Any Day

by Brian Lancaster

  A gasp of relief burst from Adrian, a breath he hadn’t even realised he’d been holding

  “Is that it? Is that what you wanted to ask me?” said Lenny, aghast. “You wondered if I wanted to be with you?”

  “Yes. Well, no. Well, partly.”

  “Okay. Well I’m glad we’ve cleared that up…”

  They both laughed at the same time, and Adrian decided to take the next step.

  “I know I’m in Drayton and you’re in London, but I’m prepared to drive to you whenever I can. Or you can come and stay with me, rather than staying with your mother. But I imagine there’s a lot more for us to do where you live. What I also wanted to know, and only if we were both agreed on being together, is how you might feel about ditching the condoms.”

  Next to him, Lenny’s mouth dropped open in shock, which was not the reaction he had been hoping for, but maybe he needed to clarify.

  “Only if you want to. And only after we’ve both been tested, of course. I’ve stayed clean all these years, but I wouldn’t expect you to agree to this without us both getting tested together. Hey, what’s the matter?”

  Lenny had dropped his head forwards, pushed his hands into his eyes and shook his head slowly from side to side. Seeing this, Adrian put his arm across his shoulders and pulled one of Lenny’s hands away.

  “Hey, buddy, are you okay? We don’t need to—”

  “No, I’m fine,” said Lenny, taking Adrian’s hand and squeezing. “In fact, I’m more than fine, I’m fantastic. I haven’t felt this alive—this optimistic—in years the way I have these past few months or so since meeting you. So yes, whatever you want, I’m prepared to give you. And more.”

  “This does mean you’ll probably have to meet my mother.”

  “Fair enough. You’ve already had the pleasure of meeting mine. But I promise you this, you will never, ever have to meet my aunt.”

  “Oh, yes. I didn’t ask you how that went. Should I bother?”

  “She’s dropping her claim to the house. Sounds like Cousin Matthew might have managed to talk her around. But family or not, she will never change, Ade. You should have seen the look on her face when I told her I was gay. I know your mother’s religious, but from what you tell me, she tries to do good things for other people in the community, socialising and getting you to go around and help out if anyone’s having trouble with their house. Yes, I know she didn’t fight for you when you really needed her support, but I sense that was more because she feared going against your father’s wishes.”

  “I don’t blame her, Lenny. Not anymore. She told me she argued with him about me the morning after I left and did her best to try to find me. But they had no idea where I’d gone because I dropped all contact. Finally she did what she could, contacting her brother and asking him to keep an eye out for me.”

  “But what I’m trying to say,” continued Lenny, “is that good people use their belief to promote kindness in the world, they see loving each other as the most important message for the living. My aunt is not like that. Her belief is her armour, makes her feel superior and protected, locked away from the realities of life. Can you believe she forbade me from using Luke’s name in her presence? The woman is damaged. She refuses to show any kind of remorse, or humanity, or kindness, or courtesy. And, family or not, I don’t need that negativity in my life.”

  “Sounds like you’ve had a rough day. But if you no longer need to worry about going to court, that must be a relief. And you end up keeping this beautiful home.”

  “And this beautiful boyfriend.”

  Adrian’s smile turned into a small grimace.

  “Ooh, boyfriend, huh? At my age? Maybe we can think of something else.”

  “Partner sounds like we’re in business together. How about fella?”

  “How about not. And I’m not keen on better half, either.”

  Lenny chuckled.

  “Let’s agree to a work-in-progress. I’m thinking we have a few things to talk about this weekend. But all that matters to me right now is that you’re going to be a part of my life. How did I get so lucky?”

  Adrian put his hands either side of Lenny’s head turned him around and kissed him full on the mouth, enjoying the sensation for a long moment, before finally pulling apart.

  “I love you, Lenny Day.”

  Lenny’s eyes had been lingering on Adrian’s lips, but with the words spoken, darted up to meet Adrian’s gaze. Instantly, a smile blossomed on his face.

  “Yeah, me too. I love you, Adrian Lamperton.”

