Page 47 of Kicks

“I saw her,” Eddie said. “You didn’t respond and went faster. That’s very mature play. You need to really push your coach to get your name out there. If he can’t be bothered, then do it yourself.”

Crystal looked at Billy. “You mean ring the clubs?”

“Why not? Do a showreel, email them then follow it up with a phone call,” Eddie said as he nibbled a chip. “What do you have to lose?”

He certainly had a point.

Eddie and Crystal had moved the conversation on to passing the ball. Billy watched them. They had instantly got on like a house on fire. Eddie’s face became so animated as he gave Crystal tips on how she could refine her technique.

Billy realised he liked this man. Very much.

Eddie caught his eye.

“Are we boring you?” he asked, a playful smile on his face.

“Don’t mind me,” Billy replied. “I’m happy sitting here enjoying my pizza.”

“So what you two up to for the rest of the weekend?”

Crystal made a face.

“Less of it,” Billy said. “Harry has invited us over for drinks and nibbles later on.”

“Which means I’ll get stuck with the little kid while you adults get pissed.”

“I’m paying you, remember.”

The little mercenary had struck a hard bargain earlier.

“This Pleasure Seekers deal needs to work,” Billy continued, “the rate you’re extorting cash out of me.”

Eddie shifted in his seat. “No work talk on a Saturday.”

“Totally,” Crystal said.

“I can see I’m getting ganged up on.”

“We should do this again,” Crystal said. “It’s fun.”

Billy stared into Eddie’s eyes.

It has been fun.

Harry and Kim lived in a little estate on the edge of Brighton. The houses had only been built five years ago. Everything gleamed.

Crystal played with Lennox in his sand pit. Each time Billy caught her eye she would glare at him. Billy didn’t care. A deal was a deal. Besides, this was the first time Harry had invited them over since they had brought their mother to see the new house.

Being back there triggered so many memories for Billy. He hadn’t been invited to the housewarming. Things had been strained between them at that time. Even when he and Harry had been distant, Harry had still kept a relationship with their mother and Crystal. In those days, Billy had been too caught up in his own life to care.

Harry handed him another beer. They were sitting at a table in the garden. As soon as he’d arrived, Kim had put Cassius in his arms. At six months old, he was a strapping lad. Billy stared down into his eyes.

“He’s so beautiful,” Billy said.

“Not bad, eh?” Kim replied. “He likes you. Look how he’s staring.”

Cassius frowned at him as if he’d been brought by aliens. Billy wasn’t sure if that meant he liked him.

“It’s been ages since I held a baby,” Billy said. “In fact, I think it might have been Crystal.”