Page 50 of Kicks

The next day, Eddie curled up on the sofa with a bowl of cereal. The day before had been so nice. He’d really enjoyed spending time with Billy. Then when he’d met Crystal, he’d loved her instantly.

“God, you look dreamy,” Scott said as he wandered into the lounge.

He had on a skimpy pair of briefs and nothing else.

“Scott,” Eddie exclaimed.

“What? It’s no different to wearing speedos at the pool. Calm down.”

He flopped down on the sofa by Eddie’s feet.

“What’s the matter?” Eddie asked.

“I don’t know. Just restless.”

“The flat looks nice.”

Scott smiled. “Tyler retreated to Danny’s family in the end. I got a bit possessed. It’s his fault. He suggested it the other day.”

“Tell you what,” Eddie said, “I’ll take you out to brunch. Somewhere real fancy.”

“Full summer glamour?”

“You’d better believe it.”

Eddie went to get up. Scott stayed him.

“Not so fast. How did yesterday go?”

Eddie settled against the sofa. “It went really well. I met his little sister. She’s wonderful.”

“And Billy?”

“I like him, Scott. There’s something real there. It’s as though he’s worth more than other people. Ugh, ignore me. I don’t know what I’m saying.”

Scott squeezed his leg. “I know what you mean. Some things can’t be explained.”

“That’s exactly it.”

Scott sat against the arm of the sofa and stared at Eddie.

“What?”

“Call him.”

“Now?”

“Yes, it’s a gorgeous day out there. Meet him at the pier. That’s so romantic. He’ll be putty in your hands if he feels the same way.”

Eddie frowned. “What about us going out?”

Scott shrugged. “There’s a drag brunch in town. Maybe I’ll go there and see what trouble I can get myself into.”

“Now I’m definitely not leaving you alone.”

“What if I want a bit of trouble? Go on with you. Bag your man.”

Eddie could see how old-fashioned he was being by actually calling Billy. Yet, his nerves had no appetite for an elongated game of text ping-pong.