Chapter 6
Barty had no idea why Evan had called him at six-fucking-thirty on a Sunday. He would have much preferred to sleep in until eleven (to his father’s dismay).
‘You better have a good enough reason to call me this early.’ Barty warned.
‘Such an angel. I know where they’re going for a date.’ Barty was suddenly very awake.
‘What? Where? When?’
‘They’re going to the beach at 10 today. You better be ready by 9.’ Evan didn’t wait for an answer before hanging up.
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The pair had made it to the beach slightly early. They set down their stuff, and laid down a towel for the two of them to sit on. Barty leaned back onto his elbows, eyes shut as he faced the sun. His father had been glad to see Barty up before noon, and his joy was almost boundless when he found out that his son would be out of the house for a few hours.
‘God, it’s so bleeding hot here.’ Evan said, stripping his tee and tossing it to the side. Evan had a pretty solid physique; broad shoulders, narrow waist and defined abs. Barty reckoned that he worked out a bit. Evan’s face had an orangish tinge to it as a result of the heat. ‘Look who’s arrived right on time.’
Regulus and James walked by, hand-in-hand. Regulus had a smile on his face; Barty was once again reminded of the fact that they’d never been like this. Regulus and Barty didn’t smile. They sneered. ‘Barty, we should walk past them into the sea.’
‘You’re the boss.’ Evan stood up first, offering a hand to Barty who took it. He discarded his own t-shirt which unfortunately, fell in the sand. Before Barty could say anything, he was thrown over Evan’s shoulder who started to run towards the water. Barty screamed, a very embarrassingly loud, shrill screech. He kicked his legs in desperation. Suddenly, he was plunged underwater, cold water biting his skin.
‘Targets are watching.’ Barty understood, and quickly closed the gap between the two of them. Evan’s hands were quick to roam the expanse of Barty’s back, while Barty kept his hands restricted to Evan’s chest. Barty felt a droplet of water fall from his hair to his cheek and finally to his chest.
When they broke apart, the first thing Evan did was splash Barty with salty seawater. Barty retaliated with the same thing, and soon enough the pair were involved in a sort-of battle, which left them heaving, laughing and dripping. A darkened look passed across Evan’s face.
‘They’re gone.’ He stated.
‘What? They can’t be gone already?’ Barty turned to see James and Regulus sitting exactly where they were earlier. When he turned, he came face to face with Evan’s grinning face.
‘Fuck you.’
‘You keep saying that but we never get around to it.’