Page 35 of Kicks

“That’s brilliant news. You’ll be onThe Apprenticesoon.”

“Thanks,” he said weakly. “I feel bad you having to do your training here. I didn’t mean for you to do this.”

Harry strode over to his makeshift workout area. “I don’t mind. I quite like it. We should never have let life get in the way.”

Billy frowned. “It wasn’t life, Harry. Was it?”

“Billy…let’s not go there.”

“No, you’re right,” Billy replied. “It’s nice to have you here.”

“Have you had any thoughts on what else to sell.”

“Ah-ha,” Billy said, giving his brother his full attention. “Football stuff.”

Harry’s eyes widened. “That’s bloody genius.”

“I know. Plus, I’m going to try and get Crystal interested. She’s still really pissed off that we’re selling sex toys. Apparently, she’s never been so embarrassed in her whole life.”

They both saw the funny side. Poor Crystal would have to deal with it.

“Make the most of yours being babies,” Billy said. “Two teenagers will fuck you right up.”

Harry shuddered.

“So, we’re going to have to sell a lot to get this place in decent shape.”

“I’m sure your new boyfriend will help you.”

Billy stopped. Harry had given him hell when he first came out. That was the reason they had drifted apart. Now he was joking with him?

“He isn’t my boyfriend. Has someone swapped your brain?”

Once again, Harry put the weight down. “Billy, I treated you badly. I’ve learnt a few things since we were kids.”

Billy almost burst into tears. He’d yearned for words like these to come from his brother for years.

“Thank you.”

“I’d hug you but I’m sweaty.”

“No need but thanks.”

“He does fancy you though,” Harry said, resuming his biceps curls.

Billy threw a Brighton Pavilion-shaped pencil sharpener at him. It ricocheted off his head.

“Direct hit,” Billy crowed.

“With aim like that, you should join the armed police if you want to earn some extra cash.”

Billy shook his head. “I wouldn’t mind a side hustle, you know. Something for me. I’ll need it if we sell.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Not sure.”

“Billy, you have a degree in drawing stuff.”