Page 28 of Mercury Rising

Madeline had never done anything like that with him.

“What was your favourite?” Mercury asked.

Hassan thought about this very carefully before launching into a long monologue featuring the pros and cons of each attraction. His face was alight as he told Mercury what he and his dad had thought of them.

There are lots of different kinds of wealth.

Once again, he caught Nick’s eye. This time he had a warmth to him, as if reading Mercury’s mind. It might be a perfect summer’s day, but Mercury was feeling an altogether different kind of heat.

“Everyone finished?” Nick asked.

“And all clean plates,” Mercury added. “I’ll have to cook for you again.”

“Please,” Brooke said. “That was well nice.”

“Okay,” Nick said. “Everyone into the garden. We’ll teach Mercury how to play tag on high.”

Mercury lifted his trouser leg. “I win.”

Eddie burst out laughing. “It’s not like that. It’s a bit stupid but Nick makes us do it.”

“I like it,” Hassan said.

“Less talk, more action,” Cath declared. “Give us ten minutes to clear away, unless anyone wants to help.”

The youngsters piled out of the door.

“Easiest way to get teenagers to move,” Cath said.

They began to stack up the plates.

“I think we can call that a success,” Mercury said. “I’m pleased. They’re great kids.”

“You’re very good with them,” Nick said. “I’m sorry again for last Friday.”

Mercury dumped the plates next to the sink. They didn’t have a dishwasher at Bodhi House.

“Hey, don’t sweat it,” Mercury replied. “I might not be blind to my privilege, but I’m realising I’m not totally aware of it either. These kids are giving me just as much.”

Nick shook his head. “I never expected to hear that when they told me I was getting a posh boy to do his community service.”

“Sorry,” Mercury replied. “I’m sure you would have preferred someone with more skills than making a salad and taking a decent photo on a mobile phone.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I think there’s more to you than meets the eye. Let’s see what else we can find in there.”

The frisson of excitement that swept through Mercury was like something he’d never experienced before.

“Dig away,” he said. “I’m an open book.”

“First lesson, how to wash up manually. I bet you’ve never done that before.”

Mercury turned the tap on and instantly flicked water toward Nick, drenching his T-shirt.

“Be careful what you bet on.”

Nick swatted him with the tea towel.

“I’ll leave you boys to the clearing up,” Cath said. “But please don’t take too long. Hassan is too good at this game and I can’t stand on the bench for too long. I get vertigo.”