Page 50 of Take My Hand

DEACON

Hey mate. There’s been a change of plan. Thanks for the offer but I won’t need to stay at yours. Mum and Dad want to make a bit of a road trip of it so we’re going direct to York after visiting Manchester. I tried to persuade them, but they think it’ll be good ‘family time’.

ZAK

Don’t worry about it Deac. We can catch up some other time. Would have been great to see you, though.

DEACON

Why don’t you come here for Nick’s 18th on the 6th. He’s having a big party. Bring your new gf. You can both stay here.

ZAK

Yeah? Might be a plan. Let me speak to her and see if she can make it. Think maybe he’d mind if we brought a couple of mates?

DEACON

Doubt it. You know how big his house is. His parents are throwing money at the party and he’ll prob have no idea who is there. Let me know but would be good to see you and meet Maggy.

ZAK

Maddy!!!

DEACON

Shit! Sorry mate. How’s it going anyway? Still in lurrrvvve!!!!

ZAK

… (Zak is typing)

ZAK

… (Zak is typing)

ZAK

It’s going good. She’s pretty special but I’m saying nothing else cos you’ll just take the piss out of me if I do. Hopefully see you soon.

ZAK

Hey gorgeous, think you’d be allowed to go to London with me next month? My mate is having an 18th birthday party. Thought we could ask the others if they want to come too. Or at least Liam and Emma. Have you spoken to Ana since we took her home btw?

MADDY

I don’t see why not. I’d have to ask Dad and he’s at the bar atm. Sounds good though. I called her but she didn’t answer. She texted me back to say she was going to bed. You’d think sleeping all day would have been enough. I am worried about her. Don’t know why she wouldn’t speak to us about why she was drunk.

ZAK

She will when she’s ready. Just be there for her. Funny she wouldn’t let you go in with her, though.

MADDY

I know. She’s my best friend Zak. We tell each other everything usually.

ZAK

Like I said, give her time. Anyway, better go and do some studying. Can’t pick you up in the morning, Mum needs her car. See you at the gate usual time?

MADDY

Yes. Night Zakky ??

ZAK

Fuck is that my new name now!!!

MADDY

??

ZAK

Night gorgeous girl. See you in the morning.

MADDY

XOXOXO