“I saw the bin by the garage. I’ll get rid of these for you too.”

  “Thanks, Alex. How do you like your eggs?”

  “However they come.” He smiles.

  “Fried okay? That’s Zack’s favourite.”

  “All good with me. Sunny side up, please.”

  When he comes back, he sits quietly at the breakfast counter, drinking his coffee and scrolling on his phone. I’m thankful that I have the cooking to focus on and that I’m not facing him. More than once, I am sure I feel his gaze on my behind. It’s like a gentle tingle on my skin, but I brush it off, assuming I’m imagining it. As if he’d be interested in me.

  It’s not long before I’m serving up the breakfasts onto the plates I’ve had warming in the oven. There’s still no sign of Zack, so I shoot him a quick text to see if he’s awake. A thumbs up comes back, so I let him know breakfast is ready and pop his plate in the warmed oven so it doesn’t go cold.

  The breakfast bar is set up with three stools side by side. I place Alex’s plate and cutlery in front of him. And then hesitate, trying to work out where I should sit. It seems strange not to sit in the next seat along but I should save that for Zack. I walk around the counter, placing my plate at the far end before sitting.

  “No need to wait. Just dig in.”

  “Thanks.” We’re both quiet as we tuck into our food and a sense of relief washes over me at the tread of Zack’s footsteps on the stairs. I look round to see him entering the kitchen, wearing only a pair of joggers.

  “Why’s it so hot? It’s tropical in here.” He lopes over to the thermostat.

  “I already turned it down. I’d set it too high. Your breakfast is in the oven.”

  “Thanks, Mum.” He redirects to the fridge, pulls out the milk and I watch in amusement as he opens the lid and raises the bottle to his lips. He must sense my gaze because our eyes meet and a sheepish look crosses his face, then he grimaces before grabbing a glass and filling it almost to the brim. He places it down on the counter before he spins back to take the hot plate from the oven without oven gloves, so the plate is placed heavily on the counter in a hurry. As he comes around, he claps Alex on the back before sitting between us.

  “Hey, you sleep okay?”

  “Yeah, I did thanks. Still salty that I kept beating you at Forza? Or are you over it?” Alex asks.

  Zack puffs out a chuckle. “We can’t all be great at everything, man.”

  “Why didn’t you show Alex to the guest room?” I ask Zack, still confused to have found an almost naked guy on my couch.

  He shrugs. “He looked settled on the couch. And I hadn’t checked with you. I, uh, forgot.” He looks first at me, then at Alex with an apologetic look on his face.

  “It’s all good, man. The couch was perfect,” Alex replies. He’s finished his breakfast now and gets up from his bar stool to rinse off his plate and cup, then loads them into the dishwasher. As he reaches for the pans, I stop him.

  “Alex, you’ve done enough. Besides, Zack’s on clear up duty.”

  “What?” comes my son’s garbled response, his mouth stuffed full of bacon and hash brown.

  “Alex did a wonderful job tidying up after you and your friends. Maybe you could take a leaf out of his book.” I watch, amused, as Zack throws a side eye at Alex.

  “Dude, don’t make me look bad,” he tells his friend. Alex shrugs, but there’s still a smile on his lips.

  “I’m gonna head. Are you at the Arts Centre later?” Alex looks at Zack with a raised brow.

  “Tonight. There’s an event I’m helping set up for from 3 pm and then waitering at tonight. You want me to see if they need anyone else?”

  “Maybe. I’m waiting to see if the bar needs me. Let me know if they’re looking short and if I’ve not heard from the bar, I can help.”

  Alex grabs his phone from the kitchen counter and gives me a nod. “Thanks for letting me stay and for the food.”

  “No worries.”

  And with that, he leaves. I look across at Zack, still shovelling food into his mouth, and give him a shoulder check.

  “Aren’t you going to see your friend out?”

  “He’s a big boy. He can find his own way.”

