Page 53 of Kicks

“What about your father?”

Eddie knew he was probably stepping out of casual conversation and into interrogation but he found himself too curious not to take the chance.

“We don’t have the same one. You must have noticed.”

Crystal was most certainly mixed race. Harry and Billy were not.

“Of course, I didn’t like to assume. Both my parents are Black. My siblings are far darker than me. It got to the point where people in our street gossiped that my mum had been playing away.”

“Really?”

“Genetics, eh?”

“Anyway, we both got a shit deal. My mother’s taste in men being incredibly bad,” Billy said. “Mine and Harry’s did a runner. Never heard from him again. And Crystal’s dad is banged up.”

The carousel creaked into life. The air filled with the din of the traditional music. Eddie shifted his grip. He absolutely would not be the man who fell off a cock on his first proper date in ages.

Not that this is a date or anything.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” Eddie replied.

He glanced over at Billy. He sat astride his horse in an incredibly sexy manner. Eddie tried to take a mental snapshot. No matter what happened in the future.

“After my dad buggered off, Mum was left with two kids. Enter Brian. Smarmy bloody owner of a few souvenir shops. She thought she’d made a sensible decision.”

Eddie had grown up in a standard family in a standard house on a standard street. Coming out into the world where people had serious problems had been a wake-up call.

“Why is he in prison? If you don’t mind me asking. Not that you have to answer, of course. Tell me to butt out.”

“I don’t mind,” Billy said. “He’s not my father. He got found guilty of causing death while driving under the influence. We have no contact.”

The ride was at full pelt now. Brighton flashed by in the distance. Then the view was out to sea.

“Thank you for telling me,” Eddie said.

“Thank you for listening.”

“You’ve had a really tough time. I’m sorry.”

Once again Eddie felt a stab of guilt over the contract that was currently residing in his work bag. He had to push those thoughts out of his mind. Today, they were both off duty.

The merry-go-round was coming to a stop now.

“Oh, sir. Please avert your gaze while I dismount my cock,” Eddie said, fanning himself like a Southern belle.

Billy sprang off his steed like Rhett Butler reincarnated.

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” he replied.

Eddie swung off his chicken and they ran down the steps.

“I enjoyed that,” Billy said. “It’s years since I’ve been on one of those.”

The crowds had become unbearable. Kids screamed for candy floss or rides or the toilet. Frazzled adults pushed their way past Billy and Eddie to achieve whatever goal their little darlings had set them.

“Shall we head to shore?” Eddie asked.

“Yeah.”