Page 82 of Kicks

“Yes, “they all said in unison.

Tyler came into the room from seeing Amanda out. Scott immediately muted the television and sat up.

“She’s hammered,” Tyler said, laughing. “You are worse than Danny’s mother for lethal cocktails.”

“Don’t be so soft,” Scott replied. “They were weak. I’m not drunk.”

Eddie chuckled. “She’s great. I like her.”

Tyler beamed. He had introduced Amanda into the fold and it had been a total success.

“Anyway, we got some vital pieces of evidence tonight,” Scott said, rubbing his hands together. “Amanda’s ex-lover worked and possibly still does work at Pleasure Seekers. Also, he started at the same time as her because they were on the same induction.”

“Bloody hell,” Eddie exclaimed. “Calm down, Miss Marple.”

“Leave it alone,” Tyler warned. “If she wanted you to know, she’d tell you.”

Scott sipped his drink, seemingly deep in thought. That usually meant trouble.

“I’m going to check the system,” Scott said.

“You’ll get sacked doing shit like that,” Tyler replied.

“I’m in charge of sorting out the long-service gifts,” Scott said. “Yes, after ten years, you get a pen. I’m always running those kinds of reports.”

Tyler shook his head. “You are a nosy twat.”

“Yes, you’re right. I probably shouldn’t share my findings then. No matter how juicy.”

Tyler grinned. “I didn’t say that.”

Eddie enjoyed watching the two of them bantering. Ever since Tyler had moved in, the flat had felt complete. If everything else turned to shit, he knew he would always have these two.

“What are you looking at?” Scott asked, noticing Eddie staring.

“You two weirdos,” Eddie replied. “What are you kids doing this weekend?”

“I’ve offered to help in the shop,” Tyler said. “Danny has a massive project on out back so I’m manning the front. I’m quite excited.”

“I’m on a date,” Scott announced.

Eddie and Tyler stared at him. Ever since his experience with the scavenger hunt idiot, Scott’s love life had been firmly on pause.

“Really?” Eddie asked.

“Yep. I joined a dating app thing. A proper one,” Scott replied. “We’ve been chatting for a week. He’s a lawyer in London.”

“Nice,” Tyler said.

Scott nodded. “A grown-up.”

“What about you, Eddie?” Tyler asked.

Eddie sighed. “I’m meeting Billy and Crystal for lunch in town.”

“You could sound a bit happier about it,” Scott said.

“I know. It’s hard.”