  I wait until I hear the front door close behind Alex before I turn my full attention to Zack. He glances at me sideways and heaves an enormous sigh. “Let’s hear it, Mum. What have you got to say?”

  “What do you mean?” I ask.

  “You’ve got that look on your face that tells me you’ve got a bone to pick with me.”

  “I just… it was a shock to come downstairs this morning and find a half-naked man on my couch.”

  He winces. “Yeah, sorry about that. I forgot I’d offered for him to stay. It was so he could have a few beers because he was bringing the bike.”

  “Why didn’t you put him in the guest room?”

  “Like I said, I hadn’t checked with you and I’m pretty sure he was fine on the couch.”

  “How old is he?”

  “I dunno. A few years ahead of me. Maybe Twenty-three, twenty-four? What’s it matter?”

  “He’s just different from you, is all. I was wondering what you guys have in common.”

  “He’s a G. A gamer, not that he has much spare time these days. He’s working all sorts of jobs, saving up to move out. His stepdad is a complete twat, apparently.”

  “That’s rough,” I say with a wince. “Have you seen his pottery?”

  “Yeah, it’s amazing. The guy’s got talent, but he needs to do the waitering and bar work to earn some money.”

  “I thought he was a drug dealer when he knocked on the door.”

  Zack guffaws. “So judgey, Mum. What the hell? Just because he rides a motorcycle and has tattoos? Come on, you’ve taught me better than that. Do better yourself.”

  I feel suitably chagrined. “You’re right. I shouldn’t judge on first appearances. I just couldn’t get my head around him being your friend. He looks older. And different from your other friends.”

  “Mum, you’ve known a lot of my other friends for years. When we were all smaller than you!”

  “True. He seems nice enough. And it was good of him to tidy up.” I give my son a knowing look.

  “I know there’s more I can do around here. I’ll try. I just get distracted by other stuff.”

  “All I ask is that you try. What are your plans today?”

  “Work at 3 pm. Had been planning a long lay in but you were up at the crack of dawn making bacon, and luckily, I was awake. Maybe some gaming… see if anyone is online.”

  “Are you seeing your father this weekend?”

  “Dunno. Not heard from him this week. Must be busy with his new girlfriend.” His tone is nonchalant as he lifts a shoulder in a shrug.

  “Why don’t you text him?” As much as I have no desire to see my ex-husband ever again, I try my best to remain neutral for Zack and encourage their relationship. I don’t think our split and subsequent divorce had been a surprise to our son, given the difficulties we’d been having. But I want to make sure Zack still has a father figure and extra support when he needs it.

  “Last time I saw him, he was talking about taking me away to a cabin somewhere for a fishing weekend. Sounds a bit shit, to be honest. But maybe he’s already forgotten.”

  My ex, John, isn’t great at following through, but I hope he’s going to pull his finger out and sort out some quality time with his son. Maybe I should send him a text with a gentle nudge? I’ll see if Zack hears from him over the next few days.

  “What are your plans?”

  “I might be dragging Cassidy out for a drink or several tonight. Today I want to catch up on chores around the house and get some of my Bookstagram stuff done.”

  “I’ll wash up then and help you get started.”

  Chapter four

  Mel

  I’ve convinced Cassidy to take a break from her writing cave and come out. She’s perkier than she seemed in her messages last night. She and Tom had a heart to heart this morning, and she’s in a better spot now. She’s been in a throuple for a while now with her neighbour, Jack and his friend with benefits, Tom. But Jack took a job offer in New York, leaving Cassidy uncertain about the relationship and unsure of her footing with Tom. I’m so glad that Tom came through and wants to try with her. When I asked her where she wanted to drink tonight, of course she picked Tom’s bar, The Thirst Trap.

  Abby, the barmaid and Cassidy’s friend, places the cocktails down in front of us. I admire the fruity concoctions. We asked Abby to surprise us, and she certainly has.

  “What even is this?” Cassidy asks with a chuckle.

