed and decorated. Selecting one, he took a bite as Jamie continued pacing and muttering to himself.
"Oi!" Jamie let out a squawk reminiscent of Eliza Doolittle pre-Professor Higgins. "What're you doing?" he demanded, snatching box away.
Geoff swallowed. "These are good."
"I brought them for Robin."
"Well, they'll just turn stale out here now, won't they?" Geoff inquired.
Jamie glared at him. "Who are you?"
Getting to his feet, Geoff grinned at him. "I told you. Now are you going in, or are you planning to march up and down a bit more?"
"I'm organising my thoughts."
"In regard to…?"
"Robin and this situation he's found himself in."
"Forgive me, but what situation would that be precisely?"
"This Tristan."
"'This Tristan' is taking tremendous care of Robin. He opened his home to him and saw him through a rather serious bout of bronchitis."
"But Robin doesn't know him. And come to that, I don't know him."
"And you're worried he isn't to be trusted?"
Jamie stuck his hands in his back pockets and proceeded to rock back and forth. "Robbie can be a trifle… naïve when it comes to judging people."
"So you've come to…?"
"See things for myself. Convince him to leave with me if need be."
"And if he disagrees?"
Jamie cocked his head to one side. "He won't."
Geoff swallowed a smile at the supreme confidence. "You haven't met Tristan, and you certainly haven't seen them together."
"What Robbie needs is —"
"Support from you," Geoff inserted smoothly. "No lectures or edicts." Jamie's jaw dropped, and a half-dozen responses crossed his expressive face. "Look, from what Robin's said, you're his closest friend. I'm simply asking you to talk to him and to meet Tristan before you issue any ultimatums. All right?"
Finally, Jamie nodded and swung a stuffed blue tote with a faded "RB" onto his shoulder. Keeping the box of cakes well away from Geoff, he started up the steps. Geoff followed, rather enjoying the view.
Picking up the post, he gestured Jamie up the stairs. He set his things on the landing, tapped on the door and then used his key to let them in.
Still pale but worlds better than he had been just days before, Robin lay cocooned in blankets on the couch. His face lit up when Geoff stepped back and Jamie walked in. "You're here!"
"I said I would be, didn't I?" Jamie demanded, dropping his things onto the coffee table and grabbing Robin in a rough hug. "You look wretched."
"I'm much better than I was," Robin protested. "Tell him, Geoff," he pleaded as he tried to control a coughing jag.
"He is actually," Geoff said, helping him sit up. He pointed toward the kitchen. "Water, please."
When Robin finally stopped coughing, he lay back against his pillows and drew several slow shaky breaths. Jamie sat on the edge of the coffee table, his hand gripping Robin's leg.
"This is better?" he asked Geoff.
Geoff nodded.
"He's a nurse," Robin wheezed.
"You need a doctor, Robbie."
"And he saw one on Tuesday." Standing, Geoff spoke sternly to them both but kept his eyes on Jamie. "All right, then. Not too much excitement."
Jamie pointed to his bag. "I've brought films."
"If you need me, I'm just upstairs."
And the visit had been a success. He had received a call from Tristan inviting him to dinner, and at his own insistence, he had walked Jamie the two blocks to the tube station. Jamie had been quiet (and Geoff had not understood how out of character that was), but calm.
The young man beside him at present was anything but calm. Despite Geoff's vigorous pace, he kept moving ahead. Only Geoff's hold on his hand prevented Jamie from dashing away. When they reached the park, Geoff admitted defeat and let go.
"All right then," he said, gesturing to the open space. "Three times round. Keep to the path, and for heaven's sake, don't run anyone down."
Jamie nodded, already stretching. "Where will you be?"
Geoff pointed to a grassy spot under a nearby tree. "There."
To observe Jamie in motion was to see his very essence. Geoff watched him as he always did, hardly breathing for the innate grace and joy Jamie brought to every movement whether dancing on stage at Covent Garden or running full tilt around a park.
After the third lap, Jamie dropped onto the grass beside him. His breathing was quicker but he hadn't broken a sweat.
Geoff waited patiently until he settled. "Ready to talk?"
"Yes, thank you," Jamie replied, leaning forward to rub his cheek on Geoff's shoulder like an affectionate cat.
Geoff ran his fingers through the soft curls. "What has you in this state?"