  “Okay, lovebirds,” came Toni’s voice from behind them. “Dinner’s about ready. Or do you want to carry on making out on the terrace.”

  Adrian began to stand, but Lenny held him down, and got out his phone.

  “Toni, I promised a persistent work colleague I’d get a photo of us together. Can you take a couple while we still have that amazing sunset in the background?”

  “My pleasure.”

  Adrian and Lenny sat with their arms around each other until Toni was satisfied. After that, she handed the phone back to Lenny.

  “Come and eat. And remember to have a think about what I said, Ade. Maybe see what Lenny thinks. I know you need the work, and Tom’s always on the lookout for good builders.”

  “Who’s Tom?” asked Lenny.

  “Ah,” said Adrian, as they headed in and sat next to each other at the table. “So how would you feel about having a house guest if I were to get some work in London?”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Domestic

  The next morning the four of them enjoyed a simple breakfast sitting around the kitchen island, of sliced fresh fruit, and warmed croissants with butter and jam, washed down with tea and coffee. Leonard listened in to the conversation while making a list of the appliances they needed.

  Something in the air told him that today was going to be a magical day. All the signs were there. Adrian had spoken about the potential for work in London and needing somewhere to crash, leaving Leonard grinning uncontrollably. Even if he thought himself an atheist like his parents, he could almost believe in some higher power bringing them together, bringing him everything he had ever wanted.

  “How did you sleep?” Adrian asked Jack.

  “Best night’s sleep in as long as I can remember,” said Jack, who had already showered and looked freshly groomed, as though ready for a photo shoot. “Man, it’s so quiet here. I feel like I’ve slept for a couple of days.”

  “Peaceful as a sanctuary,” said Toni, in a loose-fitting burgundy tracksuit for the drive home.

  “When people aren’t throwing petrol bombs through the window,” Leonard chimed in.

  “Yeah, what was that all about? Have you heard anything more?” asked Toni.

  “I forgot to mention, Lenny. PC Lewis called me last Monday. Said they’d found nothing unusual on the traffic cams. But kids were reported in the area, from out of town, causing trouble that holiday weekend. I told him we’d had the alarm system installed, so if anything else happens at night we’ll have the culprit on video.”

  His Aunt Millicent had come to the same conclusion. Leonard still couldn’t shake the feeling that someone had explicitly targeted his house.

  “What are your plans for today?” asked Toni. “You’re all finished now, aren’t you?”

  “Not quite,” said Leonard. “Got a few more things to shop for. Then I want to do some finishing touches. Make the place feel more like a home.”

  “Already does, if you ask me,” said Adrian. “I can still smell beef bourguignon from last night. The place finally feels lived in, don’t you think?”

  “Once we’ve had a house-warming,” said Leonard. “Then it will.”

  “Booked in our calendars. We’ll be here front and centre,” said Jack. “Let us know if you need anything bringing. And on that note, we’d best make a move. Beat the traffic. Long drive back to Norwich.”

  Once they had driven off and the breakfast dishes had been tidied, L
eonard suggested a road trip into one of Wales’ more substantial cities, Newport, where the shopping promised to be more varied.

  Right now he pushed the trolley down an aisle of a homeware superstore while Adrian picked out electrical items. They were already on their second trolley after Lenny spotted a couple of rectangular ottoman-style storage units for the bedrooms. Adrian’s insistence on bringing his truck instead of Lenny’s car had turned out to be a good one. Not only that, but his taste in appliances matched Leonard’s. Only the complicated-looking coffee machine had been Adrian’s choice, not something Leonard—being a hardened tea drinker—would have considered. But just hearing Adrian enthuse over the branded contraption had won Leonard over.

  “If we’re going to be spending more time together, you need to know that decent coffee first thing in the morning is non-negotiable, especially if you want me in a good mood. And this baby with reusable pods will be a huge hit whenever you decide to hold dinner parties at the house. Trust me.”

  “I do trust you. Personally, I’m more stoked about the four-slice toaster.”

  “Coffee brewing and bread toasting. It’s what makes weekend mornings special.”

