Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The weekend flew by. Of course, Mercury and Nick's kiss had been interrupted by Eddie confirming they were allowed in the main room once more. They hadn't been able to talk although the text exchanges they'd shared over the next two days told Mercury all he needed to know. Nick was more than interested. Mercury made it clear the feeling was mutual.

On Sunday night, Jeannie came round. They were in the conservatory while a summer rainstorm pounded on the glass roof.

"Is this a good idea?" she asked.

"Probably not," Mercury replied. "I can't stop it."

Jeannie hugged her knees as she curled up on the chaise longue. She looked incredible in a floral maxi dress. "I love that feeling," she said. "When it's something that's bigger than both of you."

He couldn't think of a better way to describe it.

"It's like we've been on a collision course ever since I first rang the bell. He's gorgeous."

"I know. I saw the video."

Mercury grinned. He'd released the video to much acclaim. A lot of his followers were outraged that such a worthy scheme was under threat. He only hoped that transferred to donations.

"Have you heard from him over the weekend?"

Mercury nodded. "I suggested we had a lunch date."

"Oh, you bold thing, you," Jeannie replied with a laugh.

"You know me," Mercury said. "I'm not really one for letting the grass grow under my feet."

"So why am I here instead of him?"

Mercury had suggested he went over to Nick's. He didn't know if Nick was ready to enter the world of Queens Crescent just yet.

"He's with family. It's his mother's birthday."

"Leaving you in blue-ball hell?" Jeannie replied.

Mercury pouted. "I don't want to jump into bed with him anyway. I wouldn't mind another kiss."

He had never been one to throw his clothes off at the earliest opportunity. Of course, he had lived a full life. However, Mercury believed that sex got better the more you did it with someone. He had no interest in playing the numbers game Bobby and some of his other friends obsessed over.

"And what's next for the campaign?"

"The follower counts are decent," Mercury said. "I took some pics of the house. The kids have taken consent forms home. They're all desperate to help. What they don't realise is that it involves a massive cleaning effort tomorrow. If we're going to get the public on side, the place has to be the best it can be."

Jeannie regarded him. "They've really got under your skin, haven't they?"

"Don't you start," Mercury replied. "Bobby thinks I'm going through my Princess Diana phase."

"Oh, ignore him," Jeannie said. "I think this is good for you. Honestly, I do. I've never seen you this riled up."

Mercury got up and stood at the window, watching the water create little rivers. "I've lived my life with such protection."

Jeannie sat up. "That's not true. You had a rough beginning."

"Yeah, I don't really remember that. Ever since we came here, life has always been full of possibilities. I never stopped to think it wasn't like that for everyone."

"You're developing a social conscience."

"Is that so bad?"

"Not at all," Jeannie replied. "When I started to make money, I had major guilt. My school friends can't hope to live with a tenth of what I do. At first, I gave most of it away."

Mercury frowned. "At first?"

"People changed toward me. Instead of contacting me to see how I was doing, they wanted cash or tickets to events. Whatever. In the end, my mum announced it would be stopping immediately."

Mercury shook his head. "Wow. Your mum sounds like quite a woman."

"You have no idea," Jeannie replied. "Obviously, I'm there in times of real need. Plus, I have investments that pay my close family dividends. They get more than they were earning but no handouts. Since then, I've got my family back."

Mercury perched on the end of the chaise longue. "Maybe that's what I should do. Give them a wad of cash and be done with it."

Jeannie shook her head. "No, you're going about it the right way. In fact, I think I might be able to help."

Monday morning rolled around and Mercury barely stayed within the speed limit due to his excitement at getting to the House. However, he also didn't fancy getting arrested for dangerous driving or whatever. His time on the wrong side of the law had ended. For good.

He parked up and almost sprinted round the back. He found Nick in the kitchen with Hassan, Anna, Olena and some others. The smell of burnt toast permeated Mercury's nostrils.

"Do we need the fire brigade?"

Olena leapt up and hugged him. A habit she had formed ever since he had gone to her defence at the climbing wall.

"Hassan decided to make everyone breakfast."

"Oh well, I'm sure you got the hang of it eventually."

Hassan held up a perfect slice of toast. "Sure did."

"It took nearly a whole loaf of bread," Nick said.

They locked eyes. Mercury blushed. They had shared a few texts over the weekend which had been borderline saucy. Yet, there was a huge pink elephant in the room and they would have to deal with it.