Jamie took a breath. "Last night Eric told me he and Natasha are being married so he's moving out of the flat at the end of the month." He glanced away, looking a little embarassed. "I knew they were serious, but I never thought it would happen this quickly. It takes Eric half an hour to decide what he'd like for lunch."
"So you'll need a new flatmate."
Jamie nodded, more nervous now. He ripped out a handful of grass and watched the blades fall from his fingers, then raised determined eyes to Geoff's. "I thought — hoped we might…" He paused, swallowed and took a deep breath. "I hoped we might live together."
"I've given that a lot of thought, love."
Jamie's eyebrows rose. "You have? Why didn't you say something?" He frowned as a reason occurred to him. "Because you decided against it."
"No, as much I wanted it, I knew you'd made a commitment to Eric, and I didn't know when your lease was up."
"You should've asked!"
"Yes, I should have," Geoff agreed. He grinned at the rising joy in Jamie's face. "And now I am."
"But I've already asked," Jamie pointed out.
"Yes, you have."
"And your answer is?"
Geoff held up one hand. "Slow down, my lad. We have a great deal to talk about."
Jamie looked blank for a moment, and then nodded. "Oh, house rules."
"Exactly." He watched Jamie turn it over in his mind. "We've done this once already. This will just be an extension of what we've already agreed to. The only difference now is that you shan't escape my tyranny."
"There is that to consider," Jamie agreed.
Grabbing hold of Jamie's wrist, Geoff pulled him into his arms. "And will that be so terrible, Mr. Sly Boots?"
Jamie pulled back far enough to look him in the eye. "No, not terrible at all."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As Tristan paid the barman, Geoff picked up two of the glasses and started through the maze of tables. Picking his way through, he found Jamie in the mob on the dance floor. He caught his partner's eye, raising the drinks and nodding toward the doors that led out to a terrace overlooking the Thames. Jamie nodded, leaning forward to shout something in Robin's ear.
"They're coming?" Tristan asked when they reached the relative quiet of the terrace.
Geoff pointed at a table and followed Tristan through the crowd to reach it. "Yes." He set the drinks down. "They certainly love dancing, don't they?"
Tristan nodded, taking a long swallow of the water he requested along with his gin and tonic. "I wish I could keep up. It's easier when we're out with you. I can stop to catch my breath. He and Jamie just go on and on."
"I never danced before I met Jamie," Geoff confessed. "Never cared for it. With him, I forget the awkwardness."
The subjects of their conversation came out the door, laughing and jostling each other. Geoff waved to Jamie, and they started through the crowd gathered close enough to still hear the music while enjoying the cool night air.
"I have a favour to ask," Tristan said. "Would you keep an eye on the flat week after next?"
"Tell him where you'll be," Robin instructed as he fell into the chair beside Tristan's. Picking up Tristan's glass of water, he drained the remainder.
"That was mine, darling," Tristan chided him.
"If you'd like another, I'll fetch it once you've told Geoff and Jamie your news," Robin promised.
"News?" Jamie demanded. "What news?"
"Do you remember the woman I worked with when I first left the Marines?"
Geoff nodded. "Gail something, right? Didn't she move to the States or Canada a few years ago?"
"Yes, she married an American and moved there, but we still keep in touch once or twice a year. She rang last week and mentioned that the company she and her husband own is interested in expanding into Europe. They want someone to run things here."
"London," Robin clarified.
"She rang again yesterday. They want me to fly over and meet their board."
"It sounds serious," Geoff said, raising his glass. "Congratulations!"
"When will you leave?" Jamie asked, glancing at Robin.
"Sunday the 24th. I'll fly to Boston, and they're sending a car for me."
"He'll be there through Thursday at least," Robin added. "That's why we need someone to look in on the flat. Oh! Could you water the plants as well? Not too much, they don't do with over-watering."
"Where will you be then?" Jamie demanded.
"I'm spending a few days with Kate and Drew. I'll take the train down on Monday and be home before Tris." He stood up and looked at them. "Anything else I should get?"
"Crisps," Jamie told him. "The —"
"Bacon ones. Anything else?" He nodded when no one spoke. "All right, crisps and water it is then."
When he went into the club, Jamie and Geoff turned to Tristan as one. "Robin is visiting your parents —" Geoff began.
"On his own?" Jamie finished. "How did you manage that?"
Tris grinned. "I didn't. They've wanted him for a visit since the funeral. When I mentioned this trip, Mum rang and invited him for a few days."
"And he said yes?" Jamie asked.
