Chapter 11

A couple of days later

"Who are you?"

"What?" Syed cries, turning quickly around from the computer screen; he hadn't heard the front door open.

"What are you doing in my son's apartment?" a smartly-dressed, middle-aged woman demands, closing the door behind her and marching into the room.

"I'm staying here for a few days, weeks; I'm helping Danny with … I'm a friend of Danny's," he nervously tries to explain.

"My son hasn't got any friends; I'm calling the police," she announces, reaching into her bag for her mobile and what appears to be a can of some kind of spray.

"No, please; call Danny first, he'll explain everything," Syed urgently begs.

Whilst keeping one suspicious eye on him, and the can of spray pointed at him, Mrs Pennant dials her son's number.

"Danny, there's a man in your apartment," she gets straight to the point as soon as he answers.

"A friend, yes, that's what he said," she replies after listening to her son's explanation.

"I've got an appointment at the hospital; remember, you offered to come with me," she seems to protest in response to something he's said.

"I only got confirmation yesterday afternoon; a last-minute cancellation, they said. I tried to call you a few times last night but it kept going to voicemail; I left a message …"

"Here, he wants to speak to you," she abruptly addresses Syed, handing him the phone.

"Danny, hi," he greets, doing his best to sound casually friendly.

"Leave for the restaurant immediately," he orders.

"Okay, I …," Syed starts to say, but he is talking to himself.

"You'll have to excuse me, Mrs Pennant, I have to leave for work now," he tells her as he goes to shut down his computer.

"You didn't look like someone who was about to leave when I came in," she dismisses. "I'm going to boil the kettle, come join me." She walks off, expecting him to follow.

"I'm actually late," he tries. "I work part-time at my brother's restaurant, and we're usually very busy over lunchtime; I need to leave now if I am to help him prepare food, set tables …," his voice trails off, as he senses her lack of interest.

"Nonsense, I'm sure you can spare 10 minutes," she dismisses.

Reluctantly giving in, Syed takes a deep breath and walks slowly towards the kitchen.

#

"So, what's the deal with you and my son?" Mrs Pennant demands, sitting down opposite him and handing him a cup of coffee.

"We're friends."

"And …"

"And, nothing."

"Danny's a very private person; he would never just let someone move in, even for a few days. What are you really doing here?"

"I really am just …"

"Are you together? Are you his … boyfriend?" she asks, surprised; the possibility suddenly occurring to her. And Syed is surprised to see her looking more than a little pleased at the idea.

"No, it's nothing like that," he assures her.

"To be honest, it's a relief to know he has someone special in his life. For years, I've been so worried about him; going out God knows where, risking getting beaten up or worse …"

"Mrs Pennant, you've got this wrong …"

"I spent a long time hoping and praying that it was just a phase, that he would grow out of it; but eventually I had to accept that he'll probably never be interested in girls."

"I'm not really the best person to talk to about this."

"I won't lie to you, you're not ideal," Mrs Pennant admits candidly, "but I'd rather he was with you than lying dead in some park behind some trees."

"Um, thank you, I think?" Syed responds doubtfully.

"Apart from your sinful weakness, I'm sure you're a good boy; tell me about your family."

"My family live about 5 minutes away; my dad's a postman, but that's not the point," Syed tries to get them back on the right track.

"We should meet …"

"No, please listen to me …"

"I can tell by your manner of speaking that you've been well brought up," she carries on, her enthusiasm growing as she focuses on the positives.

"Mrs Pennant, your son and I have nothing more than a working relationship," Syed insists, his voice growing firmer in an attempt to get through to her. "And I want you to trust that I know what I'm talking about when I say that Danny can take care of himself in any situation; you have absolutely nothing to worry about," he confidently assures. "Not that ... these days ... as a rule, people tend to be a little more accepting."

"How did you meet? Were you out cruising?" Mrs Pennant asks curiously.

"No, I wasn't cruising," he responds, holding back a smile. "I've been in a relationship for three years; we've just recently broken up."

"With a man?"

"Yes."

"Your parents must worry about you?"

"My parents worry about me for many reasons," Syed admits with a sad smile.

"It's all such a shame," she sighs.

"It doesn't have to be," Syed gently suggests. "My mum and dad didn't speak to me for over a year when they found out I was gay; but eventually we grew close again; and when I got married they were at my wedding …"

"You're married?"

"Well, yes, sort of … last October ..."

"Sort of?"

"I am married, but we've split up …"

"Why did you break up?"

"I, um … kind of cheated," he mumbles, blushing.

"With Danny?"

"No, another guy … Gary," he quickly fabricates.

"If you loved your husband …"

"Christian."

"… Christian, enough to marry him, why would you cheat after such a short time?"

"It was a few weeks before the wedding. I met Gary …"

"You know, you people would get a lot more respect if you behaved more responsibly," Mrs Pennant sharply cuts across him in a fit of temper at Syed's casual treatment of the holy sacrament of marriage.

