Naked Hero - The Journey Away

instead he trusted me to do this for him.”
    She gripped the hand. There was no great muscular strength, just the passion of a mother, even though she wasn’t. Lee had never known a power than came anywhere close. “And you’ve respected that trust,” Fiona told him. “He would trust you to do all of his marketing for him. Make him those tens of millions, and a few for yourself in the process no doubt... But are you still using him? The people he’s involved with are always going to get publicity, it comes with the territory. Is that still the reason, Lee?”
    “It was, at first,” he admitted, for she deserved nothing less than his honesty. “That’s what I told myself anyway. And it’s always going to be a part of it with Lewis as you say. He’s a big opportunity for someone like me, and I could never ignore that.”
    “You’re not answering the question,” she insisted, the grip tightening further like a hanged man’s noose, forcing a last confession before meeting his maker. “Are you still using him? Is that why you’re still here?”
    “No!”
    “And you’ll just walk away?”
    “I have to. It’s the best thing for Lewis, and I want what’s best for him, not what’s best for me.”
    She closed her eyes and absorbed the truth of it – the words, the tone, the pulsing of his blood as it flowed through his veins, even the smell of him screamed of fidelity. The grip was relaxed, and as eyes reopened she patted him kindly. “I would imagine that’s the first time in your life you’ve ever done that. Put someone else first. Are you telling me everything, Lee?”
    “No. And please... don’t ask.”
    She appreciated the sincerity of the plea, just as she appreciated the sincerity of his earlier words. It was time to let it go, for now. But Fiona would not let that be the end of things where Lee Porter was concerned. She had made him a promise, and she always kept a promise.
    “Okay. I’ll make us some fresh tea. They’ll be back soon. Then we can have a look at these clothes.”
    It was late afternoon by the time Lewis arrived back with Jim and his sultry mood hadn’t improved. Lee was still at the table keeping Fiona company as she prepared the evening meal.
    “Hi, Lee. How are you doing, mate?” asked Lewis as he entered the living area.
    “Okay, Lewis. And you?”
    “So so.”
    “Well, sort it out!” the Englishman exclaimed. “You should be excited about tomorrow, not so so.”
    “Oh, I am... How was your evening? Did you go out?” asked Lewis as he slouched into a chair beside Lee at the table.
    “No. I spent most of the night on the phone. The bill’s going to be a bit scary, but I think it’s worth it. You’ll have a better clothing deal come Monday, regardless of the result. Your agents can tell you all about the options - I’ve given them my recommendation. It’s not the most obvious one, but it would be the best in the long run... the best one for you. I think they’re going to call you shortly to review it all. Ideally you should make a decision before the final.”
    “Why the rush?” asked Lewis with an indifferent shrug. He wasn’t really bothered about what gear he’d wear at the final, but this news about Lee’s evening was perking him up, although he obviously couldn’t show it.
    “Bonuses!” shouted Lee, slapping his hand down to emphasise the point and break the ennui that seemed to be eating like a cancer. “You can make a lot of money just by turning up in someone’s gear tomorrow, assuming you then sign with them. Your agents will take you through it all.”
    “No. Sod them! I want you to tell me,” insisted Lewis, starting to feel alive again. “I want to hear what you’ve been up to,” he added, stunned that he’d say that to Lee Porter on a Saturday afternoon and actually mean it!
    This was exactly what Lee had planned, and now he felt guilty for manipulating the situation, even though it was in Lewis’s best interests. He was sure the route he was going to guide him down was the way to go, but it was still manipulation. How truthful had he been with Fiona? Was he still using him? Was that the reason he was still here? It all had become so jumbled up, he couldn’t say for sure anymore. But it hardly mattered now - so he might as well see it through. “Okay. Let’s talk about clothes!”
    Lewis pulled himself upright in an attempt to appear interested. Lee had spent a lot of time on this, and he deserved something more than