Page 27 of Kicks

“Now we’ve had the idea, why don’t we see if we can find another company to stock with us?” Billy suggested.

Harry sighed. “I suppose. It was bloody perfect though. Think of all the hens and stags that’ll be down here. Too pissed to care how much they’re spending.”

Billy walked into the shop and leant on the counter, facing his brother.

“Fuck,” he said. “I’ve ruined everything, haven’t I?”

Harry looked into his eyes. “Maybe the best thing is to get rid of it. We’d get a decent price.”

Harry had a point. To move on had its attractive qualities.

“We’d get a better one if it we were running a booming business in the newest hot spot in town.”

“What are you saying?”

“I guess I’m saying I’ll call Eddie and eat a fuck ton of humble pie.”

Harry’s face lit up then dropped. “Won’t Pleasure Seekers be pissed that we’re looking to bail at the first chance?”

Billy shrugged. “They don’t have to know everything. We’ll sell as an established business. Everyone’s happy.”

It seemed like the perfect plan. To add to that, Billy would be seeing Eddie again. The thought made him tingle in places he hadn’t in quite some time.

Yes, it would be very nice to have their paths cross once more.

SEVEN

EDDIE

Eddie stomped into the office. Charlotte, the bubbly receptionist, took one look at his face and frowned.

“Oh dear,” she said. “Someone is in a bad mood. And on such a glorious day.”

“Sorry,” Eddie replied.

He stopped and ran his hands through his dreadlocks. Fuck, it was hot outside.

“What’s the matter?”

“I thought I had a sure-fire winner. A shop down the seafront,” he said. “They wanted to stock some of our stuff.”

Charlotte whistled. “Nice spot.”

“I know.”

“What happened?”

“I got greedy.”

Charlotte frowned. “That’s not like you. Oh, I get it. This competition with Brad?”

“How do you know about that?”

It amazed Eddie how Charlotte always found out everything that went on. Scott liked to pride himself on finding out the gossip. He remained on the beginner slopes compared to Charlotte.

“Kat,” she replied. “She’s worried.”

“Aren’t we all?”