"I didn't want to get married, I wasn't ready," he quickly, anxiously tries to defend himself. "My husband put a lot of pressure on me; I was afraid that if I told him I wasn't ready, he'd see it as a sign that I didn't love him, and break up with me," he surprises them both by admitting.

"Surely he wouldn't have done anything so drastic; if you explained …"

"In the two years we were together before we got married, he left (or threatened to leave) me more than once to get his way over one thing or another."

"Without knowing the whole story, I wouldn't like to comment," Mrs Pennant says carefully, "but it doesn't sound to me like you had a very healthy relationship, if you don't mind me saying," she offers her comment.

"It wasn't always like that," Syed replies wistfully.

"Is there any chance you might get back with him?"

"No, it's too late; too much has changed."

"The guy …"

He nods.

"Was he worth it?"

"Yes," he bashfully admits.

"And you haven't been able to forget him?"

"No."

"How did you meet?" she asks, intrigued in spite of herself.

"I was working in my brother's restaurant, and one day he walked in with a couple of other guys. I didn't notice him straight away because I was preoccupied, worried about … something. But I ended up serving his table, and couldn't help overhearing bits of the conversation. They were mainly talking business, and the other two guys were hanging on his every word. He seemed so sure of himself; and no matter the topic of conversation, he had an interesting observation to make, some amusing comment to add. But it wasn't just that; there was a certain something about him that drew you in … With very little effort, he had you believing you could trust him; you found yourself being influenced by him …"

Mrs Pennant notes with amusement that Syed has become a little distracted, as he remembers a man who has clearly bewitched him ... "I'm guessing he was tall, dark and handsome; it would ruin the whole story if he wasn't," she teasingly prompts.

"He was gorgeous," Syed admits with a coy smile.

"And you let him know you were interested?"

"No, the idea of doing that would never have crossed my mind; as far as I was concerned, I was with Christian; it was a done deal."

"So, how did you end up getting together?"

"When he was leaving the restaurant, he discretely let me know he was interested," Syed admits; now beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable having this conversation with Danny's mother.

"What did he do?" she eagerly demands.

"Well, it wasn't anything really," he responds embarrassed.

She waits for him to continue.

"It was just a look, a meaningful look," he murmurs self-consciously, "it was just for a second, but …"

"… it was enough," she says knowingly.

He nods.

"What happened then?"

"Well, to be honest, I didn't think I'd ever see him again, but later that day he came back and we talked for a bit; and the following day he asked me to go for a drink with him."

"And what did you say?"

"I knew I shouldn't; but the pull towards him was so strong, and eventually we … um … went for a drink; and afterwards, everything felt different; and I've never been able to get back what I had before I met him."

"Where is he now?"

"Well ..."

"Syed, what are you still doing here?" Danny barks from the doorway.

"Your mum asked me to keep her company," Syed explains, quickly getting up. "It's been nice meeting you, Mrs Pennant," he adds, with a smile.

"You too," Mrs Pennant warmly responds, and she finds she truly means it; "and please call me Melissa," she impulsively invites.

"Okay, enough," Danny impatiently interrupts the cosy scene. "You, out," he orders, marching over to grab Syed by the arm to help him along.

"Danny, don't be so rude," his mother calls after them as he practically drags him out the door.

"What did you say to my mother?" he demands as soon as they are alone by the lift.

"Nothing, she wants you to find someone …"

"I asked you to leave; were my words not clear enough?"

"Your mother …"

"In future, you do what I say, understood? You haven't forgotten why you're here?"

"No," Syed obediently replies; his voice subdued, his eyes now averted.

From nowhere, Danny is struck by an overwhelming feeling of guilt. "I'm sorry," he says huskily.

Syed risks looking up, "I didn't give you away," he gently assures.

"No," Danny says softly, leaning forward to kiss him. As he goes to pull back, Syed's hand moves to the back of his head to hold him and prolong the kiss.

A sharp intake of breath has them breaking apart. "See something you like?" Danny asks the man standing inside the lift looking out at them with an expression slowly changing from shock to disgust. "Fancy a three-some?" he adds, taking a threatening step towards him.

Deciding he definitely doesn't, the man repeatedly presses the button to close the lift doors; his expression now slightly horrified.

"That was a wicked thing to do," Syed says, the beginnings of a smile tugging at his lips.

"It would have been rude not to offer," Danny laughs.

They stand smiling at each other for a long moment. "Who did your mum sell her soul to, to get you those eyes?" he asks softly.

Syed blushes at the compliment.

"Don't you like my eyes, then?" he teases.

"I like your everything," Syed shyly confesses, and is rewarded with another kiss.

Becoming aware that his mother could walk out at any time, Danny reluctantly ends the kiss sooner than either of them would have liked. "I'd better get back inside, mum will wonder where I've got to," he regretfully suggests.

