Page 13

JACKSON

I was excited when Tony messaged me to meet up for a drink.

I genuinely miss the guy. He’s a little bit of home that I can cling onto.

I’ve not been the best of friends to him, especially after moving to LA.

I don’t really think I’ve really kept in contact with any of my old school friends.

I couldn’t even tell you what most of their partners’ names are, but I’ve never minded making the effort with Tony.

Except, what I thought would be one drink turned into two, which turned into five.

I switched to water an hour ago but Tony is on his sixth beer and his eyes are distinctly red rimmed.

I haven’t drunk much alcohol since that one beer in Rosie’s flat when she told me she was pregnant.

It doesn’t feel right if she’s not allowed to either.

Tony also offered to split a bag with me in the bathroom but I laughed him off.

I haven’t touched anything harder than whiskey for a while now.

At some point, it’s less fun and more concerning.

Tony makes a show of putting his wallet away but unless his bladder has shrunk, he’s been using the pub’s porcelain for something other than taking a piss .

“…and you spent ten minutes with a harness up your ass because you didn’t want to admit you’d done it wrong.” Tony laughs, slapping the table as he finishes recounting the story of our first rig.

I chuckle darkly as I throw a balled up napkin at him. “Laugh it up but I haven’t fucked up a harness since.”

Tony wipes his eyes before gesturing to the waitress to bring him another drink. In all the years I’ve known him, I’ve never seen Tony drink this much. He always used to be a one and done guy, preferring to get eight hours of sleep and an early gym session over a hangover.

I rub my beard, “Hey bro, is everything good with you?”

Tony nods his head frantically. “Yeah, yeah of course. Kaia’s back in Wellington, did I tell you?”

I shake my head.

“Yeah, yeah, she’s just spending time with her parents.”

“Is Masen over there too?”

Tony nods as his next drink is placed in front of him, he takes a few gulps of his beer before setting it down. “She’s left me.”

I huff out a slow breath. Tony and Kaia have been together since we were kids and I’ve known her almost as long as I have him. “Ah shit bro. What happened?”

Tony shrugs, waving his hand. “I don’t know. We were arguing a lot and I was working away so much. We moved over here so I could work with Marky and the guys, get into some big jobs shooting over here, and she hated it. Missed her folks.”

“Tony,” I say, not really sure what else there is to say.

“So, you know I’m still here. Still working.”

“You don’t want to go home?”

Tony shakes his head. “Nah bro, I’m doing the job I love. I’m doing stunts for jobs we used to watch on the big screen. Every day’s an adrenaline rush, y’know.”

I nod, knowing the feeling. It’s addictive.

“When did this go down?”

Tony shrugs. “A few months maybe.”

“And Masen?”

At that Tony’s gaze shutters, spinning his nearly empty glass on the table. “He’s—” he breaks off. “He’s hard to reach sometimes.”

My nephew Cody is definitely on the way to becoming a moody teenager, preferring to sit in his room with his video games than hang out with his family. I send him messages when I’m working away but it’s only really when I’m in his house that he allows me to give him any attention.

“She wants to get back together.”

“She does? That’s great right?”

Tony nods, tracing the condensation on his glass. “She wants me to quit.”

“Quit?” I lean back in my seat.

He laughs sardonically, “She says it’s too dangerous. I’ve been doing this job for nearly fifteen years, Jackie. I’ve never been hurt. She wants me to give up everything I’ve worked for.”

I sigh heavily. “There are other jobs, Tony. This is your family.”

Tony scoffs. “You left your family for a little bit of fame as soon as you could.”

“Hey,” I say sharply. “That’s not fair.”

“Sorry, but it’s a bit hard to sympathize with the guy who’s got enough in the bank to retire at thirty two and fucks a different girl every weekend. You don’t have the same responsibilities I do, and anything you were responsible for you left behind to chase fame. ”

I could snap back, throw in the fact that my family is currently growing just around the corner from here, but Tony slumps forward, his hands tangling in his hair and it doesn’t feel worth it.

I had planned to pull out the ultrasound I carry around in my wallet to tell one of my oldest friends my news, but this is no longer the time.

Plus, I don’t want to reduce Rosie and the baby to a ‘gotcha’ moment. Even though I do have responsibilities, thank you very much.

“I think we’d best call it a night, bro.” I gesture for the bill.

Tony doesn’t say anything, still slumped in his chair. I bite back my irritation as he folds his head further on his arms. I love my friend but he’s really starting to get on my nerves.

“I’m sorry,” he slurs.

“It’s okay.” I help him out of his chair. “Where are you staying?”

“Marky’s spare room.” Jesus.

“Alright, let’s get you in a cab.” He doesn’t protest as I sling his arm over my shoulder and help lead him out of the pub.

“I’m sorry man.” Tony pulls himself unsteadily to his full height, the fresh air hitting him.

“Stop apologizing. I owe you for the help with that harness back then anyway.”

Tony snickers as he slumps up against the brick wall. I scan the street but can’t spot a black cab so I lean against the wall next to him.

“Listen Tony, if you’re not happy about the split, I think you might need to consider it. Marriage is all about compromise, right?” I nudge his shoulder.

“I don’t want to give it up,” he snaps .

I bite my tongue. He is definitely not in the mood for constructive criticism. “Alright, bro. Whatever makes you happy, man.”

I spot a taxi and flag it down, hustling him into the car. “Are you good from here?” I ask.

He nods his head, taking a deep breath.

“We should do this again sometime.” He shoots me a half grin.

“We’ll see about that, lightweight.”

Tony snickers. “Thirty really hits like a train, doesn’t it?”

“We’re growing up, bro.”

“Make it stop,” Tony whines playfully as I close the taxi door.

I lean through the open window. “Let me know when you’re home safe, yeah? And don’t worry too much, it will all work out in the end.”

I offer him my hand and he clasps it in his own.

“Thanks Jackie, you’re a good one.”

I tap the taxi as it pulls off into traffic and watch as it disappears down the road.

Exhaling heavily, I pivot on my heels and pull my phone out of my pocket.

Me

Any chance for a game of Sixth Temple?

Rosie

Ready for me to beat you?

I chuckle, I want nothing more than to shake off the weird evening side by side with Rosie.

Me

Always