"What did you do this weekend, Mercury?" Anna asked.

"I spent most of it plotting and planning for this place," Mercury replied. "I've got major news. I have to speak to Nick first."

He had no intention of having an argument with Nick by blurting things out in front of the kids.

"Boo," Hassan said. "Secrets are for losers."

"They are," Mercury replied. "Yet things have to be done in the right order. Hands up who wants to help with the campaign today."

All the kids raised their hands immediately.

"That's brilliant news," Mercury replied. "Guess what we're doing?"

"What?" Olena asked.

"Cleaning."

A collective groan reverberated around the kitchen table.

"Do we have to?" Hassan asked.

"Absolutely," Nick replied. "The cleaner things are, the better they'll look."

Hassan chewed on a crust thoughtfully. "Do we get a treat?"

He was a hard negotiator. No wonder he enjoyed Monopoly so much.

"Ice creams all round. How does that sound?" Mercury said.

They all cheered.

Mercury turned to Nick. "Can I have a word?"

"You sure can. Everyone, when you've finished eating, let's get this table cleared. Start as we mean to go on."

They went through into the office. As soon as the door closed, Nick spun Mercury around and kissed him.

So much for talking it out. Nick had clearly decided that actions spoke louder than words. Mercury gave himself up to the feeling. He parted his lips for Nick to explore with his tongue. Nick wrapped his arms around Mercury and pushed him backward so he leant against the desk.

The last kiss had been so intense the rest of Mercury's body had frozen. He wouldn't make that mistake twice. Instead, he ran his hands over Nick's T-shirt-clad chest. He was toned to perfection. Mercury's cock sprang into life as he imagined what it would be like for them to be naked together.

Judging by the hardness that pressed into Mercury's groin, Nick felt exactly the same way.

Nick drew away and kissed Mercury's forehead. "I've been dying to do that again all weekend."

"Me too."

"Although we shouldn't do it so much here. It's not exactly professional."

"I agree. Gavin would be devastated if he walked in," Mercury said, taking hold of Nick's hand and entwining their fingers. "I'm not sure it would be appropriate for me to go out there just at the moment. These shorts don't hide much."

Nick laughed. "Nor do these jeans. Do you fancy staying late, tonight?"

"I can't," Mercury replied. "Otherwise, I'll be in big trouble."

"That fucking tag."

"I know. Our time will come. Anyway, I did ask you in here to run an idea past you."

Nick pouted. "Charming."

Mercury stole another kiss. "Don't be touchy. Whatever is happening with us can wait a bit longer. I was talking to my mate Jeannie yesterday."

Nick's eyes widened. "You mean Jeannie Butler. I've seen her on your Instagram. You do, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. She's offered to speak to her friend who's the editor of Living in London . She reckons they'll do a feature if she gives her blessing."

Nick stood back. Mercury missed the feel of his body.

"What will it involve?"

"Photos of the house. Shots of the kids playing and hanging out. You being the big sexy bossman."

Nick rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever."

"Why don't you call Fenella and see what she thinks?" Mercury said. "I reckon it's a decent idea though. It's not a rag. We can trust them."

"Fine, I'll call her now."

"Good stuff," Mercury replied. "I'd better go and supervise the kitchen. I dread to think what Hassan is up to."

He went to the door.

"Mercury," Nick said. "I do want to talk to you at some point. About us."

"Me too," Mercury replied. "Just not yet. Let's not ruin things."

As he walked through into the kitchen, Mercury cursed inwardly. Why did they have to talk? Couldn't they just let things develop naturally? He understood that Nick might feel conflicted. Mercury really should control himself in Bodhi House. If one of the kids got wind of what was going on, it wouldn't be a secret for very long.

He grudgingly supposed Nick was right after all. Perhaps they did need a chat to establish boundaries and intentions. That had never been Mercury's way.

And look at the catalogue of disasters I've had.

Two days later and Mercury stood at the front door. The photographer would be there at any minute. The house was spick and span. The kids had arrived in their best outfits. Even Eddie had managed to arrange cover to attend. It touched Mercury greatly. It wouldn't have been the same without him.

A Mercedes pulled up. That had to be him. Out hopped a small man with bright pink hair. The kids would absolutely love this.

"Hello," the man shouted.

"Hi," Mercury replied.

