‘You were that guy.’
‘Fuck off, Leo,’ he said while bumping my hip with his. ‘Go away.’
***
Duncan was in the living room rubbing Squall’s belly. He was having a full-on conversation with him, so I was sure he was crazy drunk.
‘I want one of those too, please.’
‘Take your shirt off and I will,’ he said, laughing.
I sat down on the sofa next to him. Our legs softly touched, but neither moved theirs away.
‘I am happy you didn’t want to go to Scotland for Christmas.’
‘I am happy my mother is crazy judgemental, and I didn’t have the energy to go see her.’
I cackled. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Last time I went home I had gained a few pounds because I eat like shit in London and she wouldn’t let it go. For the whole time I was there.’
‘Isn’t that what mothers are for?’
‘No, I just wanted the cheap drinks!’ he shouted. ‘Ever been to Scotland?’
‘No, never,’ I said, slightly disappointed in myself.
‘You should. I’d show you around.’
‘Oh, is it a scenario where we go together?’
‘Absolutely. Wouldn’t want you to be harassed by those pesky Scots.’
‘Aren’t you one?’
‘I’m a gentleman.’
I smiled at him. His stupid reindeer jumper was staring back at me.
‘You want to squeeze his nose, don’t you?’ he asked, while staring at me.
‘I think I do,’ I said, fully engaging in the gazing contest.
I squeezed the pompom slowly.
‘Now this feels weird,’ I said, trying to break the tension. My heart was racing; my blood was flowing to each part of my body. I felt the heat rising. I hadn’t felt that feeling in a very long time.
‘Were you expecting for it to light up or something?’ he asked.
‘Just anything, I guess.’
‘Okay,’ he said. He moved closer to me. We moved slowly towards each other. Our noses slightly touched, and then our lips made contact. Our eyes were closed. Kissing his lips made me feel like it was only the two of us, sharing a moment. Brushing mine against him, I softly bit his bottom lip. He smiled while the heat rose in his cheeks. It felt electric, but sweet. Then he placed both his hands around my head, slowly tending his tongue to meet mine. I could feel his warm breath, shallow, dictated by his heartbeat. I used my hands to pull his head closer to mine. I couldn’t get enough of kissing him, and every second that went past, I wanted more and more.
Then we realised we weren’t alone in the house, looked at each other and smiled.
We both wanted more, but for now, it was a perfect first kiss.
CHAPTER 18
£2619.40
During the holiday season, it wasn’t so uncommon for me to miss my mother more than the rest of the year. It was a time where I really struggled being by myself, but luckily it wasn’t something I’d have to worry about. Every Boxing Day I’d share a lovely festive meal with Sara’s parents: Sven and Danielle.
It was another morning of sunshine and brisk breezes. Rays were beaming through the main boulevard in Richmond. I was walking with two bottles of champagne inside my backpack.
Actual expensive champagne. I could afford it now.
The road was silent, as if people were still at home, having a late breakfast.
Sara’s parents’ house was located in a quiet cul-de-sac, surrounded by a gigantic garden. I quickly entered through the black and copper gate and knocked on the main door. The wreath was as gorgeous as ever. A pine needle circle of white and red flowers, glitter and a giant silver bow. Danielle would go extremely over the top when it came to Christmas decorations.
Sven opened the door with a big, bright smile on his face. He was wearing a Santa hat, along with a lovely grey Christmas jumper. His cheeks had a red hue, most likely due to the heat being blasted inside the house. Sara would get cold easily.
‘Hello, mister Leo!’ he said with enthusiasm.
‘Sven!’ I exclaimed.
He hugged me tightly. ‘So good to see you. You look good.’
‘You too! Do you even age?’
‘Constantly, I’m afraid. Come in!’ he said, while closing the door behind me. He grabbed my coat and hung it by the entrance. ‘Everyone is in the kitchen already. Go ahead and get yourself a drink!’
The house was so big. I couldn’t even fathom growing up inside such a huge place. Decorating it must have taken an eternity. Every corner was carefully designed to warm my cold, lonely heart.
‘Is that you, my love?’ Sara shouted, while sitting on a stool, drinking champagne in the kitchen.
‘Hello, gorgeous,’ I said, while giving her a kiss on the cheek.
‘Leo, you made it!’ said Danielle, who was wearing a Christmas apron and working hard on our meal.
I gave her a hug. ‘It smells incredible in here.’
‘Oh, thank you. I think I have gotten the hang of this whole vegan business.’
‘You are really too kind to me,’ I said, with a smile.
‘Hey, we could do with less cholesterol in our lives,’ said Sven, tapping his hand on his belly.
‘Speak for yourself,’ said Sara. ‘Can’t believe my food wishes come after Leo’s!’
‘Yep,’ said Sven, messing her hair up.
‘These are for you, guys,’ I said, while handing out the two bottles.
‘You really didn’t have to,’ said Danielle. ‘Thank you, dear.’
‘Did you rob a bank on your way here?’ asked Sara, suspicious.
‘Shush, you,’ I dismissed, quickly.
Emma entered the kitchen while speaking on the phone, but she quickly ended the call. Work related, by the sounds of it.
‘Hey, book nerd,’ I said to her.
‘Leo, my dear,’ she said while giving me two kisses on the cheeks.
‘Are the presses going crazy?’ I asked.
‘It’s a busy time of year, for sure.’
I sat down next to Sara, sipping the champagne she poured me. Being all together in the kitchen felt remarkably cosy. I was lucky to have this ‘adopted’ family in my life.
‘Has Alfie gone to see his parents?’ I asked Sara.
‘Yeah, he flew to Santorini early this morning,’ she said.
‘Did you guys have a nice Christmas?’
‘It was fine.’
I didn’t want to push for more information. Sara’s wedding stress was probably making her a little snappy.
‘So…when will you be bringing a new boyfriend, Leo?’ asked Sven.
‘Whenever I get rid of this 666 written on my forehead, I guess?’
Sven laughed out loud. ‘A handsome man like you should really not have this much trouble finding someone!’
‘Ah, Sven, if only the world agreed with you…’
‘Oh, here,’ he said, while handing me a small wrapped gift.
‘What is this?’
‘It’s Christmas, Leo. What do you think it is?’ Danielle said.
‘It’s only a little something,’ said Sven.
I quickly opened it. It was a Montblanc pen. I never thought I’d own one in my lifetime. The card inside said, ‘For your first autograph. Love, Sven and Danielle.’