Page 66 of Kicks

“You deserve it,” Eddie said. “You are brilliant. That coach has done you proud.”

They broke off. Billy wandered into the open plan kitchen. He had things to get ready for the celebration.

“Harry doesn’t know yet,” Crystal said. “So, no blurting it out at the beach.”

Eddie put his hands on his hips. “Are you telling me I can’t do a naked streak screaming your news at the top of my voice?”

Billy certainly wouldn’t complain at that.

“Maybe don’t shout anything,” Billy suggested.

“Gross,” Crystal declared.

She was about to sit down on the sofa.

“Don’t even think about it,” Billy said. “You can come and help me, seeing as this is all about you.”

The beach had clusters of people making the most of the evening warmth. When Billy had first taken Crystal into his home, they’d spent a lot of time there. He’d been determined to help her talk through her feelings about losing their mother. It appeared she found that easier staring out to sea.

Billy hoped that she could put a lot of the pain behind her one day. He was determined to celebrate her good news in style. Harry and his family had already made a little camp.

“Hey,” Harry said, getting to his feet. He lifted Lennox up to great squeals of delight as he threw him up and caught him.

Billy walked over and hugged his brother.

“Thanks for doing this at short notice. It’ll mean the world to her.”

Kim came in for a hug. “Is this the salesman?” she whispered in his ear.

“Certainly is.”

“Gorgeous.”

They both made a fuss of welcoming Eddie.

The whole family sat down. Cassius was asleep in his car seat. He was a cherub. As Billy stared down at him, he could see the resemblance to his mother. It caught in his throat. She would be so proud to see them all together like this.

“Mum would have loved these two,” Billy said.

Harry rubbed his back. “Thanks. If only, eh?”

Billy caught his gaze. “Yeah.”

“So,” Kim said. “What’s the big announcement?”

“Crystal?”

“I got a trial for Man U.”

Harry’s jaw dropped. “Are you shitting me?”

“That’s what I said,” Eddie said.

“Shit,” Lennox repeated.

“Oh, well done,” Kim said with a grin.

“Shit. Shit. Shit.” Lennox said when he saw the adults’ amusement.