Page 2 of Kicks

The people were dispersing a little. Eddie spotted his team congregating by a waiter holding a tray of drinks.

“I’d better go and speak to my lot,” he said.

“Thanks. Abandon me in my hour of need,” Scott replied.

Tyler grinned at Eddie. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll take Popeye here to the side. Maybe some fresh air will help.”

Eddie frowned at Scott. He was looking worse.

“Focus on the horizon,” he suggested.

He didn’t wait for Scott’s reply, which was probably for the best.

“What’s up with Scott?” Kat asked when he reached them.

“The high seas don’t agree with him,” Eddie replied. “You guys having fun?”

“Yeah,” Brad replied, draining his glass. “Anyone want another?”

Judging by the way he was slurring his words, Brad was making the most of the free drinks.

“It’s classier to sip champagne,” Kat replied.

“I’ll try and remember that,” Brad sneered.

Unsteadily, he pushed past them to chase after the waiter.

“He’s fucked,” Eddie said.

Kat shook her head. “It’s the Christmas do all over again.”

Eddie shuddered. Brad had got himself so drunk, he had fallen asleep on the toilet with his pants around his ankles. It had been down to Eddie and the director of sales, James Bennett, to get him dressed and home. A favour Brad had never bothered to thank them for.

James appeared at their side. “Is he all right?” he asked, frowning at Brad.

“Just a little over-excited,” Eddie replied.

“Again?”

“He likes to get his money’s worth.”

James sipped from his glass. “I want you all on your best behaviour,” he said. “I’ve had a meeting with Alistair. There’s going to be some changes around here.”

Eddie snapped instantly to attention. He wasn’t much of a fan of change.

“Such as?”

“I’ll tell you on Monday,” James replied. “Now, does someone want to rescue Charlotte?”

Eddie glanced over. Brad was leering at Charlotte, the receptionist.

“I’ll go,” he said with a sigh.

He nodded to a few people as he made his way over. Charlotte had a face like thunder.

“You’re a cheeky bastard,” she said to Brad.

“What?” Brad replied, staggering back a little. “You should be grateful.”