Chapter Five: Umm Papi

DESMOND

After our conversation I had relaxed a little bit about how to better deal with Wesam. I had suddenly got the need to seem him more, but that idea had been put to rest. Wesam’s company were focused that week on get everything they needed ready for an even that was taking place at the weekend. As much as I wanted to see Wesam, it just meant I had to wait till the weekend.

In addition to that, Cassidy had been on my case too. He wanted to meet Wesam properly, as he felt their previous meeting didn’t really count. I did want the two to meet, but a large part of me wanted to keep Wesam to myself. While I didn’t know how Wesam would feel about us all going out together.

‘Why don’t we go out on Sunday,’ I suggested, one evening while on the phone to Wesam.

‘I guess that could work,’ said Wesam, ‘but why does he want to meet me so badly.’

‘He just wants to feel you out, and make sure you good enough for me.’

‘So, he doesn’t like me?’

‘It’s not that he doesn’t like you,’ I said, trying to be diplomatic. ‘He only knows what I’ve said about you and, wants to make sure what I’ve said matches up.’

‘If we do Sunday, can I bring my flatmate?’

‘Sure, you can. why do you even have to ask?’

We had settled on meeting on Sunday for the friends to meet any get to know one another. I was happy for everything to run smoothly. It was even better when Wesam and I had decided on our weekend plans. As Wesam was super busy all week we had come up with a plan to spend the entire weekend with each other. Which I was receptive too.

The plan was, on Friday night Wesam would come over after work. We would order some food and watch a movie. Then on Saturday the two of us would then head the event, as Wesam needed to go for work, but we wouldn’t have to stay long. There would be a lot for me to do as it was a LGBT+ book event.  Then we would go around London, have a nice dinner out. On Sunday it was time to chill, before the meeting of the friends. The plan was great, and I hoped it would go off smoothly.

The next day at work, while I was having lunch, I was joined by my co-worker Debs in the break room.

‘I never asked how things went the guy and his family,’ asked Debs, after a little bit of small talk.

‘Oh, it went okay,’ I said, ‘got talking to a lot of the women there and they were great to talk to. Sadly, the guy had to leave me alone a bit because of family. But after that it went pretty well. And we’re still going okay.’

‘Okay, that’s cool.’

‘We’re doing something kind of big on Sunday. He’s going to be meeting my best friend.’

‘That is kind of big,’ agreed Debs, ‘I hope you know; it doesn’t mean they will automatically get along.’

‘What do you mean?’ I asked, curious to know what she meant.

‘I’ve dated my fair share of men, and not everyone has been accepting, and some of them have been my closest friends.’ When I didn’t respond she carried on, ‘I mean it wasn’t that the men were all bad. Some were pretty bad, but there was something about the guy they just didn’t like. But I dated the guys and they put up with it.’

It had never occurred to me, this might be an issue. Now that Debs had brought this to my attention, there could be a chance that Cassidy and Wesam might not get along. Given that their first encounter hadn’t been planned, and shocking. It didn’t lay a great foundation for them to get off on.

‘I never thought about it,’ I admitted.

‘I bet you hoped everyone would get on, and everything would be sunshine and rainbows?’ asked Debs.

I did want to admit to it, but I wished it could be smooth sailing, with my best friend and maybe boyfriend.

WESAM

For the last three days, work had complete snowed me under. I had been at work late everyday trying to get everything I was responsible for the book event on Saturday. Which meant making sure all travel arrangements were done for the two authors we were sending. Then making sure there were enough copies of the books they were to sell at the event. Which there wasn’t going to be, which meant I had to follow up with countless emails and calls. There were only two things that was a solace to me. The hard work was being felt throughout his office, with everyone working hard to make sure everything went off without a hitch. Second, at least this weekend was going to be my most busy in years. Which was a good thing as most of that time it was going to be spent with Desmond.

