Always Saying Goodbye

By Hollis Shiloh

2nd edition - previously published by LT3 Press

Tired of a life of secrecy with a lover who only seems to want him for the sex, Jeremy opts for a whole new life: new country, new job, and perhaps even a chance to date a beautiful woman he could someday marry. It's exactly what he needs, despite Gavin's last-ditch efforts to convince him to stay, and definitely for the best that they'll never see each other again …

13,800 words long
contains angst...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spare Words Press
• Release date: May 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386927648

Book preview

Always Saying Goodbye

by Hollis Shiloh

––––––––

England, 1979

He can't keep your last cheque from you, said Iris, holding her knife and fork poised in elegant hands.

Well, he won't send it. Jeremy remembered to use his napkin. He and Gavin usually ate in fish and chip shops, but the daughter of a publishing mogul was used to better, particularly on a Sunday evening. He tried to remember his best manners. He couldn't help admiring her long, sculpted fingers. He couldn't wait to start working with her in America. And maybe more.

Won't he? She looked at him, waiting.

He won't. Jeremy shrugged. It doesn't matter to me. One week's wages is nothing to whinge about. I don't mind losing it if I don't have to see Gavin and Pritchard again. Gavin ... It would be easier this way.

Really? She stared at him, head tilted slightly.

Jeremy Cammish spread his hands. Trust me. You don't know them. I'd rather just get on the plane and leave without telling them we're going.

He hated to see that disappointed look on her face. Her soft mouth looked so inviting, even tilted down. He wanted to kiss that expression off of her, till she melted in his arms.

They were in the early stages of a relationship—if it was going to be a relationship. The 'will we or won't we' grey area, the tingling, new excitement of enjoying being around each other but not quite pushing it any further yet. Jeremy was still figuring out his own feelings and was uncertain how Iris felt about him. But he felt warm inside every time she smiled at him.

Plus, Iris had a rich father, and that complicated everything. Jeremy had been the lad who was mocked at school for his clothes and seemed to spend a childhood in perpetual hunger. Things were better now that he was older, but he'd never be posh. He barely remembered to use his napkin some days.

I'd like to meet them. Especially Gavin. And surely you plan to say goodbye? They looked into each other's eyes. I'm so curious about them, Jeremy. You speak as though they're horrible people, yet you've become such a great reporter, they can't be all bad. You've made me really curious, you know! Especially your stories about Gavin.

He found himself smiling at her, a warm feeling rising in his chest. She thinks I'm good. She really thinks I'm good! Even though she'd already helped him find a great job in another country, the feeling still made him want to laugh out loud with pleasure.

Feeling braver with her sweet gaze on him, he nodded. Okay. Let's go see them tomorrow on Monday. I'll pick up my cheque then and you can meet the great Gavin and Pritchard. You'll see just how well I did just to get out alive. He gave her a wink.

Iris lowered her head, a faint pink colour tingeing her cheek. She finally ate her bite of fish.

#

The newspaper office was more or less the way it always was, busy and disorganised. Today many people were out getting stories. Jeremy hoped Gavin would be one of them.

They nearly made it to Pritchard's office when he spotted a familiar figure.

Oh, hey! Look who it is. Howdy, stranger! Gavin Tramontin walked up with a bounce in his step, grinning at Jeremy as if he hadn't been happier in weeks. He thumped him on the shoulder, hard enough that Jeremy had to brace himself.

He gave Gavin a hard look in return, but Gavin only smiled.

Gavin was a handsome bloke:  tall, blond, and broad-shouldered. But he had a slightly unfinished look, as if he was still getting used to his long limbs. The clumsy, bumbling appearance was mostly inaccurate. Gavin knew his own strength, was deadly in a pub fight, and the best man in the world to have by your side if the scene got a little hot for a couple of newspapermen.

Gavin turned to Iris. And this is the lucky lady. Pleased to meet you. He caught her hand and kissed the back of it.