Page 52 of Kicks

As he approached the pier entrance, he scanned the crowd.

There he is.

Billy looked incredible in cream shorts and a peacock blue shirt that billowed in the light breeze. The thin fabric clung to Billy’s seemingly toned physique. It had been a long time since Eddie had fancied anyone this strongly. What he wouldn’t give to rip that shirt from Billy and discover what lay underneath. The same went for the shorts.

“Good afternoon,” Billy said.

“Afternoon, handsome.”

Scott had told him to leave nothing to chance this time. Eddie loathed flirting. It never seemed to work for him. Still, it was worth a shot.

They stood awkwardly.

Take control.

“Shall we?” Eddie asked.

They walked onto the wooden pier. It was busy with families, other couples and all manner of groups of people.

“Do you want an ice cream?” Billy asked.

“Maybe on the way back,” Eddie replied.

They continued in companionable silence. About halfway down, the thin walkway of the pier transformed into a much bigger wooden structure filled with fairground rides.

“There’s no way you’re getting me on one of those,” Billy said. “Before you even suggest it.”

“Spoilsport,” Eddie replied. “Not even the carousel?”

They wandered over to the vintage ride.

“Maybe the carousel,” Billy said. “I’ve not been on it for years. Crystal wouldn’t be seen dead. Not cool enough.”

They paid their money. The merry-go-round had a choice of the traditional horses and, bizarrely, chickens.

“Are you riding the stallion or the cock?” Eddie asked.

Scott would be proud of that one.

Billy raised an eyebrow. “I think I’ll ride the stallion. How about you?”

“Oh, I much prefer the cock,” Eddie replied.

“How lovely, we’re carousel compatible.”

They hopped onto their chosen steeds and waited for their fellow riders to do the same. What a pair they must appear. Two fully grown men giggling with anticipation before the tamest ride on the pier set off.

Billy handed Eddie his phone. “Can you take a picture of me? I want to embarrass Crystal.”

Eddie got the phone ready. Billy struck his best jockey pose. Eddie took a few before handing the mobile over.

“Teenage mortification achieved,” Eddie said.

“I take my role of big brother very seriously.”

“I can see that. You were very brave to do it.”

Billy held on to the pole and leant back, his gaze resting on Eddie. “When Mum died, she didn’t have anyone else.”