The man hauled a bag almost bigger than him from the back seat and slung it over his shoulder. He came down the garden path.

"You must be Mercury?"

"That's me."

"I'm Martin. Jeannie told me about this place. I must say, you're a surprise. I expected you to go full Paris Hilton."

Mercury ignored the comment. He needed Martin on side. Besides, most people had expected that. He was more than happy to prove them all wrong.

He showed Martin through. The kids were lined up like modern Von Trapps. Nick stood behind them like a proud father.

"My goodness," Martin said. "We do have a photogenic crowd. That makes things much easier. If you'd been ugly, I would have had to hide you behind the sofa."

The kids all burst into laughter. Instantly, Mercury relaxed.

"Where shall we start?" Martin asked.

"The cinema room," Mercury said. "Come with me."

He led Martin into the room.

"In my head, I visualised the kids watching a movie. Can you set it up it so it appears the screen is lighting them? They'll be all bright-eyed and innocent."

Martin frowned. "I can see you've done some homework."

"Oh, I have all the shots in my head."

"Lucky me," Martin said drily.

"Obviously, I'll take instruction from you."

"Wonderful," Martin replied. "It's all become clear why you've been reborn into a do-gooder."

Mercury didn't like his tone. "What do you mean?"

"That man. He's gorgeous. I expect you'll be working late one night and, whoops, your clothes fall off. Or has that already happened? Word on the grapevine is you're spending every waking minute here. Probably a few sleeping ones too if I know Mercury Morrison."

Martin might not be a journalist, but he still swam in the same toxic waters. If that was the angle they were after, they could fuck right off.

"I have a tag, Martin," Mercury replied. "I'm safe in my mother's house each evening. I didn't realise you were a fiction writer."

"I'm not."

"Well, that's good to know. Perhaps we should all stay in our lanes and we'll get along fine. Jeannie spoke highly of you. I'd hate her to change her opinion. If you hear these rumours again, you can tell them that I'm doing what is expected of me. Nothing more. Nothing less."

Martin held his hands up. "I was only joking, mate."

"I understand that," Mercury replied. "I wasn't though. Your gossip could fuck things right up. Do you understand?"

Without waiting for a reply, he stalked out of the room. He absolutely would talk to Jeannie about this man.

Three hours later and Martin was almost at breaking point. Mercury had worked him tirelessly. They had done shots in the art room, the cinema room, the main room, the kitchen and in the garden.

"Gosh, it's warm, isn't it?" Martin said. The sweat soaked through his T-shirt.

"Is it?" Mercury replied.

Martin zipped up his bag. "They're wonderful kids," he said. "Mercury, I'm sorry for what I said. Spending time here, I can understand why you're so involved. I shouldn't have made light of it."

Mercury clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Jeannie said she fancied doing a shoot with me soon. She's had this crazy idea of us dressing up as celebrity couples. She's got a perfume out and soon I'll be free to hit the city at night. Would you be interested?"

"Too bloody right I would."

"Great. I'll have her call you."

Martin picked up the huge bag again and allowed Mercury to take him to the door. As he stepped out onto the garden path, he stopped.

"I really wish you luck, you know."

"Thank you."

Mercury watched him walk off to his car. It was almost like Mercury's old life had come to visit his new one for the day. Yet, the fact that he was the subject of idle chitchat bothered him. Why did people have to find bad in everything?

He closed the door and wandered into the main room. Nick sat on his own on the sofa.

"Where is everyone?"

"Cath's taken them to the park to get rid of some of that energy. Their parents won't thank us for returning them in the state they're in at the moment. We might as well have filled them with fizzy orange pop. I haven't seen Eddie this fired up ever."

Mercury leant against the doorframe. "It's been a good afternoon, hasn't it?"

"The best," Nick replied. "Fancy coming over here? There's no one else around."

But Martin's words were still reverberating around Mercury's head. If he and Nick became an item, is that what everyone would think? That Mercury was saving the house simply to get his leg over?

"Nick. You were right. It's not professional."

Nick's face dropped. "Oh…oh I see. Shit, yeah, I did. No, you're right."

He got up. Mercury desperately wanted to go to him.

"Nick…"

"I'd better get on with some things. With all this attention, my inbox is bursting at the seams."

He went into the office where he closed the door. Mercury could kick himself. Why did everything happen at once?