Chapter 66

“I’m sorry. Look, um, Thommo, he’s, well he’s likely to say something, and,” Paul seemed very interested in a spot on the soggy carpet. “I didn’t want him, or anyone to upset you.”

“Oh I see.” Trevor wasn’t sure he did.

“I’m fucking this up, I know I am. Look, many of my mates aren’t exactly tolerant, or—”

“You just didn’t want them to know you’re living in the same house as a poofter.”

“No.” Paul shook his head. “It’s—”

“Don’t worry, Paul, I understand.” In a quieter voice he added, “All too well.” Trevor left the dining room. He walked down the hallway and headed out the front door.

The ride home was made in silence. Trevor, despite having faced rejection, ridicule and downright hostility many times, couldn’t understand why Paul’s behaviour hurt so much.

Pulling up outside Trevor’s modest semi-detached with its small garden, Paul shut off the engine, but made no move to get out of the car.

“Trev, I—”