Desmond had become a nice thought to me. It was nice to have someone to asking me how my days was after busy and stressful day. It was amazing, and eye opening having someone who cared could do to a person. I looked forward to getting a text each evening asking, if I was still at work, if I had eaten and how I was doing. It was something I had never felt before, someone was looking out for me. I hadn’t felt this kind of care since I lived at home with my parents. It was nice.

Thursday night when I got home a little earlier than I had earlier in the week, I had finally seen Heung-Min. As I had been so busy the two of us had only ever spoke through messages. When I got home, I usually went straight to bed, as I was eating at the office. It was nice to see him.

‘Good to see ya,’ I said.

‘Good to see you too,’ said Heung-Min, ‘going to the gym alone hasn’t been the same.’

‘I’ll be back next week, I’m going to need it, and sleep.’

‘I’ve got something to tell you, but it’s something I wanted to tell you face to face.’

‘Okay what is?’

‘Me not seeing you for two days has made this easier for me to think about what I want to say,’ said Heung-Min. ‘When I went out with some friends, the over day. I saw Niko.’

‘Oh,’ was all I could say.

‘We did speak, I’m not going to lie about that. It was not anything big, how are you, you still living with Wesam?’

‘What did you say?’

‘I just said, I am fine. I didn’t ask how he was. I said we still live together. I didn’t really want to say more to him, so I said, I’m going back to my friends.’

‘What did he say?’

‘He seemed a little put off, by me being rude. All he said was to say hello. I didn’t acknowledge it.’

‘Okay,’ I said.

‘I did not want to tell what he said, but I’ve said it. It means nothing. He was alone, so that’s something. I do not want you to even think about him. Like I said I’m done with that guy.’

‘Thanks,’ I said, ‘I better get packing, I’ll see you on Sunday.’

‘Sure,’ said Heung-Min, ‘but don’t think about that man.’

As I packed, I couldn’t believe that Niko had said hello. It was a joke. It was like we were old friends who hadn’t spoken in a while. Hell, we hadn’t even parted on good terms. Him saying a hello was a dick move. I wished Heung-Min hadn’t told me, but I knew deep down I was glad he did. At least I knew someone had seen him, and this was the closet contact we had in the time we had finished. What did it matter now? I had Desmond, and I was glad I did. I was also glad that Heung-Min hadn’t say anything about me to him. Niko didn’t deserve to know anything about my life now, he lost that privilege. I was on to bright and happier things; I no longer need to think about that thug.

As I was about to brush my teeth, I got a message from Desmond. Smiling to myself, I put Niko out of my head.

DESMOND

Cleaning wasn’t one of my favourite things to do, but knowing I was going to have pleasant company meant I had to do it. When I got home from work on the Friday evening, I got straight to work making sure my house was ready for my weekend guest. I dusted, vacuumed, cleaned the bathroom, and put fresh sheets on the bed. The house was ready.

Additionally, on my way home I had made sure I had gotten in the shopping. I had done my research to make sure there was everything we needed for breakfast and more. I had gotten a box of Sheddies, some more bread and made sure I had coffee. I also got a couple sweet things such as double chocolate Oreo’s and the deserts Wesam liked. This weekend was going to be great.

Unsure what to do with myself, while waiting for Wesam. I decided to put one of my favourites to calm my nerves. It had done the trick and had easily made me forget what I was doing, I was only brought back to reality when I heard his buzzer go. I buzzed in Wesam, left the door on the latch, and went back to the movie.

‘Hey,’ I heard Wesam say.

‘Hey,’ I said, to engrossed in the movie.

‘What are you watching,’ Wesam asked, now sitting next to me.

‘Huh,’ I said, now releasing there was someone next to me. ‘Oh my god hi.’

‘Hi,’ said Wesam, with a smile, ‘I came in and I had a feeling you weren’t listening to me.’

‘I’m sorry I just got so into the movie; I haven’t seen it in a while.’

‘You really just zoned out don’t you.’

‘I have been told that a couple times,’ I said, feeling embarrassed.

‘I just want you to know, if I get like that tomorrow, I’m not doing it on purpose.’

‘Sure.’

‘So, what are you watching?’ Wesam asked, looking Desmond in the eye.