  Leonard thought back to the weekends in his London home. The only thing that had made them special was not being there to wallow in his loneliness. Weekends in Bryn Bach had been another matter altogether, sharing his house and bed with Adrian.

  “I’ll take your word for that,” said Leonard, checking his watch. “Hey, once we’ve paid and loaded this into the truck, would you be up for having a spot of lunch in town?”

  Adrian grinned and tilted his head to one side.

  No words needed.

  * * * *

  They found a small bistro off the main high street and settled at a table. Once they had ordered their food, Leonard went to use the bathroom. When he returned, he found Adrian ending a phone call and looking pleased with himself.

  “That was Tom Bradford. Toni doesn’t hang about, does she? Anyway, he wants to meet me in person next week. They have a big project coming up during July and August in somewhere called Herne Hill in London. Do you know where that is?”

  “Are you serious? Herne Hill’s pretty much around the corner from me, a fifteen-minute drive.”

  “Convenient, then?”

  “Very,” said Leonard, unable to help his smile. “So that means you’ll definitely need somewhere to stay. This day keeps getting better.”

  Adrian winked and nodded, and once again, Leonard couldn’t help the feeling of light optimism filling him, of things finally coming together in his life.

  * * * *

  When they got back at two-thirty, they unloaded the ottomans and kitchen equipment into the house. Adrian unpacked the gadgets while Leonard took his time to arrange and test the new items on the work surfaces. Once they had finished, Adrian put himself to use doing manual tasks like unloading the dishwasher, cleaning, vacuuming floors and changing bedclothes—the kind of things Leonard assumed he did for himself at home.

  Everything felt domestic between them, the way they went from one task to the next without speaking, the way they carefully worked around each other. Now and again, neither of them could resist pulling the other in for a kiss or a hug, or purposely brushing up against the other as they squeezed past. By four, most of the significant chores had been completed, and Leonard could sense Adrian’s restlessness.

  “I know it’s a bit early, but what do you want to do for dinner tonight?” asked Adrian.

  “Well, for a start, I don’t fancy cooking,” said Leonard, arranging cutlery in one of the kitchen drawers. “Not that we’ve got anything here to cook, anyway. Do you want to go out and eat? Feels as though we’ve done the Manor Inn to death.”

  “How about a takeaway on the terrace and then an early night? I can drive into Llandrindod Wells and pick something up. I can also pop into the superstore and stock up on wines and beers. Any preference for food?”

  “I honestly don’t mind.”

  “How about Chinese takeaway. What dishes do you fancy?”

  “Okay, you should know I’m pretty boring when it comes to Chinese takeout,” said Leonard. “If I was on my own, I’d probably order my staples of crispy spring rolls, sweet and sour chicken balls in batter and special fried rice. It’s what I call my comfort-food coma. So get whatever else you fancy.”

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “Too boring?” asked Leonard.

  “No,” said Adrian, shaking his head. “Not at all. It’s just, that’s my usual order.”

  “Better double up then, knowing what your appetite’s like.”

  “Hey, I need the energy,” said Adrian, digging out the keys to his truck. “I know it’s only four, but if I go now, we can heat up the food when we’re ready to eat. Do you want to come along for the ride?”

  Leonard chuckled at Adrian. He sensed the remaining menial jobs, like deciding where to store placemats and tablecloths and cookware, as well as polishing furniture, did not appeal to him. Although he would gladly help with the more fussy house chores, Leonard could tell he was happier ripping up floors and knocking down walls.

  “No, you go on. Give you something to do. I’m going to finish up in the kitchen and then give the dinner table and dresser a good polishing before sorting out the chinaware I’ve brought. Once that’s done, apart from buying some pictures and hanging them, that will finish the living area off nicely.”

  As he readied to leave, Leonard dragged him into a hug and a kiss that lasted far too long. Eventually Adrian pushed him away with a chuckle, Leonard feeling his lover’s arousal matching his own.

  “Good call,” said Leonard, standing in the doorway. “Otherwise you’d never leave.”

