Page 102 of Thrill

Tyler’s words were coming to haunt Danny. Now really wasn’t the best time to bring it up.

“When I think what losing your business did to you.”

“Danny,” Andy began. “That was a terrible period in our lives. I’m not going to lie.”

“The worst. What if that happens to me?”

Andy sighed. “That day. In the garage.”

Danny’s stomach contracted. Neither of them had ever uttered a word about it all these years. Now, just as he was about to make a major life decision, was the time fate had decided they should.

“I know.”

“No you don’t. It’s true. I had gone down there to do something so fucking stupid.”

Danny shuddered. The thought of being without his father all these years was inconceivable.

“I’d convinced myself that you’d all do better without me.”

“No…”

“I know now how wrong I was. I wouldn’t have gone through with it you know. I think I just needed to feel a little bit of control was there if I needed it. Do you understand?”

“I think I do.”

Andy took hold of his hand. “My love for you and yourbrother and your sister and your mother. That got me through in the end.”

The tears welled up inside Danny. He had never been closer to his father than he was at that moment.

“I’m scared, Dad.”

“I know you are, but this won’t fail, Dan. Because we won’t let it.”

“We?”

“Yeah, I thought I’d give you a hand in my spare time. If you’ll have me.”

Danny flung his arms around him. “I’d love it. Then when I’m making enough, you could come and work with me. Imagine that.”

Andy shook his head. “Calm down. You’ve got to go and bag that money first.”

“Erm…one confession? While we’re being all truthful.”

“Oh, God. What?”

Danny screwed his face up. “I…well I handed my notice in on Monday.”

“You did what? Danny, this money isn’t guaranteed! Bloody hell.”

“I know. If it all goes wrong, I’ll look for something else. I can’t do Pleasure Seekers any longer. It’s dragging me down.”

Andy frowned. “Please tell me you haven’t done this to avoid Tyler.”

He’d known his parents would jump to that conclusion. “Why doesn’t anyone believe me when I say I want to make things up with Tyler? He’s the one who’s pushed me to make a change.”

“Fine. Do it your way,” Andy said with a sigh. “You always bloody do.”

Danny straightened his suit jacket. “Wish me luck?”