Syed nods in agreement.

"See you tonight," he says, giving him another quick kiss before turning to go into the flat.

#

"He seems nice," Mrs Pennant immediately begins, "very polite, respectful; it's a shame about his marriage."

"What did he tell you?" Danny asks warily.

"Only that he cheated with some guy, and then couldn't forget him."

"Really?" Danny asks, in what he hopes is a suitably casual tone.

"Did you know his husband?"

"No, not really; I've probably spoken to him once or twice," he offers vaguely.

"How did he seem?"

"Why are you so interested in Christian?"

"Did you see them together? Did you think they made a good match?"

"Well, obviously they didn't; since they've broken up," Danny snaps irritably.

"It's nice of you to let Syed stay here," she fishes.

"He's earning his keep; he was doing work for me this morning before you interrupted him. Now, what about this hospital appointment?" Danny tries to re-focus her attention.

"I do really like him, your friend Syed; he's got a very gentle way about him," Mrs Pennant persists.

"Yes, he does," he agrees, turning away before she can see anything in his face which might give him away. He needn't have bothered, the way his voice softens over the words works just as well.

"Have you made yourself a drink? Would you like something to eat?" he asks awkwardly after a short silence. He heads in the direction of the kitchen. "I'll make some tea …"

"I'm glad you've got a nice person, a nice … man like him in your life," Mrs Pennant quietly concedes.

Surprised, Danny quickly turns back around to face her. His mouth opens to ask if she truly means it, but the words never come.

She sees it all reflected in his face: the moment of happiness, followed immediately by doubt; and then crushing disappointment, as he convinces himself that he has read too much into a casual comment.

"Actually, today's not a really good day for me," he begins, his voice hoarse. "I'll call Vince; I think he's on nights this week …" He starts to reach into his pocket for his phone.

"Danny, don't call your brother," Mrs Pennant pleads. Walking quickly to him, she puts her hand over his hand dialling the number, and is shocked to feel him shaking.

He has behaved so coldly towards her for years, and it breaks her heart to know that he only tolerates her presence in his life because she's his mother. And yet, to now realise that he has never stopped needing her; that he has been waiting all this time for her to accept him …

"I hope you find happiness and contentment with Syed," she cries, the words bursting from her; her voice choked with tears.

"You do?" Danny manages to whisper.

"Yes, love," she tenderly assures, leaning forward to press a kiss against his cheek.

"I was going to make some tea," he offers vaguely.

She follows him into the kitchen, and watches as he clumsily attempts to fill the kettle, his hands still shaking.

"It really is a shame about Syed's marriage breaking down, even though it wasn't a proper one between a man and woman," she offers conversationally; driving a horse and cart through the moment.

"Mum," he barks, instantly jumping back onto the field of battle. "For God's sake, just stop pretending to be interested in my life."

"What did I say?" she asks innocently. "You're so over sensitive; but, I suppose it's only natural …," she trails off when he flashes her a warning look.

Abandoning the kettle, Danny goes to pour himself a stiff drink, but then changes his mind; realising it won't be enough, that a whole bottle wouldn't be enough to insulate him against her nonsense. "What time is your appointment?" he growls.

"Not until 4pm."

"Let's leave now; we can grab a bite to eat somewhere near the hospital." He grabs his keys and walks out, leaving her to follow.

"But it's only just gone 10," she protests.

#

"So are you in love with him?" she dares to press him further, as soon as they are on their way. "I know, you don't date in the conventional sense of the word; you meet different men but aren't serious about any of them; Tara told me … Only to have him staying with you must mean …"

As she witters on, Danny's blood begins to boil. "Sometimes, even the sound of her voice irritates him," he privately acknowledges. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly; his knuckles whitening with the effort. "How does she manage to insult me with every single sentence she utters?" he wonders incredulously. Taking a deep breath and slowly releasing it, he tries to calm down. "Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts," he coaches himself; and out of nowhere, he sees Syed's face, his beautiful smile. He begins to calm down, his hands relax their grip; and his mother stops mid-sentence when she sees that he is smiling. "When did I last see him smile?" she wonders in amazement. She also wonders whether he would notice if she were to text Tara to tell her that her brother has finally found a man he can love; and also someone she thinks she can cope with; not a woman, sadly, but such a nice boy all the same."

Mother and son sit quietly for the rest of the journey, both thinking happy thoughts.

"Danny," she says as they pull into a parking space outside the hospital. She takes his hand to make sure she's got his attention.

"Mum," he replies with a long-suffering sigh; and he waits for some unwitting put down or other.

"If you are getting serious about Syed, you should be careful; he really seems to be smitten with that other guy."

"Who? Christian?"

"No, the one he cheated with."

"I'll be sure to be careful," Danny assures, surprising her by impulsively leaning forward to kiss her on the cheek.

"Good," she says, and her heart lifts as she starts to truly believe that it is.