  “Won’t be long. Call me if you think of anything else we need.”

  Leonard closed the front door and heard the engine start up and move away. With his back to the door, he sighed and smiled to himself. They worked well together. Adrian would not have been happy polishing furniture and wiping plates. Leonard, on the other hand, found those kinds of tasks therapeutic, not just cleaning but arranging and adding the finishing touches to a room.

  He had only just applied a coat of wax to the top shelf of the dresser when his phone rang. He dropped the rag onto the table and saw Adrian’s name on the screen display.

  “Lenny, are my house keys there?” came Adrian’s voice before Leonard had a chance to speak. When he looked over to the kitchen island, he saw the keys lying there. “I picked up my phone and car keys, but I think I left—”

  “Don’t panic, they’re here. On the kitchen island. Is this something I need to be aware of going forward, your forgetfulness?”

  “Hey, I’m normally pretty good, but I must have been distracted by something as I was leaving. Can’t think what! I lent them to Jack when he popped out yesterday and forgot to put them back on my keyring this morning. I’ll call you as soon as I’m on my way back. How are things going there?”

  “Give me a chance. I’ve only just started. I’m starting on the dresser, giving the piece a final spruce-up before arranging the plates and platters on the shelves. And then the table. I think it’s going to look amazing. In case I’m tied up, I’ll leave the front door open for you. Then you can let yourself in.”

  “No. Let’s not tempt fate. I’ll come around the back.”

  After ending the call, Leonard lost all sense of time. Applying his preferred brand of beeswax polish to the dresser from top to bottom, the furniture eventually sparkled and smelled amazing. Kneeling on the floor, he viewed the showpiece in a new light with its starkly empty shelves. In his enthusiasm to start, he had forgotten about the boxes of plates and other items in his car boot. Three trips later, and boxes of plates and platters and other items covered the surface of the dining room table.

  Having already removed the old newspaper and cleaned the insides of each drawer, he filled the first with placemats. Once loaded, the compartment slid com
fortably shut. The second drawer, stacked with assorted tablecloths and silk table napkins, proved a little more problematic, needing more effort to close and, even then, moving stiffly. The final one, now containing table decorations of candles and candle holders, napkin rings and wine openers, moved with the same ease as the first.

  Something nagged at Leonard. The middle drawer kept sticking slightly and didn’t sit right, not like the others. At first, he dismissed this as either wear and tear or careless workmanship. Except, bearing in mind the precision and attention to detail of the whole piece, the theory went against all logic.

  Exasperated, he pulled open the middle drawer again and placed all the linen back on the table, then tried closing the drawer again. But he still met with the same resistance. Eventually, frustrated, he pulled the drawer out, lifting the compartment to remove it from the main body of the dresser. After checking the sides and the back, he turned the drawer over—and there lay the culprit.

  Something had been taped to the bottom. Wrapped in thick plastic—almost like the plastic sheeting they had used at the back of the house—he could not make out the contents. The whole thing had been taped securely in place with thick brown packing tape. Somebody had wanted this to remain hidden.

  Leonard’s curiosity ramped up a notch.

  To cut away the tape he would need a sharp tool and remembered he had a small toolbox in his car boot. When he returned with a box cutter, he noticed a missed call on his phone from Mary.

  She would have to wait. He’d call her back as soon as he had finished. Sitting down at the table, his face towards the dresser, the drawer in front of him, he went to work methodically. Slicing carefully, he eventually unwrapped the plastic cover and very delicately unfolded the contents onto the table.

  Taking up most of the space was a large brown envelope, the type with a cardboard backing used to send photographs and stop them from bending in the post. In fact, in the bottom left-hand corner, the words ‘Please Do Not Bend’ had been printed in red. On top of the large envelope there were two regular-sized envelopes; one sealed with the phrase ‘To Whom It May Concern’. The other, and the one that caught Leonard’s eye, had already been opened. Using what he assumed to be official stationery, the envelope had the words ‘Holy Trinity Church, Newbridge’, along the top, and had been addressed to Luke Darlington, typed up using a plain white, official-looking label.