Page 17 of Joey

Kole began his first story, a tale he’d told Ethan before, and Ethan tuned out, more interested in studying Joey. His…friend seemed engrossed in the words tumbling from Kole’s mouth, a small lift to the corners of Joey’s mouth whenever he laughed at something Kole said. But even though his outward appearance showed humour and happiness, his eyes showed the truth. His eyes were filled with a pain Ethan wanted to soothe, but he didn’t know how he could help when he had no idea what Joey was dealing with.

“Arrrr!”

Ethan screeched as a man dressed as a pirate jumped out from a shadowed doorway. Instinctively, his fist rose to protect himself for a split second before everything else came back to him.

“Holy fuck, Kole!” he said as his heart rate calmed. Ethan swiped a hand over his forehead while the other guests chuckled.

“You weren’t the only one,” Joey said when they started walking again. “There were at least four others who screamed.”

Ethan shook his head and sighed. “I knew this was a bad idea.”

Joey slid his arm around Ethan’s shoulders. “I’ll protect you from the big bad.”

Ethan poked a finger into Joey’s side, causing him to laugh and squirm away before settling back against him. “Are you enjoying it?”

Joey smiled and nodded. “I love the stories. I can imagine them being turned into films. Elliott would love—” He stopped, and Ethan glanced at him, waiting for him to finish, but he didn’t.

Patience was something Ethan had plenty of, but he wanted to knoweverythingabout Joey. More than he should. More than he needed to.

Before long, they crossed the Swing Bridge and wandered through the alleyways to the base of the 199 Steps.

“And this is the end of the first part of the tour. For those who are not joining us for the last stretch, I thank you for your company and hope you join me again soon.” Kole spoke to a few people while others departed.

“Are we continuing?” Joey asked.

Ethan shrugged. “We might as well. It’s a long way to climb, though.” He smirked, side-eyeing Joey.

“I’m up for it.”

Ethan nodded. “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Seven minutes later, they reached the last step, Ethan resting his hands on his knees as he panted to regain the air his lungs so needed. Joey wasn’t faring much better, and Ethan snorted.

“Told you.”

“Fuck, man. I didn’t realise how steep they were. And when you said climb, I didn’t think you meant at a speed close to jogging. Bloody hell.” Joey put his hands on his hips and exhaled heavily, staring out across the view.

Ethan tried for a laugh, but it came out as more of a snort. “Welcome to Whitby.”

Kole came over to them, a smile on his face. “What did you think?”

Joey clapped his shoulder. “It was great. Loved the sound effects.”

Kole’s chest puffed up, and Ethan bit back a chuckle. “I’m glad you liked it.”

“How long have you been doing this?”

“Four years now. Originally, it was a side job, but when I saw how much potential it had, I went full time.” He rocked his head. “Well, as full-time as this can get. It pays the bills if nothing else.”

Joey held up his hands. “No shade from me. If you enjoy your job, then you’re where you should be, as far as I’m concerned.”

“Do you fancy a drink?” Kole asked Ethan.

Ethan shook his head. “I need my beauty sleep.”

Kole scoffed but turned to Joey. “You?”

Joey hesitated, then said, “No, sorry. Not tonight.”

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