Page 26 of Narrow Margins
There’s something bothering Corrie, he’s chewing his lip again and keeps fidgeting. I’m driving today and need to concentrate through the heavy, morning rush hour traffic.
“What’s going on, Corrie? You’ve been chewing your lip all the way here, it will be too sore for me to even kiss better.” I try and joke but get no response, “C’mon, Corr, please, talk to me. What have I done wrong?”
As he turns away from the window, I see the clouds in his eyes as he looks at me, the worry hits me hard. For once, I’m happy to be stuck in traffic as I’m trapped in his glare.
“I don’t want to start another argument, leave it for now, Griff. I’ll work through it.” The monotone pitch of Corrie’s voice shocks me.
“I don’t think I can, I think I need to know what I did, because it’s obvious that it’s something I have done. We need to be honest with each other. This is a massive life change for me.” I hold up my hand to stop him from interrupting me. “It is a welcome change, Corrigan, I have never wanted to spend time with anyone before. But you? You bring out something so raw and so real in me that I can’t imagine not being with you. So, can you please tell me what I’ve done?”
“Fine. You walked away from me when we argued. You left me in bed. You didn’t give me a chance to explain because I couldn’t reach you.” Corrie is angry and upset and I still don’t get why as his eyes bore into me.
There’s a loud blast of a horn as the driver behind me gets impatient when I don’t move. Shoving the Shelby back into drive, I pull away but not before giving the car behind me the finger.
“You’ve lost me, Corr. I have no idea what you are talking about.” I concentrate on where I’m going and look around, thinking I need to change lanes. “Corrie, you need to help me out.”
“No, I think you need to work out what I mean.” He mutters.
“Not that, the fucking way to the gym. Where am I going?” I shout as traffic around me starts to move again.
Corrie looks around and takes in where we are. “Oh, shit! Sorry, you need to take a right up ahead.”
I swerve, weaving through the traffic like the motorcycle champion I am. Corrie has grabbed the handle over the car door and his other hand clenches into a fist on his thigh. The smile on my face is enormous as I ignore the other cars, and the blaring horns, tearing into any space available.
“Shit! Griff, what the fuck?” Corrie suddenly laughs hard, the tension from earlier leaving him as his smile matches mine.
“Narrow margins, baby. You’ve just gotta find ‘em, then take them!” I take the right turn and slow down as we ease back into normal traffic flow.
“You’re fucking crazy!” Corrie looks at me, his eyes glowing.
“Wait till I get you on the back of my bike, I’ll show you real speed then.” I glance over and wink.
“Er, no! I don’t think so. I love watching you move the machine around so effortlessly, but I think I’m too big to be on the back of your motorcycle.” He shakes his head at the thought.
“Trust me, Corrigan, you’ll be fine.” I smile softly and see his eyes sparkle again. “Oh, and there’s no way it’s effortless. That took years of practice and a lot of effort.”
I see the huge De’ath of You headquarters up ahead and move over, ready to turn into the entrance. “This really is a big deal, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, you’re talking serious money here. Troy and Nico have made Franco’s vision into something beyond his dreams. I think the sky really is the limit for those two men. Nico’s husband, Ryan, is also instrumental to its expansion and progression. I can’t imagine the money involved or how much it’s worth. Raff has walked into something very special; he and Troy have an amazing relationship and life.” Corrie sounds wistful when he speaks of his brother and husband.
“You sound like it’s something you would like.” It’s not a question, merely a statement of what I see.
“I envy the love they have; their connection is something else. I want that.” Corrie’s voice trails off when he realizes what he has said.
“You don’t think we have that, do you?” I feel unsure of my place with him, wrongfooted by his admission.
“I think we have something, I just think we have to work for it. If it’s something worth having, then the hard work and even the arguments are worth it.” Corrie smiles. He’s not dismissing us, thankfully.
“Are you going to tell me what is bothering you?” I ask tentatively, not wanting to ruin what is happening right now.
“We’re here now, but it’s okay. I’ll sort it out in my head and I promise I’ll talk to you about it tonight.” Corrie’s lips pull into a genuine smile. I can’t stop myself from leaning over and dropping a kiss on his astonished face.
“Is that before you’ve fucked me into the mattress, or after?” I whisper against his lips and grin at his gasp as I surprise him for the second time.
“Oh, Griff, the things I’m going to do to you.” He returns my smile.
“I’m banking on it, baby. Let’s go.” Switching off the engine, I pocket the keys and climb out of the car. Waiting for Corrie to reach me before holding out my hand for him, his incredulity continues but he reaches for it.
“You sure?” Corrie asks nervously.