Page 54 of Mercury Rising

“A very wise choice, young sir,” Mercury said. “Does said lady feel the same?”

With a giggle, Eddie threw another stone. “Fuck knows. I haven’t asked her.”

Mercury leapt to his feet. “Let me show you something.”

He searched around his feet for a flat stone. The sea was pretty calm. He hoped it would work. With a flick of his wrist, he threw the stone at the water. It did a couple of jumps before disappearing underneath.

Eddie leapt to his feet in an instant. He and Mercury searched for a perfect rock. Mercury helped him position himself and he threw it. He let out a whoop as it bounced once, then sank.

“Listen,” Mercury said. “The others will be down now they’ve seen us doing this. I think if you like Brooke, you should do something about it. Living a life of regret is not the answer to anything.”

Eddie stood, examining another rock for suitability. “You can bloody talk.”

Mercury frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

“You and Nick. Did you think none of us noticed? You’re well into each other.”

Mercury was taken aback. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Eddie threw the stone. “Whatever.”

Before Mercury had a chance to reply, they were deluged by excitable teenagers all ready to teach Eddie how to skim stones properly.

Mercury made his way up the beach to Nick and Cath who were sitting on the blankets, chatting. It was difficult to walk with purpose when the ground shifted beneath him.

Maybe I have been too cautious. Who gives a fuck what people say?

Mercury reached the rugs that were part of their newly formed base camp. As he did so, he caught Cath’s eye.

“I’d better go and give those beginners some help,” she said, clearly getting the hint.

Mercury helped her to her feet.

“I hope you’re good at skimming,” he said.

“I annihilated everyone on a school trip to the Lake District in 1988. Watch and learn, kid. Watch and learn.”

Mercury took her place on the rug.

“She’ll have them gold medallists by the end of the day,” Mercury said.

Nick picked up a paper plate. “Can I tempt you to a cold chicken bite?”

“I’m good, thanks. They look like breaded dog shit.”

“Ha. You bought them.”

“I’m easily influenced.”

Mercury knew what he wanted to do. Yet, his confidence was missing in action.

“Can we talk about things?” Nick said. “I know it’s not appropriate now. I don’t care, I want to understand.”

Mercury took a deep breath. “I’ve been a dick. I have so much I want to say to you. How about you come and spend the weekend at my place? Then we can really thrash it out.”

“Oh yes?”

Mercury giggled. “We’ve been pissing around for ages. Let’s do this.”