Page 26 of Kicks

Billy hadn’t considered anything of the sort. When he did, it made sense.

“If we move some things around, the counter can go by the door,” Billy said. “A few well-placed mirrors and cameras, we should have it covered.”

Even Harry looked impressed.

“I like it. Judging by your space, I think we’d need roughly two-thirds for our stuff.”

Billy frowned. “What about the rest?”

“Up to you,” Eddie said with a shrug. “Although, no offence, I’d rethink the souvenirs.”

A little bead of perspiration trickled down Billy’s spine. Fuck, this man had the strangest effect on him.

And I like it.

“What’s the split?” Harry asked.

Eddie appeared taken aback for a second. “You’re very direct. You get eighty percent of whatever you sell.”

“Twenty percent for supply?” Billy exclaimed. “That’s daylight robbery.”

“That’s the deal,” Eddie replied. “You need stock you can shift, mate. Take it or leave it.”

Billy stood up. He would not be ripped off like this. There must be another way.

“Then we’ll leave it.”

“Billy—” Harry said.

“No,” Billy replied. “Don’t.”

Slowly, Eddie rose to his feet. “Okay, I don’t want to get in the middle of family tension.”

“I’ll show you out,” Billy said. “I’m sorry to have wasted your time. If you’d told me that on the phone, I would have saved you the trip.”

They walked into the shop.

“It’s always nice to get down by the sea,” Eddie said, seemingly unconcerned.

Billy opened the door. Eddie didn’t appear to have any animosity at Billy cancelling the deal. He had no doubts that many other salesmen would have tried to manipulate him way more than that.

“I really am sorry,” Billy said.

“Don’t sweat it,” Eddie replied. “If you change your mind, you have my details. For what it’s worth, you’re sitting on a goldmine here. Whatever you do, do it well, my friend.”

Eddie nodded and stepped out into the morning sunshine. Billy watched him walk along the pavement.

He didn’t look back. Something that Billy found slightly disappointing.

“I hope you’re pleased with yourself,” Harry said from behind him.

Billy closed the door and faced his brother.

“He was ripping us off,” Billy said.

“Eighty percent of things that sell is better than a hundred of old crap gathering dust.”

He couldn’t deny that he’d had more losses than wins on his choices for the shop. But he had had wins.