"He did once she convinced him that he wouldn't be an imposition." He started to lift his glass and then realised it was empty. "He's left his return open-ended. Mum and Dad would like him to stay from Monday straight through 'til Friday, but if he's uncomfortable, he'll come back earlier."
"I'm not on duty Monday, I could see him off at the station," Geoff offered.
"I can take myself," Robin protested, rejoining them. He dropped a couple of bags of crisps on the table and set a glass in front of Tristan before settling on the chair beside him.
"I know you can," Geoff returned evenly. "I thought you might need a hand with your gear."
Robin flushed. "Oh, right. Sorry."
"I like being seen off," Jamie announced. "I'm certain I'm on the right train when someone sees me off."
Geoff wrapped an arm around Jamie, pulling him closer. "We've a bit of news of our own. We've decided to move in together."
Tristan grinned. "Brilliant!"
"Where will you live?" Robin asked with a slight frown.
Jamie looked at Geoff who nodded. "We've decided to buy a flat. Geoff's is too small."
"It's perfect for one person," Geoff said sternly.
"It is," Jamie assured him, "but not for two of us. Tris and Robbie barely fit in theirs, and it must be half again the size of yours."
"And Jamie's flat?" Tristan asked, wrapping an arm around Robin's shoulders.
"The size is fine for the two of us, but Geoff doesn't like the area."
"And I especially don't like the distance from the tube station. With my schedule and his, I can't always be there waiting for him."
"We've already begun looking on the Internet," Jamie inserted before Geoff launched into his speech on personal safety.
Robin's frown had deepened as they talked around his question. "But have you decided where?"
"Well, it depends on what's available, doesn't it?" Jamie replied, selecting a crisp with great care.
"I don't think that's what Robin's asking," Geoff said quietly.
Jamie looked up from his inspection of the bag of crisps to Geoff and then to Robin, and sighed. "What are you fretting about now?"
Pulling him closer, Geoff dropped his voice to a whisper only Jamie could hear. "Badly done, love. Try again, please."
Jamie nodded, and then offered Robin the crisps, waiting until he took a few from the bag. "I'm sorry, Robbie. What I meant is that we're not sure where we'll look."
"I just like knowing where people are," Robin mumbled.
"I'm all the way across London now, and you haven't lost track of me, have you?"
Robin shook his head, his frown easing. "No."
"Well, we'd hardly move and not tell you where." Jamie looked at Geoff for support. "And I'll probably drive you mad in the meantime."
Robin shrugged. "After all this time, I'm used to it."
Jamie let out a squawk of protest, but Geoff spoke through anything he might have said. "Now have the two of you finished dancing?"
"I don't want to leave yet!" Jamie protested.
"Perhaps we should stop for something to eat," Tristan suggested. "We had a light supper, and I could manage something." He nudged his partner with his shoulder. "How about you, darling?"
"I'm hungry," Robin admitted, "but I'd like one more dance with you."
"Something slow, then," Tristan agreed. "I'm not up to much more than that."
"Slow is good," Robin agreed and dragged Tristan away.
As soon as they disappeared into the crowd, Jamie turned to Geoff. "I am sorry," he asserted. "I know I was short with Robbie, but sometimes he needs it."
Geoff shook his head. "We've talked about this, love. What you see as bracing can be very abrupt. Robin had a legitimate concern, and you didn't treat it as such."
"I apologised."
"You must remember that Robin, along with most everyone else, isn't as comfortable with criticism — perceived or not — as you are. He hasn't spent years with people evaluating every movement. You have, and you handle it well." He ran his hand through Jamie's hair trying to restore order. "You wouldn't be where you are now without that ability, would you?"
Jamie shook his head as Geoff continued, "Love, I know it's second nature to you to be offhand with Robin. You've been friends for most of your lives —"
"Closer than just friends," Jamie slipped in.
"Then you, more than anyone, should know when he's worried or upset."
"But everyone coddles him so!"
"Robin isn't as resilient as you are, Jamie."
"But he is!" Jamie declared. "Look at that bad patch he and Tris went through. He held them together as long as he had to."
"And what did it do to him?" Geoff asked. "It was weeks before he was on an even keel again."
"But you've said it yourself. 'Robin's an able one.' I heard you say it to Tris."
"There's difference between able and resilient, love. Robin's not a child; he can take care of himself. But he isn't as hardy as you are. He feels things deeply, and when you're brusque with him, it hurts. Can you understand that?"
