Page 93 of Thrill

“What are you two doing up? It’s six in the bloody morning?”

“Come on,” Andy replied. “Show us the fashion.”

Danny walked into the kitchen. He dropped his bag and sauntered past like he was on a catwalk.

“Sharp,” Andy said.

“You’re so handsome.”

He had splashed out on a new suit for the occasion. It was black with a faint pinstripe. He’d paired it with a white shirt and purple tie.

“What time is Tyler coming? You two are going to be so adorable.”

Danny sat down. “If you pinch my cheek, I’ll divorce you.”

“Sorry, love. You can’t divorce me. I’m for life.”

He kissed her on the forehead. “Lucky me, then. Listen, while I’ve got you. I have some news.”

Lisa looked nervously at her husband. “Okay. Go on.”

“I’ve applied for a loan to buy Bruce out of New Lives.”

He glanced from one to the other.

“Oh, love,” Lisa said, jumping to her feet. “What a wonderful idea.”

She hugged him from behind. Danny stared at his dad.

“This is the best thing you’ve ever done. Me and your mother have a little saved. Let’s see if we can make a dent in what you need.”

“I can’t.”

“Course you can. I remember the Danny who worked there,” his father said squeezing his knee. “It will be nice to have him back. Just think if it’s yours, the sky’s the limit.”

“Honest.”

“Dead honest.”

The doorbell rang.

“That’ll be Tyler,” Lisa said, extracting herself and dashing to the door.

“Listen. I haven’t told him yet. I’m going to surprise him over the weekend.”

Lisa kissed him again. “I’m so happy for you, love.”

The doorbell rang again.

“Oh, bloody hell,” Lisa exclaimed. “It’s all happening this morning.”

She set off to the front door at a pace, her dressing gown flapping in the wind.

“Calm down,” Danny shouted after her. “He’s not going anywhere. Honestly, you’d think he’s her boyfriend.”

Andy pinched his cheek. “No one likes a green-eyed monster. You’ll always be her prince.”

“Shut up,” Danny said, laughing. “I will divorce you for cheek pinching too.”