Page 17 of Kicks

“Calm down, Little Miss Suspicious. It’s nothing too major. Come on.”

They wandered through into the lounge. The view of the marina had been the reason he had bought the place. Now he rarely got the chance to sit and enjoy it. Then he saw the worry on his half-sister’s face.

“Harry came to the shop today.”

“Bloody hell. Now I am shitting it.”

“Hey. Language.”

“Sorry, but why the royal visit?”

“Because I asked him to.”

Billy rummaged into his rucksack that he’d thrown down when he came in. He got out the drawing Lennox had done.

“For you, Auntie Crystal.”

“From Lennox?”

Billy nodded. “I think you might have to wait a while for Cassius to do you one.”

“Hilarious,” Crystal replied as she studied the artwork “That’s so sweet. I’m going to frame it for my room.”

Her face shone as she examined it. A pang of guilt stabbed him in the heart. He should have pushed Harry more to make room for them. Had he missed more things he should be doing for her?

“I’ve been so focused on the shop,” he said. “I’ve not been here enough for you.”

“I know you’re doing your best,” Crystal said.

Failing too, by the sound of things.

“Anyway, good news,” Billy said. “Harry said he’ll help out a bit more.”

Crystal frowned. “You haven’t hardly spoken since Mum’s funeral. How’s that going to work?”

“Time moves on. He seems…different. I don’t know. Anyway, he thinks we should ditch the souvenirs.”

“Really? That’s what we’re known for.”

“Darling, we’re not known for anything,” Billy said. “I think it’s time we either pivot or give it up. I can’t bring myself to do the latter. I promised Mum I’d make sure you were set up.”

Crystal put the picture to one side and snuggled into him. “I miss her.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I do too.”

“What does Harry think we should do instead of souvenirs then?”

Billy shifted. “It’s not definite so don’t go off on one.”

She sat up. “What?”

“Harry read in the paper that Pleasure Seekers are searching for a local store to be a flagship for them.”

“Pleasure Seekers. The sex toy place?”

How does she even know about that?

“It’s more than that,” he said. “They’re doing very well, Crystal. I hate to admit it, but I think he might have a point.”