  “It’s an Abby special.” She gives us a sly wink, and I know it’s going to be strong before I’ve even had the first sip.

  We’ve come out quite early, so there’s not a big crowd in yet; a few tables having dinner and drinkers dotted around, and it’s quiet enough that we can sit up at the bar and chat to Abby while she works.

  “What did you do to the boss? He’s remarkably brighter today than yesterday,” Abby asks Cassidy, brows raised.

  “I insisted he come over this morning. We had a chat and agreed to make a go of it, even with Jack gone.”

  “That’s excellent news, Cass. I’m happy for you. Both of you.”

  I smile as Abby leans across the bar and tries to capture Cassidy in a hug, but the bar is too wide and it just looks like she’s trying to grope her instead.

  “Hey, hands off my girl,” Tom calls as he makes his way back to the bar after clearing plates from a table. He comes over and kisses the top of Cassidy’s head and she glows under his attention, gazing up at him with adoration, like a cartoon character with heart eyes.

  “I’m pleased for you both and all, but none of that sappy stuff around me, thank you very much. It gives me the ick.” Abby makes a gesture like she’s going to vomit.

  Tom chuckles as he walks away to the kitchen with the dirty plates. He shoots a wink in our direction and Cassidy blushes.

  “Is he still giving you lots of fodder for your smutty book writing?” I have to ask. She’s a good friend, willing to spill the beans with me, and it’s been interesting to hear about all the positions the three of them have got themselves in over the last few months.

  “After we had our chat, he railed me seven ways to Sunday. Pretty sure I came so hard, I passed out for a minute.”

  I smile but can’t help but feel a little left out. My sex life isn’t exactly jumping at the moment. I’ve had two one-night stands since my separation a year ago and neither was satisfying enough to repeat.

  When I first got together with my ex-husband, I’d been happy with our sex life, but speaking with Cassidy and with all the smut I read these days, I have realised that I’ve not been very adventurous at all. Perhaps it’s something I should aim to do. Let my hair down and live a little. Not that I think I could handle two men like Cassidy, but even one adventurous lover would be fun. I think that’s what I need. I’m not convinced I’m built for one-night stands because I need to be comfortable enough to be intimate with someone. I don’t think I necessarily need love and a stable relationship, but I’d love to try a friendship with some fun side benefits.

  “I think I need a lover,” I blurt out before I have time to stop myself. “Someone to have some fun with and explore all these sex positions and stuff I’ve never tried before.”

  Cassidy rubs her hands together with glee. “You’re saying we can help find you a man?”

  “Doesn’t have to be a man. Just saying,” Abby contributes, raising her eyebrows at me.

  “I’m pretty sure I’m straight, but I think at this point in my life, I’m willing to consider all my options.”

  “You say you need a lover? So you’re not looking for a one-off thing?” Cassidy clarifies.

  “I was just thinking about that. I think I need to at least be friends with someone to be comfortable enough to try new things. I don’t think I’ll be able to psyche myself up enough to do it with a one-night stand.”

  “Hmmm, anyone you’ve already got your eye on?”

  A blush creeps up my cheeks as my first thought goes towards Alex. I shake my head vehemently to free my mind from that intrusive thought. That can stay locked away, thank you very much.

  “I’ve had a look on the dating apps but they just turn me right off.”

  “We need to find you a man that will take care of you. Perhaps one that comes with a personal recommendation.” Abby is leaning across the bar, adding to the conversation. “You need someone that knows what he’s doing.”

  “What about Sean?” Cassidy asks Abby.

  “Nah, he’s with someone just now and he’s adamant he’s trying monogamy for a while. He’s a barman here,” she explains before pausing and frowning in concentration. “We do have some new blood working here. But I’ve not tested him out yet.” She winks and I laugh in amazement.

  “Let me know if you do and if you’d recommend him,” I joke with her. Abby turns to serve a customer or two for a few minutes.

