Coming Clean
"Stephen…He loved the way he said his name. That accent. The unmistakable lust only he could hear. We have a problem. That brought him back to reality with a bang. Brendan didn't handle 'problems' all that well. He flinched instinctively. Not that kind of problem."
"Oh."
"It's Mitzeee. He held up his hand to silence him before he began. When he was nervous he had a habit of rambling on without thinking. As much as Brendan usually loved to watch him squirm there wasn't time today. She's coming in here at lunchtime for a chat with Cheryl and my concern Stephen is that she may be planning to expose…us."
"Us?"
"Our little moment of weakness. He couldn't help seeming confused. He turned to jelly all the time around Brendan, so which moment in particular was he referring to? Last week on the staircase. He clarified as a smile played on his lips."
"Ah."
"Yes Stephen Ah doesn't really cover it. She wants me to do her a favour in return for her silence, but I'm not all too comfortable with playing her silly games."
"So what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to get in there first."
"What? Completely caught unawares he elbowed a drinking glass sending it onto the floor. You're going to come clean to Cheryl?"
"It appears to be my only option. He seemed too calm. Stephen wasn't buying it. Which means you have to talk to Rae."
"Brendan have you thought this through? Rae's pregnant and think of your reputation."
"It's a little late for that Stephen. Warren knows the truth as did Danny."
"Did? Why did Brendan?"
"I couldn't risk him blabbing my secret before I was ready, but Warren, he walked in just as I was…"
"As you were what?"
"Dealing with a small problem."
"Brendan did you-?"
"It's not important Stephen. What is important is that by lunchtime today our secret will no longer be a secret."
"And you're okay about that?"
"I can't go around killing everyone who discovers the truth can I?"
He questioned almost hopefully.
"No you can't."
"In that case I beat her to the punch."
"Do you want me with you?"
"Yes Stephen."
He mumbled so quietly he wasn't convinced he'd even said the words.
"Say that again."
"I said yes Stephen."
Brendan blushed furiously he had never felt so weak in his entire life. The thought of depending on someone else was alien to him, but if he was going to do this they had to do it together.
"You want to tell her now?"
"She's due here in half an hour."
"And you're sure about this?"
"Ask me in an hour or so."
He joked in an attempt to lighten the mood, as he closed the gap between them and tenderly kissed his expectant lips.
"We can do this."
Stephen squeezed his hand encouragingly.
"I wish I had your faith Stephen. I really do."
He ended lamely as he saw Cheryl framed in the doorway, her jaw literally on the floor.
"What the hells goin' on here then?"