Interview with an Ex


One of the key plot points in Second Helpings is the ability (or inability) of Stuart and Paul to move on from their exes. Although in Paul’s case he isn’t even sure if his ex is ex. For Stuart, it’s about finding a second chance after the death of his much loved partner Mark. In the story, we hear a lot about Stuart’s viewpoint on Mark, but what about vice versa? So here’s a posthumously posted ‘interview’ with Mark about the man himself.

How did you meet?

It was a blind date, although neither of us knew that at the time. Stuart thought he was meeting up with Guy, one of his work colleagues. I think he’d secretly fancied Guy for ages, so when the bloke arranged for them to have a drink, Stuart thought his luck had turned and Guy had turned with it.

So did you know about the blind date?

Did I heck as like. I been invited to drinks in the pub with a chap I worked with. A friend of Guy’s. You can get the rest.

Love at first sight?

No. Lust, certainly. Well, don’t look so shocked. Even hospital chaplains have naughty bits that need exercising. Christians do have sex, and quite enjoy it, but they never put that in the Diocese newspaper.

Lust turned to love, though?

It did, indeed. Stuart was, quite literally, an answer to my prayers. I’d been terribly lonely, in a complete “I shall die alone and be eaten by church mice” slough of despond, when in walked—no, technically I was the one who walked in—this gorgeous hunk, who had no idea how gorgeous he was, which makes things even better.

Wouldn’t some people say that the idea of a sexually active gay priest is untenable?

They would. And I’d say that there are plenty of so-called Christians whose lifestyle and preaching I’d find untenable. They seem to worship a God made in their own spiteful image. Sorry, I’ll get down off my high horse. Next question, please?

If you ever chose to leave the church what would you enjoy doing instead?

When I was small I wanted to be a ship’s captain. Now I’d like to write, if Stuart could keep us in the style we’re accustomed to.

What genre?

Deep theological tomes under my own name. And gay romances under a pen name. I suspect I’d make more money from the latter than the former. Stuart would be mortified, of course. Poor lamb, he’s extremely shy.

Do you find that his work impacts on your home life?

I think both our jobs do, but at least I rarely have to deal with cases where a child has been assaulted or even killed by one of its family. When Stuart has the forensics to complete on those cases it hits him hard. I couldn’t do what he does.

What keeps him going when things are tough?

Love. Understanding. Plum crumble. And a generous sprinkle of using our double bed to the full.


8 responses to “Interview with an Ex”

  1. I really enjoy Second Helpings, though sometimes I felt Mark to be too good to be true along with Paul. But this interview showed him to be a “real” and decent chap that I – finally – get what Stuart felt. Thanks for this! 😀

  2. I enjoyed seeing Mark’s view of Stuart, thanks! I’d really like to hear from Paul’s “boyfriend”, too, because his behaviour was so odd. Was there any truth in his mother’s being ill? If he could contact his boss, why didn’t he get in touch with Paul?

    • Thanks, HJ. Funny thing is that I can’t answer those questions. I really don’t ‘get’ Ben at all, or rather I see him from Paul’s POV only. I wouldn’t trust him with a balloon on a stick, let alone a relationship, but I could be wrong.

      Does that make any sort of sense?

      • It does make sense, but it’s a bit frustrating! I hope Paul finds out some day what was going on with Ben. Otherwise it would be one of those things you worry about from time to time, trying to work out what really did happen!

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