Free Rainbow Connection by Alexa Milne Page B

know you might unleash a monster and not a butterfly,” Megan said. “He might want to try more of the world.”
    “I guess. Any chance of another?” he asked, holding out his glass.
    “Yes, I’ll get another bottle. It’s no wonder we’re poor students,” Megan replied. They talked further, catching up with all the family news. If Ceri had been expecting answers, he didn’t get any.
    “You have to decide for yourself, Ceri. At least you can see him on neutral ground at work. Perhaps he’ll have had time to think as well. Anyway, I’m knackered now. I need to get to bed, but I have swapped shifts with someone, so we can spend tomorrow and Saturday together. Tomorrow, we’re going to shop and do lunch somewhere, and then later, I’m going to take you to the late night showing of the Rocky Horror Show at the Hyde Park. You know the little old cinema we went to the last time you were here.”
    “Are we dressing up? I don’t have anything with me. If you’d told me, I’d have brought the corset. I suppose I could be a bit Rif-Raffish.”
    “You’ve still got the corset?” Sophie asked.
    “Oh yeah. I’ve yet to try that look with Mick, although I could try showing him the photos.” He drifted off for a moment.
    “We’re going as Brad and Janet.”
    “I’m Brad,” Sophie said. “Again!”
    § § §
    Over the next couple of days Ceri relaxed and had fun. They talked a lot about Mick and what he should do. Instead of going into Leeds, they spent Saturday wandering around Knaresborough, and even got boats and went on the river. Sunday morning came around too soon.
    “Thanks Sis, Soph, it’s been good. I’ll try what you suggested and see what he says. You’re right, it’s time to admit how I feel, whatever happens.” He hugged them both and put on his helmet. All he had to do was persuade Mick he was loved. That would work, wouldn’t it?

CHAPTER 12
    Back at work, early Thursday morning, Mick sat on the edge of his seat watching the CCTV feed from the loading bay. He needed to apologise, but he wasn’t sure how. His whole life had been turned upside down; his routine had always been safe and clear before meeting Ceri. The sound of the buzzer shook him from his thoughts, but the face staring at him was that of a stranger, not Ceri. He had a moment of panic before pressing the intercom button for the man to speak.
    “Delivery,” the stranger said.
    “Where’s Ceri, the usual person?” Mick asked nervously.
    “On leave for a few days. I’m Martin. Can you get a move on? I’m on a schedule here.” He held his identity badge up to the camera, and Mick let him in. He spent the next fifteen minutes trying to work out what Ceri’s absence might mean. Mick glanced at a monitor. The delivery man had stopped. He was scratching his head as if puzzled about what to do next.
    Mick tutted and pushed his chair back. “Bloody hell, he’s lost.” He dragged himself out of his chair and went to find the source of his problem.
    “Shit!” the guy shouted as Mick came around the corner. “I wasn’t expecting to see anyone up here.”
    “I saw you’d gone the wrong way, thought I’d point you in the right direction,” Mick explained.
    “Thanks. Lead on, and then I can get out of your hair.”
    “I’m Mick.” He didn’t hold out his hand; he still found contact difficult. Martin didn’t seem to notice and continued to talk as he followed Mick around.
    “So d’you know Ceri?” Mick asked.
    “No, I just do the relief. He’s back on Sunday night. I’m just filling in.”
    Mick showed him where to go and went back to his desk. At least he knew Ceri was coming back, but what the hell was he going to say to him then? Mick had so many questions. Where had Ceri gone, and would he want anything to do with Mick when he returned? He needed to work out how he could put things right.Mick put his head in his hands. He’d become used to being alone, but now, with the possibility he might have messed up