‘Scream,’ I said, ‘but it can wait.’

Before Wesam could saying anything, I was on his lips, and I quickly forgot about the movie.

*           *           *

The following morning had gone better than it had gone, when Wesam first stayed over. We didn’t wake up on different sides of the bed this time. We had fallen a sleeping spooning but had woken up just a little bit apart. I didn’t rush to get out of bed, I allowed myself to rest before the alarm went off. Also, this time, I knew what Wesam had for breakfast and was able to provide it. While we had also decided to shower together. Which was enjoyed by of us in both in various obvious ways.

After we showered it was clear to me how my home was very geared to just me. I only really had space for one person in my bathroom, which is why I dressed and prepared myself just by the door. Not to mention the available floor space was also small. I had done what I could, but for two grown men it wasn’t that much space. Given that Wesam was bigger than me also made it clear with the lack of space. Which made me think, after meeting Wesam’s flatmate, I needed to see if his place had more space.

Just as I had just done up my jeans, Wesam came out of the bathroom with his towel around his waist.

‘It helps when you remember clean underpants,’ said Wesam, going towards his bag.

‘How long do you think we need to stay at this thing?’ I asked, putting on my Apple Watch.

‘Our authors are only permitted to be there till two, so once that’s done, we can leave.’

‘Any chance anything could hold that up?’

‘I hope not, but I’ll handle it.’

‘Okay,’ I said, as I headed back into the bathroom. I opened the tiny window to let the steam out, and just made sure everything was back to decent standard. After a quick tidy of the room, I put on my aftershave and then head out again. Wesam was now dressed in a polo and jeans combo and putting on his socks.

‘Would you happen to know where I put my watch?’ asked Wesam. 

‘Umm,’ I said, looking around, not sure where it could be, or if I even remembered where he put it. Then I saw it on the side table right by the sofa. ‘Found it.’

‘Thanks,’ said Wesam, moving toward me for the watch. ‘I got this when I got my job, it was the most expensive thing I owned then.’

‘Really,’ I said, looking at the time piece in his hand, and saw the Emporio Armani branding on it. ‘Fancy, I hope when my…’

I didn’t get to finish, there were two loud bangs on the door, and then door opened. I knew who it was, and this would be more annoying than Cassidy.

‘Des you awake,’ said Tina, ushering Light through the door.

‘I’m here and awake,’ I said, coming out towards the front door. ‘And I have company.’

‘Hello,’ said Wesam, coming from behind me.

‘Hello,’ said Tina, holding Light by the shoulders.

‘Wesam this my sister Tina, Tina this is Wesam,’ I said.

‘Nice to meet you,’ said Wesam and Lisa at the same time.

‘How come you here?’ I asked.

‘I have to work, and grandma has had a hip issue, and needed to go to the hospital,’ said Tina, ‘So I need Uncle Desmond to look after Light.’

‘We have plans,’ I found myself saying, ‘yeah, okay I can look after him.’

‘Thank you so much,’ said Tina, putting a backpack on floor. ‘I’ll be back seven, and I’m so sorry I’m running you plans, but I’ve got to go.’

‘Yeah, yeah.’

‘Okay sweety be good and have fun. Nice to meet you Wesam.’ Then Tina was gone from the flat.

‘I’m so sorry,’ I said, after a minute, ‘sadly this is what my life is like sometimes.’

‘It’s fine,’ said Wesam, ‘I understand.’

‘I know you have to go for work, so we’ll just… stay here, I guess.’

‘Well… we can bring him with us.’

‘What do you mean?’ I asked, thrown by this suggestion.

‘It’s just a book fair, and its family friendly event, so why not.’

I didn’t know what to say. It was all a gamble. Light had his issues, and Wesam didn’t know about them yet. Not to mention I had to be a different person when looking after a child. I didn’t know how Wesam was with kids. It wasn’t something that had come up in conversation. It was weird how that wouldn’t come up in conversation with gay men. This could make or break the two of us, was I willing to risk it?

‘Okay,’ I said, ‘I know we hadn’t many any real plans after the event, but hopefully we can find something.’

‘Cool,’ said Wesam, he then crouched down so he was face to face with Light, ‘Nice to meet you Light, I’m Wesam.’ He then put his hand out.

Light then staired at the hand for a few seconds, then looked up at his uncle.

‘Say hello,’ I said, encouraging my nephew.

Light looked at Wesam for a second, turn his head away and did a quick wave then quickly walked away.

‘Sorry about that,’ I said.

‘It’s fine,’ said Wesam, getting back up to regular height. ‘I’m a stranger, so he’s just shy.’

‘Sure, I’ll just make sure we got some snacks then we can set off.’

As I went to make sure I had things for their little outing, I decided not to tell Wesam just yet about Light’s issues. I didn’t want to make Wesam more nervous, or think he needed to treat Light a special way. If things really start going downhill, I will tell him. But as the two sat on the sofa, and Light switching on Bluey it wasn’t that important.

WESAM

There was a lot of question going through my head. These were question I wasn’t sure I should ask, or just let it go. All the question I had, had to do with the child sitting next to me, in the red glasses. I was questioning myself if I should try and made conversation with him. Then I thought if were to try and have a conversation with him, what would I talk to him about? The biggest question I was asking, why was I doing this?

I was trying to get in Desmond’s good books and help. This was unexpected and from what I had been told by Desmond he did need to help his family. Why was I going to turn his back on him now? It could have been so easy to just, let them both stay here while I went off to work. But I knew it in within myself if I did, I would be thinking about them all day. Also, I knew all this work I had been doing this week had been to show Desmond what I had been working on. Maybe it was a little selfish, but I did want to show off a little, as I hadn’t been able to do so yet.

The TV show wasn’t doing much for me, I got up and went to see what was taking Desmond so long.

‘You alright?’ I asked.

‘Yeah sorry,’ said Desmond, ‘Just making sure we have snacks, as he liked to eat A LOT. And you know change of trousers and underpants. Wipes and other cleaning things.’

‘You’re really prepared.’

‘Have to be,’ said Desmond, putting a bottle in the bag. ‘I better make sure my iPad is charged.’

‘I just want to make sure you’re okay with me and him being with you.’

‘Would I like it if he wasn’t here, yes. But I am okay with everything if you are.’

‘Sure,’ I lied.

The tree of us left Desmond’s flat, walked to Canada Water station were the caught the Jubilee Line to Green Park changed line to get to Russell Square. For the LGBT+ book fair at The Royal National Hotel. The exhibition room had been taken over to have various stands all stelling books. Arranged by genre, but all having the overarching characteristic, all stories were relevant to the LGBT+ community.

The non-fiction second is where I led the group, as my company’s booth would be there, sure enough it was, Sam my boss setting up and making sure everything looked pretty, and the two books we were trying to push at this event in the most prominent positions.

‘Sam I’m here,’ I announced when I had reached the front of the stall.

‘Thank god you’re here,’ said Sam, sounding a little overwhelmed, ‘I don’t know where our authors are, or the extra stock.’

‘I’ll do some chasing about,’ I said, calmly, ‘Also Sam this is Desmond and his nephew Light.’

‘Hello, I would love to chat to you when everything is under control.’

‘Not a problem,’ said Desmond politely.

‘Okay, I’ve got to do some set up here, and some phone calls,’ I said, to Desmond, ‘Why don’t you guys go check out the fiction section as I know there should be some interesting finds from the big publishers.’

‘Sure,’ said Desmond, ‘Let me know when your people are here so I can get a signed copy of your books.’

‘I will, and make sure you take Light around the children’s books. There must be at least one about two uncles.’

‘Okay, see you in a bit,’ said Desmond, walking off with Light.

‘He’s cute,’ said Sam, when Desmond was out of earshot.

‘You think so?’ I asked.

‘Definitely.’