Jamie considered it. "Yeah, I suppose so."
"When we get home tonight, I think a trip to your corner would be appropriate," Geoff told him. "I think you need some time to think."
Jamie pulled away from him. "I know what I said was wrong, Geoff. I do!"
"Then this will just reinforce it."
"Does this mean we can't go with Tris and Robbie? I'm starving."
"It'll be a quick bite and then straight home." He held up a finger at the pout he saw forming. "Now you can sit and sulk, or we can enjoy this dance."
Jamie perked up immediately. "Dance, please."
Laughing, Geoff grabbed his hand and led him onto the floor. Jamie's last resistance fade as they settled into the rhythm of the music. Geoff was not transported by it as Jamie was, but the lithe body in his arms intoxicated him. Pulling his partner closer, he brushed a kiss over his lips before resting his check against Jamie's hair. The next few months might be hectic, but they would be well worth the effort.
Part 2
Sparing the driver a quick grin, Geoff returned his attention to the block ahead. Even in early afternoon, there was enough activity to warrant keeping a careful eye on car doors opening, and neighbours deciding to cross the street directly in his path. Steering around an au pair with pram and dog, he braked to a stop in front of his building. Glancing down the street, he recognised Jamie's slim figure marching away. He opened his mouth to call after him, but upon reaching the corner, Jamie wheeled about and started back.
"Oh dear." Swinging his rucksack onto the steps, Geoff wheeled his bicycle to its spot beneath the steps and chained it to the iron grating. By the time Jamie reached him, he was sitting on the steps.
"Robin's out?"
Jamie squinted up at the windows. "Hmm, don't know." Crossing his arms, he took a deep breath. "I came to see you."
"Let me put my things inside, then we'll take a walk, all right?"
Jamie nodded. "Good, I need to move."
Geoff left his things under the table in the foyer; confident they would be there upon his return. Putting his keys in his pocket, he ran down the front steps. Jamie had begun pacing back and forth.
Wrapping his arm around Jamie's shoulders, Geoff strode off at a fast pace. His plan was simply to walk until Jamie told him they should stop. From the frown on Jamie's face, it would not be soon.
When he had met Jamie, it had been much the same. He had come home from a long shift soon after Robin's arrival to find a young man with a face like an angel — albeit an avenging one — striding up and down, glaring at the building while muttering to himself.
Stopping directly in his path, Geoff had inquired, "Are you lost?"
"No," the angel had snapped as he started to walk around the obstacle.
Geoff moved with him. "Looking for someone?"
"No!"
"Then may I ask why you're wearing out the pavement?"
"If it is any of your business," (and his tone implied it was not), "I've come to visit a friend."
"And your friend isn't at home?"
Shooting him a hard glare, the angel deliberately walked around him.
"Is —"
"Look, call 999 if you're so bloody concerned! I've every right to be here." He took three steps then turned back. "Do you live here?"
"Here?" Geoff asked, gesturing toward the building. "As a matter of fact I do."
"You're Tristan, aren't you? "
"You're looking for Tris?" A raised eyebrow answered that. "No, I'm Geoff Saunders." A humph dismissed them both. "Wait, you're Jamie, Robin's friend. Why on earth haven't you rung the bell?"
"Because…"
"Because?"
"It isn't your concern." Jamie dismissed him with a wave. "I'm sure you have things you should be doing."
"No actually, I haven't." Geoff settled himself on the step. Stretching his legs out, he picked up a box with the name of a Covent Garden bakery and inspected its contents. Miniature cakes — each beautifully executed and decorated. Selecting one, he took a bite as Jamie continued pacing and muttering to himself.
"Oi!" Jamie let out a squawk reminiscent of Eliza Doolittle pre-Professor Higgins. "What're you doing?" he demanded, snatching box away.
Geoff swallowed. "These are good."
"I brought them for Robin."
"Well, they'll just turn stale out here now, won't they?" Geoff inquired.
Jamie glared at him. "Who are you?"
Getting to his feet, Geoff grinned at him. "I told you. Now are you going in, or are you planning to march up and down a bit more?"
"I'm organising my thoughts."
"In regard to…?"
"Robin and this situation he's found himself in."
"Forgive me, but what situation would that be precisely?"
"This Tristan."
"'This Tristan' is taking tremendous care of Robin. He opened his home to him and saw him through a rather serious bout of bronchitis."
"But Robin doesn't know him. And come to that, I don't know him."