  “What’s your type? What gets your juices flowing?” Cassidy asks me.

  “I don’t even think I know.”

  “Anyone got you fluttering recently?”

  Again, I blush as one person comes to mind.

  “Oh, come on, you can tell me…”

  “It’s just, it’s nothing. Zack had a new friend stay over last night. He’s older than Zack, but still way too young for me. I can’t lie—seeing him practically naked on my couch wasn’t the worst way to wake up… and don’t get me started on his tattoos.” I grimace, disgusted with myself that I’ve spoken the words out loud.

  Cassidy claps her hands with glee. “Someone younger could be perfect. They’ll match your stamina. You’re in your sexual peak right now, so a guy your age won’t be able to keep up. Let’s find you a young one.”

  “I dunno. It feels weird when I have an eighteen-year-old son. I should be more respectable.”

  “It’s not like you’re gonna be fucking in front of Zack, Mel. What you do behind closed doors is your own business. Don’t let outdated societal expectations get in the way of your pleasure!”

  I nod, trying to get on board with the idea of a younger man.

  “Okay, but not a friend of Zack’s. And not too young. I’m forty. So maybe thirty?”

  “Pfft! Go younger!” Cassidy tries to encourage, but I shake my head adamantly. “Alright then, I’ll ask Tom if he knows anyone. He might even be able to give you his personal recommendation.” She waggles her brow at me.

  Chapter five

  Alex

  I’m heading to a session at the pottery studio when I get a text.

  Zack:

  Wanna kick my arse at racing again?

  Me:

  When?

  Zack:

  Tonight? At mine?

  My pulse kicks up when I think of going back to Zack’s place and maybe bumping into Mel. More than once in the last week, it has been her on my mind, when my hand was gripped around my hard cock, pumping it to completion. The way she’d laid sprawled out on her bed, watching television. I’d pictured that many different ways—with my head between her thighs, her dress pushed up, tasting her cunt. Both of us naked, me on top, easing my cock into her hot pussy.

  Me:

  I’m waiting to hear if the bar need me. Can I let you know?

  Zack:

  It’s a school night. Surely they won’t be that busy?

  Me:

  Probably not. What time you thinking?

  Zack:

  7ish?

  Me:

  That should work. If I’ve not heard from them by then, I should be clear. I’ll text if I’m on my way.

  Zack:

  Sweet. Catch ya later.

  I’m grateful for the opportunity to get away from the house. I try not to be home all that often. My stepdad, Doug, is a pain in the arse. He’s wanted me gone since he got together with my mum when I was in primary school. Years later, and he can’t shut up about his plans to convert my room into a man cave when I leave. Twat.

  It’s not like I don’t want to leave, but I need to save up enough money and that’s hard when a lot of my time is tied up with the pottery apprenticeship. Not for the first time, I wonder about quitting it to get a full-time job so I can get out sooner, but nothing else interests me and I don’t want to be stuck in a job I hate, wishing I’d done this when I had the chance.

  At least the pottery work is during the day and there’s plenty of casual work available in the evenings and weekends. I’m really hoping the casual position at the bar becomes more permanent with regular hours. They’re a good crowd and the boss is a decent guy. He even said that one of the regular staff members might be leaving soon and that’s why Tom took me on—to get me trained up and ready to take over.

  And it’s not like I need a castle to live in, just a room in a flatshare would be fine. I really need to take the leap and start looking. I’ve got some savings from my grandparents. I used some to buy my bike and I’m trying to decide if I should use the rest to buy a kiln after my apprenticeship finishes.

  I could ask my sister if she knows anyone looking for a lodger or roommate. As a tattoo artist, Laura knows bloody everyone.

  I shoot her a quick text:

  Me:

  Hey, loser. Know of anyone looking for a flatmate?

  Laur:

  Shit, what’s Doug done now?

  Her quick response must mean that she’s between clients right now.

  Me: