They didn’t discuss it at lunchtime, or on the way home, or at all until Anton invited Jude over once Larimer had tripped over a curb and headed on his own way.
“Sure,” Jude said, and tilted his head. “You okay?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re quiet.”
“Mm.”
“Um. I’m sorry about this morning?”
Anton blinked, fumbling with his keys. “What?”
“Well, I guess that’s probably why you’re quiet…”
“I’m not angry with you,” Anton blurted out, and Jude’s shoulders sagged. “Actually—thanks. For getting everyone talking about it without…you know, giving me away.”
“That was the idea, yeah.”
“And it worked. So thanks,” Anton said. Once they were safely inside, front door closed and outside world locked away, he leaned up and kissed Jude on the cheek.
“I’m guessing, though, you don’t want me saying nothing abo
