Page 84 of Kicks

Billy watched his sister as she excitedly told Eddie all her news. She was in such a precarious point in her life now. It was as if one half of her was adult and the other still a child. When he thought about Brian, festering in that guest house and trying to swindle her trust fund, it made his blood boil. Nothing wouldstop him from fighting him. Even if he had to sell everything he owned to pay for it.

“I’m going to the loo,” Crystal said. “You know my order, right?”

“It’s the same one every time we come,” Billy replied.

“Triple burger this time. Remember?”

“Fine, triple burger. Off with you.”

She scrambled out of the booth and headed off to the bathroom.

“You must be buzzing,” Eddie said.

“Yeah, I guess.”

Eddie frowned. “Are you okay?”

“I was going to ask you the same question.”

“Me? I’ll be fine. Nothing a plate of greasy carbohydrates won’t cure.”

Billy tried to relax. Unsuccessfully.

“Seeing as Crystal’s out, do you fancy coming over tonight?”

Eddie took his hand. “Why don’t you come to me? We’ll have takeout and snuggle.”

Now he felt better. “I’d like that very much.”

“I’m sorry I’m a bit preoccupied. It’s the job and all that. I didn’t realise I even cared this bloody much. I’ll make an effort to be present.”

“Sounds good,” Billy said. “Because there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

They were lying, facing each other on Eddie’s bed. Soft music played as a breeze came in through the open window. Billy hadn’t been this relaxed in ages. The joint Eddie had lit up may also have contributed to his current state.

In typical Billy form he had panicked. It wasn’t that he was new to the odd smoke. He usually got to prepare himself. Sometimes he forgot that Eddie was six years older than him. Billy always seemed to be the boring adult in comparison.

Not for much longer.

“You’re going to miss her,” Eddie said. “What will you do with yourself?”

It was all happening so fast. Billy hadn’t really made any plans for himself. It was probably long overdue.

“She might not get her place in September,” Billy replied. “I need to keep things exactly the same. Just in case.”

“You’re a good brother,” Eddie said. “What did you need to talk to me about?”

Billy snuggled into the pillow. “Her father turned up on my doorstep the other day.”

Eddie frowned. “What? I thought he was in prison.”

Didn’t we all?

“Not now. He’s in a shitty bed and breakfast in town.”

“Shit. What does Crystal think?”

Billy shifted. “I haven’t told her.”