Page 111 of Kicks

“I don’t take any pleasure in it,” Eddie said. “A man has lost his job.”

“Oh, calm down. Of course you do,” Scott replied. “He was a dick and deserves everything he gets. Now, Tyler and I have been planning. We’re going to drink this and get our glad rags on. Tonight, we hit the town.”

Eddie had fancied a long soak in the bath. Yet, he’d stayed in all weekend. A few drinks wouldn’t hurt. Even if it was a Monday night.

He sank down on the sofa. “I’m getting changed,” he said. “These trousers are way too tight if we’re having dinner too.”

Scott sat next to him and snuggled into his shoulder. “So proud of you, babe. I knew you’d do it. Didn’t I?”

Tyler squeezed in on the other side of Eddie. “You did brilliantly,” he said. “What’s the thing you’re going to splurge on now you’ve had a pay rise? You should treat yourself.”

Eddie would be earning a lot more than he currently did.

“Firstly, I’m getting a new bag. Something fancy that says, I’m not to be messed with,” Eddie said, his mind racing. “Plus, I did have my eye on a Tarantino box set.”

Scott and Tyler groaned.

“What?” Eddie asked.

“We’ve no more room,” Scott wailed. “You’re going to have to thin the collection a bit.”

Eddie gasped. “I will do no such thing.”

“I’m only kidding,” Scott replied. “Kind of. Let’s talk about it another day.”

The doorbell rang.

“Oh balls,” Tyler said.

“I’ll go,” Scott said. “I’m going to get ready. I want good food in my belly as soon as possible.”

He got up and went out of the room.

“You must be really chuffed,” Tyler said.

“I am,” Eddie replied. “I really am.”

And he meant it. He’d drifted from job to job, with never a plan. This felt like a very mature move. It both thrilled and terrified him.

The lounge door opened and a worried-looking Scott appeared.

“What’s up?” Eddie asked.

“You’d better come.”

TWENTY-SIX

BILLY

Billy stood in the hallway. His heart raced. He stared at Scott.

“Thank you,” he said.

“Don’t hurt him,” Scott replied quietly.

Before Billy had a chance to respond, Eddie appeared in the doorway.

“Billy.”