Kind of from Paul's point of view

The First Meeting

"Ready in 10 minutes everyone." Dan, the producer called out; causing Paul to turn around. He looked to see who he would be performing with that evening. Betty Thomas and John Sessions were deep in conversation, and someone who Paul didn't recognise stood awkwardly by his chair. Catching Paul staring at him he raised a hand and proceeded towards him.

"Tony Slattery." The man said, thrusting out his hand.

"Paul. Paul Merton." Paul accepted the hand tentatively, only to have his hand shaken tightly and vigorously.

"It's my first time on this you know. I sent a video of myself doing stand up and the producers said I could come on the show."

"Oh... really?" Paul didn't know what to make of the fast talking, energetic man in front of him. Just then there came a "Get ready" from behind camera one. Paul rushed to his seat and waited for the show to begin.

After the Show

Paul, Tony and John met up in the pub after filming.

"Who's buying?" John questioned.

Tony reached for his wallet, but Paul put his hand over his to stop him.

"I'll pay." With his other hand he reached for his own wallet and handed John a 20 pound note.

"Much appreciated." John scraped his chair on the stone floor as he moved backwards, and sidled up to the bar. Paul realised that he still had his hand on Tony's, and pulled away blushing.

"You didn't have to do that you know. " Tony spoke softly.

"It's only fair- it being your first day and all." Paul shifted uncomfortably in his seat at the strange look Tony was giving him. Luckily John came back with three tankards of overflowing beer.

"Here we go." He set the tankards down and placed Paul's change in the middle of the table. They chatted for a bit, each taking it in turns to get the drinks. On about the sixth round John turned to Tony. "So what kind of thing are you into then?"

Tony flushed slightly. "What do you mean?"

"You know, like chicks or guys or...animals?" John giggled drunkenly.

"Well it's all in consideration isn't it... I mean, sometimes I like one type... but it's relativity... men and women... it's complicated." Tony was bright red and stumbled over his words. John rested his head against Paul's shoulder. "You should talk to P...Pauly here, he can show you a good time, c...c...can't you... Pauly-Wauly?" There was a seconds rest, then John's head slid off Paul and onto the wooden table with a resounding "Clunk." He started snoring loudly. Paul raised an eyebrow disapprovingly. "You're gay?" Tony said with a hint of surprise.

"Yes. Why are you so surprised?"

"It's just that, well, you don't seem the type to be honest."

There was an awkward silence.

"So you and John..."

"Oh Lord no, definitely not! John has a girlfriend called Jane who lives with him."

"And you're not with anyone?"

"Not currently. Now come on, help me get him home."

Later that night\ morning

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Paul rubbed his eyes and glanced blearily at the clock beside him. 2:33 blazed up at him.

He groaned and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" He said, stifling a yawn.

"Hi Paul, it's Tony."

"Tony, it's half past two in the morning!"

"Is it? Sorry, I don't sleep well. I was just wondering..."

"Yeah?"

"Whether, Whether you wanted to meet up for lunch tomorrow?

"Um, okay. Where?"

"Angel Street Cafe' at 12?"

"I'll see you there."

"Bye!"

"Bye."