Page 81 of Joey

Dallas didn’t look at all repentant. “I’m happy to tell you, but I don’t have time.”

Ani shook her head. “Yes, get the hell out and on your way.”

Joey glanced at him. “Where are you going?”

“Perth to see Donovan.”

“Nice,” Joey said. “Enjoy the scenery.” He turned to Finn. “Aren’t you going out, too?”

“Yep. Southampton.”

“Beck?”

Beck nodded, too. “I get Paris.”

Joey chuckled. “Annabelle?”

“You got it.”

The speed and familiarity they spoke of was something Ethan knew he would get used to, but the distance they were willing to travel was immense. “You do make a profit here, don’t you?” he blurted.

Ani laughed. “My sweet boy. You still have a lot to learn. Yes, we make a profit, and when you learn more of the ropes, you’ll see why and how much.” She glanced at Joey. “Unless the boss man doesn’t want you to know.”

Joey rolled his eyes. “I have no secrets from him.”

Dallas clapped and rubbed his hands together, grinning. “I’d love to test that theory.”

“You have to leave,” Ani said. “Now.”

Dallas stuck his tongue out at her, waved and pounded up the stairs.

“I told you, babysitting, not managing,” Ani said, winking at him.

Ethan chuckled. “I’m getting the idea.”

****

Despite Joey’s words to the contrary, he didn’t want help with his speech. He sat at the table, head lowered, scribbling away on the paper while Ethan scrolled on his phone, alternately reading something and watching Joey work. He wasn’t sure how long they both sat there with their respective tasks, but finally, Joey sighed and leaned back.

“I think I’ve finished. Could you read it for me? I’m not always very eloquent.”

Ethan rose and slid a hand along Joey’s shoulders. “Of course.”

Joey handed him the sheet, which was around three-quarters full. Ethan settled beside him, but Joey stood. “I can’t sit here and wait. I’ll make something to eat.” He pressed his lips to Ethan’s head and disappeared into the kitchen.

Ethan focused on the words.

Elliott Kennedy was my best friend. Some of you may wonder why I haven’t spoken out before now, and my answer is this. My grief is for me and Elliott alone. I do not have to share it with anyone if I don’t want to. That being said, I would now like to offer you these words.

Elliott was an amazing person and friend that anyone would have been grateful to know. He was passionate about so many things in this world. So many charities he wished he could help. So many causes he tried to assist. But he was mainly passionate about his family and friends. They meant the world to him.

That bright light was taken from us far too soon. It’s not something I will “get over” soon. It will stay with me—Elliott will stay with me until my last breath. Please give us this time to grieve properly because burying someone does not end the grieving period. If anything, it restarts it back at ground zero.

Depression and suicidal thoughts are not something to trivialise. They matter a lot. We need more light shed on such subjects. More help for those who need it. More support for those suffering. It’s a dark world, and people need to realise it’s not as easy as just “thinking happy thoughts.”

Elliott Kennedy was a great person, and our loss is profound. Now, I just need to figure out how to continue without my best friend beside me.

Thank you for your time.

---