Page 19 of Kicks

Both Eddie and Scott sat up straight.

“Impressive,” Scott mused. “One shot, two hits. I admire your courage, young sir.”

Tyler beamed. “I’m the only chance this house has at sustenance. Besides, I’m too lovable for anyone to retaliate. Especially not the new Sister Superior of Brighton.”

Eddie burst out laughing.

“I’m enjoying being in here,” Scott said, evidently ready to change the subject.

They had only ever used the dining room for working from home and drying clothes in.

“VeryDownton Abbey,” Eddie added. “We’ll be dressing for dinner soon.”

Tyler had made an amazing jambalaya. Eddie’s lips still tingled from the spicy sauce Tyler had perfected. He’d be sneaking a second helping later.

“Glad you liked it,” Tyler said. He took a slug of his wine. “I let Scott take charge of dessert.”

They both looked at the man in question.

“What? Did you think I’d forgotten?”

“Yes,” they said in unison.

“That’s all you know,” Scott replied. “I’ve got a selection of gourmet ice creams waiting in the freezer. The choice is endless as long as it’s chocolate fudge brownie or strawberry.”

Eddie rubbed his chin. “Could have been worse,” he said to Tyler, “If he’d used the oven, we may not have survived.”

Scott stabbed a piece of chorizo from his plate. “Don’t make me throw this. Barry isn’t here to save you this time.”

Eddie raised his hands. “I surrender.”

“How’s it going with Brad?” Tyler asked.

Eddie rubbed his eyes. James’ announcement had cast him adrift. Of course, Kat and the others had made him promise he would try his hardest to get the job. He suspected that had more to do with them worrying about their quality of life than concern over his career trajectory.

“He’s obsessed,” Eddie replied. “Do you know, he said to Charlotte on reception that she should give him a VIP car parking space.”

“Smarmy get,” Scott replied.

“It’s worth getting the job just to rub his smug nose in it.”

Tyler frowned. “It’s also a brilliant career opportunity.”

Scott cackled. “What career? Eddie isn’t interested in all that, are you?”

Both of them were staring at him.

"I am,” he said unconvincingly. “You’re not the only one with a C.V., Scott.”

“Club promoting in Ibiza and running a sex shop in Berlin?” Scott replied.

“The shop in Berlin got me this place,” Eddie said. Scott’ attitude was grating on him. “And Sales Manager at Pleasure Seekers is not bad, you know.”

Tyler was the Head of Procurement and Scott the Head of Employee Relations. Both a grade above him and a few years younger.

“I’m not saying it isn’t,” Scott said. “You could be so much more. I’ve seen you in action.”

It was an ambush. Both Scott and Tyler were staring at him expectantly.