The Happiness Project by Suki Fleet

Author:Suki Fleet [Fleet, Suki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stars and Ink Press
Published: 2022-10-24T16:00:00+00:00

Feel Something

If you were to ask me exactly where I wanted to be right now, and you told me I could say anywhere in the world and that I could be with anyone I wanted, I think I’d say right here, right now, on this bus travelling through south London with Alexei leaning against my side.

I’d wish he didn’t have a headache though. He’s told me it’s because of the light. And even though he also told me it was his choice to decide to come with me and he doesn’t regret it for a second and that his headache isn’t that bad and it won’t last forever, guilt is still squirming around in my gut and I don’t know what to do. I offered to go back home with him but he just closed his eyes and leaned a little closer.

When we get to George’s, Eddy opens the door dressed up like a cross between an exploding firework and a neon flashlight. I don’t think Eddy’s outfit is the sort of bright that affects Alexei’s eyes as he just looks kind of awed.

“It’s my Pride outfit. Do you like it?” Eddy grins and gives us a twirl. Star-like shapes extend from his shoulders and curve down his back in the shape of wings.

I give him an enthusiastic nod. “I like it on you,” I add more warily. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s tried to get me to dress up in something outrageous with him after I’ve said whatever he’s wearing looks amazing.

“It’s brilliant,” Alexei says quietly.

Grinning even wider, Eddy holds out his arm for Alexei to link onto.

For the briefest moment, I see a flash of hesitation in Alexei’s expression. The same hesitation he had the night he got locked out on the walkway and I asked him if he wanted to wait in my flat—to which his answer was a very definite no. I open my mouth to, I don’t know, say I want to take a look at George’s bike here out the front garden or something to save Alexei from having to say anything, but before I can, he swallows and says, “Did you…did you make the outfit yourself?” and he lets Eddy lead him into the massive hallway.

“Yes and no,” Eddy replies. “More of a team effort.” He looks over his shoulder at me with a wide grin. “Bike’s just out there.” He points down the hall to the kitchen, where I can see a skinny white bike frame leaning against one of the benches in the garden, two wheels propped up beside it. “I’m going to show Alexei around.”

Alexei swaps his sunglasses for his regular glasses and blinks at me. Are you okay with this? I think quickly, and it’s weird but I swear Alexei nods as if he can hear my thoughts.

By the time Eddy returns, my hands are covered in black oil and the bike is in even more pieces around me. It’s not broken or in bad condition, it just needs cleaning up.

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