Page 69 of Kicks

One of Eddie’s dreadlocks tickled his nose and he wriggled free.

“You need to keep that hair under control,” he said, sitting up.

Eddie stuck to his side like a limpet. He squeezed Billy tight.

“I’m not letting go until the morning.”

“Good.”

They were silent for a moment. Something had been playing on Billy’s mind and he wouldn’t sleep unless he raised it.

“When am I getting the contract?”

Eddie sighed. “Are we really going to talk work?”

“Just that little question.”

“There’s no rush. The shopfitters will be over this week to measure up. Once they’ve got that sorted, we’ll move things on.”

Billy didn’t understand but trusted in the process.

“Did I tell you an architecture practice are interested? They are really into all the sustainable stuff I’ve done.”

This time, Eddie raised his head. “That’s amazing news.”

“Yeah. I can’t wait to get into it again.”

“Okay, I’ve got a question for you. Why do you even bother with the shop?”

Billy sighed. He didn’t like being dishonest to Eddie about his and Harry’s plan to build it up and sell it on.

“It’s Crystal’s legacy more than ours,” he explained. “Her father started it. We think she should be at least an adult before we do anything.”

Eddie frowned. “Doesn’t her dad have any claim?”

Billy shook his head. “He transferred everything over to Mum before he got sent down.”

“Clever, I suppose.”

“He’s a wily bastard when it comes to money. Now come here. Let’s go to sleep.”

Eddie resumed his position. Billy got comfortable against the pillow.

Times might be changing but he was ready for them.

No matter what.

FIFTEEN

EDDIE

Eddie was going through his contacts. He’d tried most of them to see if they would buy a ridiculously large amount of dildos. It appeared the warm weather had seen a drop off in sales.

“Fuck this heat,” Eddie said. “No one is shagging.”

Kat stared over at him. “You’re still in the lead, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, but it’s narrow.”