Page 81 of Kicks

Eddie caught Tyler’s eye. When Tyler had arrived, he had single-handedly transformed Amanda from being the odd woman in the office to a much-loved member of staff. All he had done was make an effort and out she’d come.

“It’s different with him,” Amanda said. “He’s vile.”

Eddie didn’t disagree with that. Brad was universally disliked across all departments thanks to the disgusting way he spoke to people. Usually women.

“Do you think he knows how unpopular he is?” Tyler asked.

“I reckon he thrives on it,” Eddie replied. “Otherwise, he’d be a nicer person.”

Scott handed the drinks out. “It isn’t the job that’s bothering you,” he said. “It’s what you’ve had to do to get it.”

Once again, Scott read him like a book. Although it didn’t take a clairvoyant. Eddie had been banging on about this for weeks now. Even he would be glad when things moved on.

“You mean Billy and the twenty percent?” Amanda asked.

How did she know?

Eddie glared at Tyler, who had reddened a little.

“Sorry,” he said, holding a plate up. “Mini crab cake?”

“Was I not supposed to know?” Amanda asked.

Eddie rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I don’t want it getting out. If Brad loses, I wouldn’t put it past him calling Billy.”

“You can trust me,” Amanda said.

Eddie tried to relax. “I know I can. I’m sorry, Amanda. It’s all a bit stressful at the moment.”

She squeezed his leg. “I understand. I had a workplace romance once. Things got very complicated.”

Scott sat up straight.

“Amanda,” Scott said. “You dark horse.”

She reddened. “Yes well, enough about that. All I’m saying is that I think honesty is the best policy. If you tell Billy you got carried away and at the time you didn’t even know him, I don’t think he’d blame you.”

Scott watched Amanda like a hawk does a field mouse.

“Are you ever going to give us all the details on your ex-lover?”

“Honestly?” Amanda replied. “No, I’m not. I have no intention of opening it all up.”

“But…”

“Scott,” Tyler warned. “She said no.”

Amanda settled against the couch. “It was my own fault. Anyone could see from the induction that he was married to work. I stupidly believed I’d change him.”

Eddie sensed Scott making mental notes at the clues falling from Amanda’s mouth.

“Shall we roll the film?” Eddie asked.

“For the final time,” Scott added.

Eddie grabbed the remote control. “Get comfortable, gang.”

“Before we begin,” Tyler said, glancing at Amanda, “anyone up for aStar Warsmarathon next month?”