Page 62 of Thrill

“Shall I drop you here?”

“Or you can come in for a drink. If you like.”

Fucking hell. I’m meeting the family. Do not panic.

“That would be nice.”

Cursing himself for not putting on his new Balmain T-shirt, Tyler followed Danny’s directions and parked up.

His heart raced as he followed Danny down a garden path. The house was an Edwardian semi-detached. It was in perfect condition. More than could be said for some of the neighbours, sadly.

Danny opened the door and led him in.

“Morning,” he shouted.

“Filthy boy,” a young girl said as she came down the stairs. “Oh, sorry.”

“Tyler. This is my darling sister, Monica.”

“Hello,” Tyler said.

She gave him a little wave and an extremely obvious once-over.

“Come on,” Danny said.

He led Tyler down a narrow hallway covered with photos of happy faces. He saw many versions of Danny in them.

They were soon in the kitchen. Two people were at the table and immediately leapt up when they saw that Danny wasn’t alone.

“Oh, hello,” the woman said. “Bloody hell, Danny, you might have said. I look like crap.”

She didn’t. She looked perfectly wonderful in a bright orange maxi dress, her brown curls piled up on her head.

“I’m Lisa, so pleased to meet you.”

Tyler smirked as her accent went a lot posher.

“Pleased to meet you too, Lisa,” Tyler said.

“This is Andrew, Danny’s father.”

“Hello, Andrew.”

Danny and Monica were silently giggling. Monica held on to her brother for support.

“Andrew?” she managed.

Lisa gave them both daggers. “That’s his name.”

“Ignore all of them. Call me Andy.”

Danny’s father gave Tyler a strong handshake.

“Sit down,” Lisa said. She swatted both her children over the heads. “You two can shut it as well.”

Tyler sat at the table next to Andy.

“Can I get you a drink?” Lisa asked. “Something to eat? I can do some bacon sandwiches. You’re not vegetarian, are you? I’ve eggs.”