Page 64 of Thrill

“Don’t get all defensive,” Andy said. “We wanted to say what a lovely guy Tyler is and that he’s welcome here any time.”

“That’s right, love,” Lisa added. “He’s bloody gorgeous. Then so are you. I’m not surprised you’d pull a stunner.”

“Mum!”

“Try to get me a pic of the two of you. The girls at work will be mad jealous.”

Danny shuddered at his mother’s attempt at youth-speak.

“Don’t ever say mad jealous again,” he said. “I won’t be home tonight.”

“Fine. I’m on the late anyway,” Lisa said. “We’ve got a coach party checking in. I can hardly wait. Remember though, don’t be too keen. Men like to work for it. Don’t they, Andy?”

“There’s work and there’s an impossible mission.”

“I’m going to vomit over the table,” Danny shouted. “Stop. Immediately.”

Andy and Lisa cackled.

“I’m not being too keen,” Danny continued before they uttered one more word. “Tyler’s doing something tomorrow night and he can’t last until Wednesday without my dazzling company.”

Lisa sipped her tea. “He’s got it bad, then. Poor sod.”

Danny threw his crust at her and it landed in her drink.

“Not a bad shot,” Andy said.

Lisa fished the soggy bit of bread out of her drink and dropped it onto his plate.

“Something else is troubling you,” she said.

Danny shook his head. “So speaks the mind reader, Lisa Healy. You should have a stall on the seafront.”

“I don’t need special powers. I can tell. I’m your mother.”

He pushed the plate away and took a sip of his drink.

“Well?” Andy said. “Are you going to tell us or do we have to employ the terrifying pincer attack to make you talk?”

They moved to either side of him. When he had been a child and clearly lying about something, they’d do this and poke him in the ribs until he gave in and told them.

“I’m nearly thirty.”

“That’s the beauty of the pincer,” Lisa said, holding her two fingers up. “It’s ageless.”

“You are the weirdest parents in Brighton.”

“In the world, actually,” Andy said. “And diversion tactics have never worked.”

Danny pushed his chair to safety. “Fine. I’m just a bit worried about me and Tyler. I suggested we start seeing each other.”

“That’s great news,” Andy said. “I presume he said yes by the way he was making gooey eyes at you last night.”

Lisa frowned. “So what are you worrying about?”

“It’s a stupid feeling. I tried to ignore it. But it’s still needling away at me.”

“What is?” Lisa asked. “Darling, please tell us.”