Page 57 of Pay It Forward
“Yep.” And he was sure. Just knowing he had Tom to talk to later was enough to relieve some of the immediate worry. This time the smile was genuine. “Let’s make the most of the party tonight. How about another beer so we can toast your upcoming renovations?”
Before they could make a move, their attention was drawn to Elliot by the sudden drop in volume of the music.
“Okay, okay.” Elliot tapped a knife on the side of his wine glass. “Listen up, folks, I’ve got something to say.”
The chatter died down and all eyes focused on Elliot. He looked like he loved the spotlight—the immaculately tailored shirt, designer jeans, and shining blond halo of hair, but more importantly, the air of confidence, the beaming grin.Oh, to not have a worry in the world and just put yourself out there.
“Anyway, now that I have your attention, I thought it important that we congratulate our host on his biggest achievement so far.” Elliot raised his glass in Phil’s direction. “Well done, mate. We’re all so proud of you.”
Phil gave a bow as everyone called their congratulations. The conversation levels rose until Elliot chimed his glass again.
“Not so fast, everyone. I’ve also got an announcement to make.”
“Oh here we go,” John hissed in a mock whisper. “Another promotion.”
“I heard that! But actually, that’s not correct. Not this time anyway.” Elliot winked and everyone laughed. “I know that amazes most of you, but this has nothing to do with work. This has to do with yours truly finally joining the grown-ups. This afternoon I put down a deposit on a house.”
“Holy shit, man. That’s serious stuff. Congrats.” Tom was the first to step forward and offer his congratulations, leaving Bailey’s side to wrap Elliot in a huge hug. He slapped him on the back. “So happy for you. Well done.”
They stepped back and Elliot smiled. “Couldn’t let myself get outdone by all you guys, with your big contracts and your own businesses, could I?”
“I think you do okay.” Tom chuckled. “And this isn’t a competition, you know.”
Tom leaned in and whispered something against Elliot’s ear, too low for Bailey to hear. Elliot’s face clouded over, but he nodded. The two men stepped back, Tom’s hands on Elliot’s shoulders much as they’d been on Bailey’s earlier. They nodded at each other, just a brief dip of heads before moving in for another quick hug. By the time they’d parted, Elliot’s smile was back.
Someone turned the music back up and the party returned to full swing. As he leaned on the wall watching the action—laughing, talking, drinking, dancing—the dark feelings returned. He definitely didn’t provide any competition to Elliot.I only serve to make everyone else look so much better.
“Hey.” Tom returned to his side, a couple of beers in hand. He passed one over.
“Thanks.”
“Great news about Elliot’s house, isn’t it?” Tom said with a quick glance over at Elliot.
“Sure. It’s a big step to take.”
Tom nodded. “For Elliot, it’s one of the biggest.”
“Huh?”
“There’s a story there.” Tom chugged on his beer. “I’m sure you’ll find out one day, but for now let’s just say that this house represents more than just a roof over Elliot’s head.”
That didn’t make much sense to Bailey, but he just shrugged. It didn’t change the fact that Elliot had actually bought a house, and Bailey couldn’t afford to rent much more than a shitty one-bedroom apartment from which he was getting tossed out of.
“Hey, you okay?” Tom must have noticed his glum expression.
Fuck, I’m doing a lot of that lately. I need to get out of my own head.
He forced on that smile again. “I’ll be better after this drink and a dance.”
He threw back the rest of the drink, grabbed Tom’s hand, and dragged him to the makeshift dance floor. Okay, so it was only a crowded corner of the lounge room but it served its purpose. Pushed up against Tom, his hard body pressed against Bailey’s, with the beer buzz warming his bloodstream, all thoughts drifted away. He let his feelings for Tom take over, nuzzled into his neck, and together they moved as one to the music.