I smiled then got to work. I sent out a couple of quick messages to find out where my people were. Then need to track down where the deliveries had gotten too. None of this took long, after five minutes the boxes had been located. Then shortly after that the two authors had arrived. I then went and got everyone something to drink, and then everything was set and ready.

The event itself seemed to be everything I had hoped it to be. People going around looking at the books, talking to authors and publishers. The big publishers of course had taken up more space and arranged readings. This was the kind of thing I lived for. Even thought I had walked around the event twice I hadn’t spotted Desmond.

As much I liked doing and going to these events, I didn’t want to make Desmond feel ditched. I had brought him, hoping he would find a couple of books he would like. While also seeing the kind of thing I did for work. I hoped because he now had to drag Light with him, make it even more of a chore, or worse boring. I sent Desmond a text to tell him to come and find me.

‘Hey,’ I said when he saw Desmond coming.

‘Hey,’ said Desmond, ‘How’s it going here?’

‘We’re going okay,’ I said, then he noticed a bag in Desmond hands, ‘what did you picked up?’

‘I found a manga section, I used to read manga when I was school. I didn’t know there was so many gay manga. I got this funny one about a virgin with magic powers, it seems fun.’

I was pleased Desmond had found something, not something I would read traditionally, but I was glad all the same.

‘Found anything for Light?’ I asked, hoping they had found something good.

‘Not yet,’ said Desmond, ‘It was crowed a bit, and I thought we’d wait so we could go all have a look.’

This was the nicest things I had herd. Even thought I had only just met Light; I was being allowed to be a part of the decision process. Maybe since I knew books, he wanted my expertise, or Desmond was just being inclusive.

‘Sam is there anything else you need right now?’ I asked.

‘I think I’m good here,’ said Sam, ‘Go have a look around.’

‘Thanks.’ And with that the three of us walked off in search of the children’s books.

Desmond hadn’t been lying the children’s book section was crowded. The section has had be made to be fun and colourful tor children, with a carboard rainbow constructed as the entry point. There were people with kids, people without kids. It seemed everyone who was here was trying to see what books were on offer.

Eventually I saw and opening and leading the group towards it. I was surprised to see the number of books that they had aimed at young children. I was impressed and a little saddened that I hadn’t kept up to date with all the books there were. There were books about same sex couples, kids who might be trans and a lot of books about what made a family. It was clear what kind things I would like to pick up, but it wasn’t me that was going to be reader.

‘Light,’ I said, lowering myself down to Light’s height, ‘Is there any books you like the look of?’

Light didn’t say anything, he just gave a little shrug of the shoulders.

‘Okay, why don’t we look.’ I extended my arm, and Light let go of Desmond hand, and took mine. I pulled Light on to my arm and stood up. ‘Okay let’s look at this one.’

The three of us looked thought quite several books, and Light didn’t really give any indication to any that he liked. I let him hold a couple I thought would be nice, then they could decide later. After they had sampled all the books around, Light was holding three picture books. Prince and Knight, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, Desmond, and mine favourite, finally And Tango Makes Three. I paid for the books and Light was given a balloon, and the three of us headed out of the children’s book section.

DESMOND

It was surprising how much I enjoyed the event. I didn’t know if it was the fact, I found books I liked, or the fact that Wesam had been trying with Light. It might be a combination of the two, because everything was going great. It was doing weird but good things to my head seeing Light being so okay with Wesam. I was more than grateful that everything was going well, but I didn’t want to count my chickens.

About two the event started to wind down as Wesam had said. We decided to leave as they had all gotten a couple new books for all of us to read, and then decided on getting some lunch. As we had Light with us, we settled on something easy, so we went to Five Guys. As I knew he liked it there and didn’t need a lot of questioning about what he would like to eat. When we were seated Light decided to sit next to Wesam. Which suited mw fine, as I was glad Light had made this clear indicator, he was a the very least okay with Wesam.

‘When was the last time you went to Hemley’s?’ asked Wesam as they were eating.

I didn’t know but thought of it as a brilliant idea.