"And you're worried he isn't to be trusted?"
Jamie stuck his hands in his back pockets and proceeded to rock back and forth. "Robbie can be a trifle… naïve when it comes to judging people."
"So you've come to…?"
"See things for myself. Convince him to leave with me if need be."
"And if he disagrees?"
Jamie cocked his head to one side. "He won't."
Geoff swallowed a smile at the supreme confidence. "You haven't met Tristan, and you certainly haven't seen them together."
"What Robbie needs is —"
"Support from you," Geoff inserted smoothly. "No lectures or edicts." Jamie's jaw dropped, and a half-dozen responses crossed his expressive face. "Look, from what Robin's said, you're his closest friend. I'm simply asking you to talk to him and to meet Tristan before you issue any ultimatums. All right?"
Finally, Jamie nodded and swung a stuffed blue tote with a faded "RB" onto his shoulder. Keeping the box of cakes well away from Geoff, he started up the steps. Geoff followed, rather enjoying the view.
Picking up the post, he gestured Jamie up the stairs. He set his things on the landing, tapped on the door and then used his key to let them in.
Still pale but worlds better than he had been just days before, Robin lay cocooned in blankets on the couch. His face lit up when Geoff stepped back and Jamie walked in. "You're here!"
"I said I would be, didn't I?" Jamie demanded, dropping his things onto the coffee table and grabbing Robin in a rough hug. "You look wretched."
"I'm much better than I was," Robin protested. "Tell him, Geoff," he pleaded as he tried to control a coughing jag.
"He is actually," Geoff said, helping him sit up. He pointed toward the kitchen. "Water, please."
When Robin finally stopped coughing, he lay back against his pillows and drew several slow shaky breaths. Jamie sat on the edge of the coffee table, his hand gripping Robin's leg.
"This is better?" he asked Geoff.
Geoff nodded.
"He's a nurse," Robin wheezed.
"You need a doctor, Robbie."
"And he saw one on Tuesday." Standing, Geoff spoke sternly to them both but kept his eyes on Jamie. "All right, then. Not too much excitement."
Jamie pointed to his bag. "I've brought films."
"If you need me, I'm just upstairs."
And the visit had been a success. He had received a call from Tristan inviting him to dinner, and at his own insistence, he had walked Jamie the two blocks to the tube station. Jamie had been quiet (and Geoff had not understood how out of character that was), but calm.
The young man beside him at present was anything but calm. Despite Geoff's vigorous pace, he kept moving ahead. Only Geoff's hold on his hand prevented Jamie from dashing away. When they reached the park, Geoff admitted defeat and let go.
"All right then," he said, gesturing to the open space. "Three times round. Keep to the path, and for heaven's sake, don't run anyone down."
Jamie nodded, already stretching. "Where will you be?"
Geoff pointed to a grassy spot under a nearby tree. "There."
To observe Jamie in motion was to see his very essence. Geoff watched him as he always did, hardly breathing for the innate grace and joy Jamie brought to every movement whether dancing on stage at Covent Garden or running full tilt around a park.
After the third lap, Jamie dropped onto the grass beside him. His breathing was quicker but he hadn't broken a sweat.
Geoff waited patiently until he settled. "Ready to talk?"
"Yes, thank you," Jamie replied, leaning forward to rub his cheek on Geoff's shoulder like an affectionate cat.
Geoff ran his fingers through the soft curls. "What has you in this state?"
Jamie took a breath. "Last night Eric told me he and Natasha are being married so he's moving out of the flat at the end of the month." He glanced away, looking a little embarassed. "I knew they were serious, but I never thought it would happen this quickly. It takes Eric half an hour to decide what he'd like for lunch."
"So you'll need a new flatmate."
Jamie nodded, more nervous now. He ripped out a handful of grass and watched the blades fall from his fingers, then raised determined eyes to Geoff's. "I thought — hoped we might…" He paused, swallowed and took a deep breath. "I hoped we might live together."
"I've given that a lot of thought, love."
Jamie's eyebrows rose. "You have? Why didn't you say something?" He frowned as a reason occurred to him. "Because you decided against it."
"No, as much I wanted it, I knew you'd made a commitment to Eric, and I didn't know when your lease was up."
"You should've asked!"
"Yes, I should have," Geoff agreed. He grinned at the rising joy in Jamie's face. "And now I am."
"But I've already asked," Jamie pointed out.
"Yes, you have."
"And your answer is?"
