Page 98 of Kicks

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Crystal lay on the sofa engrossed in football highlights on the television. Billy watched her for a second. The love he had for his sister had grown exponentially in the last four years. Yet, this was the first time he’d ever really questioned what to do for the best.

He walked into the lounge.

“Can you switch that off a minute?” he asked.

He flopped down into the chair.

Crystal silenced the television and stared at him, her face a picture of worry.

“There’s no need to be so scared,” Billy said. “I’ve got news. I hope you’ll like some of it.”

“Okay.”

“I’ve seen your dad.”

Crystal’s eyes widened and she sat bolt upright. “What?”

Billy sighed. “He came here a few days ago. When you were in Manchester.”

“What did he want?”

“Money, I’m afraid, darling.”

His heart almost broke when he saw the disappointment etched on her face.

“Did he ask about me?”

“Of course he did.”

“He was more bothered about money?”

“I can’t lie to you, Crystal. He wanted half of everything.”

“I thought you said Mum left it to us.”

“She did and he’s got no chance,” Billy explained. “I wasn’t going to tell you.”

“Why did you?”

“Because, as you keep reminding me, you’re not a child anymore. Me and him have come to an arrangement financially. It’s your decision if you want to see him.”

Crystal looked absolutely shellshocked. Billy hated springing this on her.

“What is the arrangement?”

“I’m going to put the shop on the market. Now we don’t have to pay Pleasure Seekers, we’ll come out of it with a decent amount. Brian has agreed to split it four ways.”

Crystal sat in silence for a second. It must be a lot for her to take in.

“What did you say when he asked to meet me?”

“I told him you are going to summer camp and need to get settled. I suggested he get himself sorted somewhere. Then maybe you might consider it.”

Crystal got up and came over to his chair. She snuggled in next to him. Billy wrapped his arms around her and they sat still for a second.

“You’re my father really,” she said.