Naked Hero - The Journey Away

speculation. And oddly enough, as he considered this possibility, Lewis found the notion rather disturbing, in the same way he’d been irked by Scott’s plans for after Melbourne. It was totally irrational, but again there you go. Young Mr. Macleod had his faults as well.
    Lewis rattled his head to buck himself up – it was totally out of order what he was allowing to happen: nurturing a crush on a bloke who was straight, and who would disappear from his life in just over a week’s time. He needed to get things into better perspective and accept the reality of the situation – behave accordingly, and not fawn over the man like he done during dinner, making a fool of himself, and embarrassing everyone in the process, including Scott.
    And of course there was the other man in his life to consider – something that Fiona had clearly done, making arrangements and paving the way so the option was there for them to spend the night together. Okay, so there might be an agenda where this physically perfect man was concerned. But what the heck! Lee Porter was simple in so many respects – definitely available, possibly the best, with no complications after the event...
    Yeah right!
    It was already complicated. Perhaps ten days ago it could have been simple if only circumstances had been different. They could have jumped into bed and parted ways in the morning as was usually the case: another notch to be carved, another name to be forgotten, assuming one had been given in the first place. That’s how it had always been for Lewis up till now. But how could that possibly be the case with Lee? Friendship had complicated things, and Lewis wanted more than a procession of one-night stands – he wanted his perfect man.
    Could it be that Lee Porter might actually be a candidate? The best for a shag, and the worst for a boyfriend – that had been Lewis’s earlier opinion. But was that extreme view really the case? It might be unfair to make the assumption that Lee’s life was truly a riot of men and parties. He’d certainly sowed a few wild oats, but perhaps having done so and hit the wrong side of thirty, he was ready to settle down. Lee had surprised him before, so perhaps he might have it in him, starting with tonight.
    Yeah right again!
    As another irrational bout of anxiety hit him, Lewis’s mind drifted back to last time he saw Lee, recalling the words that had been spoken whilst a hand rested on his cheek. “You call me, whenever you need to, whenever you want to. I’ll be there for you, Lewis.”
    Lewis checked his watch : it was almost eleven o’clock, so there was a chance that Lee hadn’t yet left for the club. The call was made. He let it ring for a couple of minutes, but there was no answer. Tonight’s riot of men and parties had apparently already started. Lewis laughed at his stupidity to have thought anything else. The man was a player and promiscuous to the core – the proverbial leopard who could never change his spots. And just like with Scott, Lewis needed to get real and keep things in perspective.
    ‘Shame I couldn’t somehow mix the two together,’ he thought, ‘for between them they’ve the makings of my kind of perfection.’
    But that was being silly – a childish fantasy and he was now a grown man. Lewis went to bed, and tried to compartmentalise. He tried to put Lee Porter and Scott Taylor out of his head. It didn’t come very easy.
    ***
    In their suite at the Langham Hotel, Chantal and Marie were also preparing for bed. Marie had been concerned about Chantal’s demeanour throughout the evening - she knew that the doubts were creeping up on her again, the pressure of expectation was starting to weigh heavy. Experience told her to stay away from the subject in the current mood. It was something she would tackle in the morning. Hopefully, after some rest, Chantal would be more approachable. But there was another topic that she did feel could be broached this evening.
    “Scott seemed very nice - I liked him. Did you know him well?” she asked as she unzipped her girlfriend’s dress.
    “No. Not really. He was always very reserved. A remarkable player, though... Such a shame that injury ended his career so early.”
    “I take it that he’s here on his own,” Marie casually enquired. “Is there no woman in his life?”
    Chantal glanced over her shoulder. “He was married, but got divorced a year or so ago, I think. I don’t know if there is anyone now. Why do you ask, ma