Geoff held up one hand. "Slow down, my lad. We have a great deal to talk about."
Jamie looked blank for a moment, and then nodded. "Oh, house rules."
"Exactly." He watched Jamie turn it over in his mind. "We've done this once already. This will just be an extension of what we've already agreed to. The only difference now is that you shan't escape my tyranny."
"There is that to consider," Jamie agreed.
Grabbing hold of Jamie's wrist, Geoff pulled him into his arms. "And will that be so terrible, Mr. Sly Boots?"
Jamie pulled back far enough to look him in the eye. "No, not terrible at all."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As Tristan paid the barman, Geoff picked up two of the glasses and started through the maze of tables. Picking his way through, he found Jamie in the mob on the dance floor. He caught his partner's eye, raising the drinks and nodding toward the doors that led out to a terrace overlooking the Thames. Jamie nodded, leaning forward to shout something in Robin's ear.
"They're coming?" Tristan asked when they reached the relative quiet of the terrace.
Geoff pointed at a table and followed Tristan through the crowd to reach it. "Yes." He set the drinks down. "They certainly love dancing, don't they?"
Tristan nodded, taking a long swallow of the water he requested along with his gin and tonic. "I wish I could keep up. It's easier when we're out with you. I can stop to catch my breath. He and Jamie just go on and on."
"I never danced before I met Jamie," Geoff confessed. "Never cared for it. With him, I forget the awkwardness."
The subjects of their conversation came out the door, laughing and jostling each other. Geoff waved to Jamie, and they started through the crowd gathered close enough to still hear the music while enjoying the cool night air.
"I have a favour to ask," Tristan said. "Would you keep an eye on the flat week after next?"
"Tell him where you'll be," Robin instructed as he fell into the chair beside Tristan's. Picking up Tristan's glass of water, he drained the remainder.
"That was mine, darling," Tristan chided him.
"If you'd like another, I'll fetch it once you've told Geoff and Jamie your news," Robin promised.
"News?" Jamie demanded. "What news?"
"Do you remember the woman I worked with when I first left the Marines?"
Geoff nodded. "Gail something, right? Didn't she move to the States or Canada a few years ago?"
"Yes, she married an American and moved there, but we still keep in touch once or twice a year. She rang last week and mentioned that the company she and her husband own is interested in expanding into Europe. They want someone to run things here."
"London," Robin clarified.
"She rang again yesterday. They want me to fly over and meet their board."
"It sounds serious," Geoff said, raising his glass. "Congratulations!"
"When will you leave?" Jamie asked, glancing at Robin.
"Sunday the 24th. I'll fly to Boston, and they're sending a car for me."
"He'll be there through Thursday at least," Robin added. "That's why we need someone to look in on the flat. Oh! Could you water the plants as well? Not too much, they don't do with over-watering."
"Where will you be then?" Jamie demanded.
"I'm spending a few days with Kate and Drew. I'll take the train down on Monday and be home before Tris." He stood up and looked at them. "Anything else I should get?"
"Crisps," Jamie told him. "The —"
"Bacon ones. Anything else?" He nodded when no one spoke. "All right, crisps and water it is then."
When he went into the club, Jamie and Geoff turned to Tristan as one. "Robin is visiting your parents —" Geoff began.
"On his own?" Jamie finished. "How did you manage that?"
Tris grinned. "I didn't. They've wanted him for a visit since the funeral. When I mentioned this trip, Mum rang and invited him for a few days."
"And he said yes?" Jamie asked.
"He did once she convinced him that he wouldn't be an imposition." He started to lift his glass and then realised it was empty. "He's left his return open-ended. Mum and Dad would like him to stay from Monday straight through 'til Friday, but if he's uncomfortable, he'll come back earlier."
"I'm not on duty Monday, I could see him off at the station," Geoff offered.
"I can take myself," Robin protested, rejoining them. He dropped a couple of bags of crisps on the table and set a glass in front of Tristan before settling on the chair beside him.
"I know you can," Geoff returned evenly. "I thought you might need a hand with your gear."
Robin flushed. "Oh, right. Sorry."
"I like being seen off," Jamie announced. "I'm certain I'm on the right train when someone sees me off."
Geoff wrapped an arm around Jamie, pulling him closer. "We've a bit of news of our own. We've decided to move in together."
Tristan grinned. "Brilliant!"
"Where will you live?" Robin asked with a slight frown.
