Sea to Sky Corridor

Chapter Two The Call

Jeremy would be a naïve man if he didn't admit to knowing that there would hell to pay when he finally arrived in England. He mentally braced himself on the ride to the airport, braced even more on the flight back, and by the time he'd landed with Richard and James, had his apology written word for word in his head, hearing it echo like a mantra. He knew that regardless of the fact that he had nothing to do with the controversy; he'd be blamed for it. Best to get his defenses up now, then.

What he didn't realize was the true scope of how bad it actually was.

Getting off the plane was easy enough, but the minute they stepped into the actual airport, it seemed as though every camera in England went off, flash bulbs blinding them as they struggled to get through the hallways and into the safety of their hired cars. What was even worse was the way the paparazzi spoke to them, mocking Jeremy for his insensitivity, his tactless thinking. Jeremy said nothing, keeping his eyes down and following the others as they tried to force their way to the garage. Jeremy could feel James' eyes studying him as a particularly hateful insult was thrown his way, and it was only when James' fingers moved to brush gently against his own that he stopped himself from turning and pummeling the guy.

The barrage of comments continued until they'd managed to get into the cars waiting for them, and pulled out of the airport parking garage and onto the highway. James and Richard said nothing the entire time, keeping their faces stony, expressions set. They'd all been so lost in thought that their expressions remained angry while they drove home, unaware they didn't need to continue keeping up any appearances.

Jeremy's stop was first, as his flat was closest to the airport. He thanked the driver, said his goodbyes to Richard and James, and stepped out of the car. He managed to get to his front steps before he sagged, all the air coming out of him. Running a hand through his hair again, he looked at his feet, shaking his head almost imperceptibly. A small cough behind him had him whipping around, in fear of a pap catching him having a moment of silent weakness.

To Jeremy's relief, James stood behind him, small carry-on bag clutched in his hand, being blustered about slightly by the rainy London wind.

"What?" Jeremy sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before reopening them, just to make sure he wasn't imagining things from lack of sleep.

"I wanted to make sure you were alright. These last few days were..."

"Fucking shit?" Jeremy interjected. Lips pursed, James nodded. "I'm fine James, I just need a shower, some sleep and a carafe of whiskey."

"Then let me come in and drink with you. Believe me Jez, I need it as badly as you do."

Jeremy stared at him for a moment, James' blue eyes pleading in silent persistence. Sighing, he turned once more and unlocked his door, leaving the door open as an invitation before stepping inside.

The sound of his mobile woke him up, and the splitting headache that hit him like a pile of bricks made him wish it hadn't. Sitting up stiffly, he groaned as he rubbed his temples in the hopes that it would make the ache drain out from one of his ears. Finding his phone ringing shrilly on the bedside table, he blearily swiped at the screen, answering the call.

"'Ello?" he managed, voice sounding like he'd been eating gravel for the last week.

"Jeremy, it's me. We've gotta talk." Ah, Andy. Jeremy knew this call would be coming, he just didn't know when.

"You've made it back then? And in one piece I presume." Sitting up, Jeremy saw a half-asleep James now standing in the doorway, one eyebrow raised. Pulling the phone away from his face, Jeremy silently mouthed out "Andy", to which James rolled his eyes.