Chapter 9

Aaron awoke after what was probably the worst night's sleep he could ever remember. Ed was still sleeping soundly next to him. Aaron shook his head and climbed out of the bed and began getting ready for work.

Ed was still asleep by the time Aaron was ready to leave. Unsure of what kind of mood his boyfriend would be in, Aaron decided to let Ed sleep and headed to work.

"You look like shit" Cain said as Aaron arrived on the forecourt

"Good morning Cain, Wonderful to see you too."

"Don't get cheeky with me Nancy. I'm not in the mood. Get us a brew."

Aaron sighed and headed into the back. He returned a few minutes later and slammed Cain's cup down on the table "There. There's your bloody brew."

"Is there ever going to be one day when you come into work and actually force yourself to smile?"

"Maybe I don't feel like smiling Cain."

"Awh. Lover's tiff? Did Tracey not share his breakfast with you this morning?"

"Cain, seriously, do one. If you know what's good for you you'll leave me alone. Other people might be scared of you but I'm certainly not."

"Are you threatening me, Aaron?"

"What would you do if I was? Hit me?"

"I never hit one of me own Aaron. Just get some work done and work yourself out of that bad mood. I've already had three customer compaints about your attitude this week and if I get another one, it'll be the last one you ever get, if you get my drift. The tyres need changing on that Corsa. I want it done by lunchtime."

Aaron rolled his eyes again and headed over to the Corsa, muttering expletives under his breath.

eeeeeeee

Lunchtime couldn't have came quick enough for Aaron. As soon as 1pm hit, Ed was waiting at the garage.

"You sneaked out early this morning!"

"Didn't wana wake you. So where you wanting to go for lunch?"

"Just go back to the woolie. I've already placed my order with Marlon. I got you something too."

"Thanks. What have I got?"

"Well I got you a tuna panini. Think you're eating too much of the wrong stuff."

"Are you saying I'm fat, Ed?"

"No! Just think you should try eating a bit healthier, that's all. Not going to get any goodness from the amount of fizzy drinks and crisps I see you shovelling."

"Fine. Whatever."

Ed and Aaron entered the warm pub and found Adam sulking in the corner.

Aaron made his way over as Ed paid for thier drinks "What's up with you?"

"Dad's doing me head in mate. I'm fed up of the attitude he's giving me. He doesn't trust me to do the simplest things and it's really winding me up!"

Ed joined the boys at the table and slipped in beside Aaron, throwing his arm around Aaron's shoulder "The panini's will be out soon babes. You ok Adam?"

"Yeah. I'll be alright. Anyway, how are you two getting on?"

"Great" Ed smiled "Never been happier. I know he'll hate me for saying this, but I'm so lucky to have him. He's my world. Don't know what I'd do without him."

"Awh that's great. Made up for you. Just take care of him Ed, yeah? I know he don't look it but he's fragile.."

"I am here you know!" Aaron laughed

"Sorry babe." Ed grinned, moving in to kiss Aaron.

"Lads...Not while I'm eating, yeah?"

"Oh...So it's not okay for me and Ed to kiss infront of you while you're eating, but it was perfectly ok for you to confess you'd been having a three month affair with your girlferiend's mother while I was?"

"You dark horse Adam!" Ed laughed

"That's me!"

"Be back in a bit lads, just going to nip to the loo."

Once Ed was out of earshot, Adam looked at Aaron and smiled. "You know what? Maybe, just maybe, I was wrong about him. He seems like a nice guy. I guess I was just scared for you after everything that happened with Jackson. Don't let this one get away eh? You deserve a bit of happiness kid."

Aaron nodded his head and drank his pint. Ed really confused him. Was he just putting on an act in public, or had he actually realised the extent of his actions last night and decided it was time to change?