Jamie looked at Geoff who nodded. "We've decided to buy a flat. Geoff's is too small."
"It's perfect for one person," Geoff said sternly.
"It is," Jamie assured him, "but not for two of us. Tris and Robbie barely fit in theirs, and it must be half again the size of yours."
"And Jamie's flat?" Tristan asked, wrapping an arm around Robin's shoulders.
"The size is fine for the two of us, but Geoff doesn't like the area."
"And I especially don't like the distance from the tube station. With my schedule and his, I can't always be there waiting for him."
"We've already begun looking on the Internet," Jamie inserted before Geoff launched into his speech on personal safety.
Robin's frown had deepened as they talked around his question. "But have you decided where?"
"Well, it depends on what's available, doesn't it?" Jamie replied, selecting a crisp with great care.
"I don't think that's what Robin's asking," Geoff said quietly.
Jamie looked up from his inspection of the bag of crisps to Geoff and then to Robin, and sighed. "What are you fretting about now?"
Pulling him closer, Geoff dropped his voice to a whisper only Jamie could hear. "Badly done, love. Try again, please."
Jamie nodded, and then offered Robin the crisps, waiting until he took a few from the bag. "I'm sorry, Robbie. What I meant is that we're not sure where we'll look."
"I just like knowing where people are," Robin mumbled.
"I'm all the way across London now, and you haven't lost track of me, have you?"
Robin shook his head, his frown easing. "No."
"Well, we'd hardly move and not tell you where." Jamie looked at Geoff for support. "And I'll probably drive you mad in the meantime."
Robin shrugged. "After all this time, I'm used to it."
Jamie let out a squawk of protest, but Geoff spoke through anything he might have said. "Now have the two of you finished dancing?"
"I don't want to leave yet!" Jamie protested.
"Perhaps we should stop for something to eat," Tristan suggested. "We had a light supper, and I could manage something." He nudged his partner with his shoulder. "How about you, darling?"
"I'm hungry," Robin admitted, "but I'd like one more dance with you."
"Something slow, then," Tristan agreed. "I'm not up to much more than that."
"Slow is good," Robin agreed and dragged Tristan away.
As soon as they disappeared into the crowd, Jamie turned to Geoff. "I am sorry," he asserted. "I know I was short with Robbie, but sometimes he needs it."
Geoff shook his head. "We've talked about this, love. What you see as bracing can be very abrupt. Robin had a legitimate concern, and you didn't treat it as such."
"I apologised."
"You must remember that Robin, along with most everyone else, isn't as comfortable with criticism — perceived or not — as you are. He hasn't spent years with people evaluating every movement. You have, and you handle it well." He ran his hand through Jamie's hair trying to restore order. "You wouldn't be where you are now without that ability, would you?"
Jamie shook his head as Geoff continued, "Love, I know it's second nature to you to be offhand with Robin. You've been friends for most of your lives —"
"Closer than just friends," Jamie slipped in.
"Then you, more than anyone, should know when he's worried or upset."
"But everyone coddles him so!"
"Robin isn't as resilient as you are, Jamie."
"But he is!" Jamie declared. "Look at that bad patch he and Tris went through. He held them together as long as he had to."
"And what did it do to him?" Geoff asked. "It was weeks before he was on an even keel again."
"But you've said it yourself. 'Robin's an able one.' I heard you say it to Tris."
"There's difference between able and resilient, love. Robin's not a child; he can take care of himself. But he isn't as hardy as you are. He feels things deeply, and when you're brusque with him, it hurts. Can you understand that?"
Jamie considered it. "Yeah, I suppose so."
"When we get home tonight, I think a trip to your corner would be appropriate," Geoff told him. "I think you need some time to think."
Jamie pulled away from him. "I know what I said was wrong, Geoff. I do!"
"Then this will just reinforce it."
"Does this mean we can't go with Tris and Robbie? I'm starving."
"It'll be a quick bite and then straight home." He held up a finger at the pout he saw forming. "Now you can sit and sulk, or we can enjoy this dance."
Jamie perked up immediately. "Dance, please."
Laughing, Geoff grabbed his hand and led him onto the floor. Jamie's last resistance fade as they settled into the rhythm of the music. Geoff was not transported by it as Jamie was, but the lithe body in his arms intoxicated him. Pulling his partner closer, he brushed a kiss over his lips before resting his check against Jamie's hair. The next few months might be hectic, but they would be well worth the effort.
Part 2