After we had finished our lunch, the three of us took a walk through the busy West End and found ourselves at Hamley’s toy shop. It had been a while since I had been to the toy shop, but it was a defiantly a wonder for the eyes. I worried if this might be too much for Light, but I couldn’t see Light having the same worries. As he was now holding on to Wesam and pulling him along to things in the shop. As we made our way through the shop, Light was taken with the Lego sets.

‘Would you mind if I get him one?’ asked Wesam.

‘Err no,’ I said.

‘Cool,’ said Wesam, and then trying to get an answer out of Light out the set he would like. To my surprise Light had pointed at the set he liked. This was good, too good in fact. I couldn’t help but wonder, did my nephew like my sort of boyfriend more than me? No that was a silly idea. I had been around longer and would continue to be there. Not even I knew how long Wesam was going to be around. Although, Light never really took to new people too good. No, it just had to be Wesam, he just had a knack of charming people. First me, now Light. That couldn’t be too bad at all.

WESAM

I couldn’t help but be pleased with myself. When I first spoke to Light, he seemed so shy, and now we were getting on like a house on fire. Which wasn’t something I expected to happen in one day. Especially as I barely had any contact with any kids. I couldn’t help but think, if I could have this kind of relationship with my own nieces and nephews when the time eventually came.

When we got back to Desmond’s after our day out, I asked if Desmond could make me some coffee. While he did, I took the opportunity to read one of the books I got Light. We decided to read The Prince and the Knight. Which I found myself reading as if I had been reading as a primary school teacher. Giving the characters a voice and trying to be a very enthusiastic narrator. Then the story was over.

‘That was good wasn’t it,’ I said.

‘Yeah,’ said Light, quickly.

‘Should we read another one?’

‘Yeah!’

So, we did, and I managed to keep the same enthusiasm as I read the first book, we had only made it halfway through the book, when he heard the door open. It was time for Light to go home, but I didn’t rush the book.  I carried on reading like he had all the time in the world.

DESMOND.

‘How did today go?’ asked Tina, in a hushed voice.

‘Fine,’ I said, then realising I under sold it a little. ‘No in fact in went great.’

‘How come?’

‘We took Light to the book thing we had planned, and Light was very taken with Wesam.’

‘Wow that is great.’

‘Also,’ I said, pausing to creating some tension, ‘Light spoke to him.’

‘What No Way!’ gasped Tina.

‘You just missed it.’

‘I don’t know what to tell you but seems like you’ve picked a great guy.’

WESAM

After being slightly distracted by the loud outburst I finished the book.

‘That was good too, wasn’t it?’ he asked.

‘Yeah,’ said Light.

‘Good, but I think it’s time for you to go home.’

‘No.’

‘Sorry bud, your mummy’s here time for you to go home.’

‘No,’ said Light again.

‘I’ll tell you what, next time Uncle Desmond has got to look after you, I’ll be here too, okay?’

Light eyed me suspiciously, then said, ‘Okay.’

‘Come on then,’ I said, taking Light’s hand and heading walking towards to where Tina and Desmond were standing.

‘Okay honey lets go home,’ said Tina, to Light. ‘Thank you both for today, and especially thank you to you.’ she said looking at me.

‘It’s nothing,’ I said, assumed she meant for being cool for having our plans slightly changed.

‘Des, I’ll speak to you later,’ said Tina, opening the door.

‘Bye Light,’ I said.

‘Bye.’ said Light, looking at Wesam.

When Tina hadn’t moved, from the door I took notice of the shock on her face.

‘Bye,’ said Desmond.

‘Yeah. Right,’ said Lisa, remembering she was leaving, then left closing the door behind her.

‘Well, that was a day,’ I said.

‘You’re not joking,’ said Desmond, ‘I’ve got something to tell you about Light, but that can wait.’

‘What is it?’ I asked, but before I could get answer Desmond was on me, and the two of us were kissing. I didn’t know what had brought this on, but I was enjoying it.

‘Let’s take this to the bed.’

‘You want too?’ I asked.

‘Yes, right now.’ said Desmond.

We kissed again, and then headed to Desmond’s bed.