Page 77 of Thrill

Once he had packed Danny off in a cab, Tyler couldn’t settle. He wandered into the lounge to find Scott lazing on the sofa, fiddling with his phone. The television blared out a programme full of people who all looked the same and seemed to shout a lot.

“What’s up?” Scott said, curling up to make room for Tyler. “Isn’t Loverboy staying the night? Cum and go, is it?”

“I wish,” Tyler said. He flopped down on the sofa. “More no cum and go.”

Scott dropped his phone onto the arm of the sofa and frowned. “Don’t tell me it’s all over.”

“Of course not,” Tyler replied. “A friend of his has had a heart attack. He went straight to the hospital.”

“Fuck, that’s rough. Is he okay?”

“Think so. We’ll find out later.”

“So, he’s coming to finish the job,” Scott said. “Very responsible. There’s nothing worse than a story with no ending.”

Tyler swatted him on the foot. “He’s returning so that I can make sure he’s okay.”

“Sure,” Scott replied. “With your ass more than likely.”

“You have a one-track mind. How come you’re in on a Friday, anyway? No hot date?”

Scott sat up and hugged his knees. “I’d planned on going out with that train driver. Spent time choosing the outfit. You know how it is. Turns out he’s decided he wants to explore his options. Cheeky fucker.”

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means he wants to go out shagging and if he doesn’t get anywhere, he’ll give me a call. I suggested he lose my number. Ugh, I hate people. Including you, “ Scott said.

“Me?” Tyler said, clutching his chest. “What have I done?”

“You swan in here and find the man of your dreams in literally seconds. I have to go through every deadbeat in Brighton.”

Tyler had to admire Scott’s dedication to the cause.

“Fancy a movie? I can’t watch this shit.”

“Fine, I wasn’t watching it anyway. Snob,” Scott replied. “I’m not even acknowledging how fucking depressing this is. It’s a sunny Friday night and we’re stuck in. At least you’ve got some action in waiting.”

One great thing about sharing with Scott and Eddie was that Eddie had a huge DVD collection. Scott ribbed him for being old-fashioned. He also seemed to raid it just as much as Tyler.

“What do you fancy? And don’t saySpiceworld The Movie,” Tyler asked.

“You choose. AlthoughSpiceworldis a modern classic.”

“We watched it on Thursday.”

Scott feigned innocence. “So we did.”

Tyler’s phone rang.

“That might be Danny,” he said, pulling it out of his pocket. His heart sank when he saw the screen. “It’s my mum. I think I need wine.”

Scott hopped up. “Your wish is my command.”

He dashed out of the room. Tyler pressed Answer.Ever since his conversation with his dad, he had expected her call. He was amazed it had taken her this long.

“Hello, Mum.”

“Tyler. What is this I’ve heard about you wanting to bring a guest to the wedding?”