Page 3 of The Import Slot
“Shit. That’s a big deal. Are you worried?”
“Yes,” I answer. “I think I’ll have to give my place up. I won’t be able to afford to live there. I’ll need to reduce my outgoings as much as possible because I don’t know how long it’ll take me to find a new job.” I can’t bring myself to tell Danny I’ll have to live with my parents, but when he asks, I can’t lie either.
“Well, if you need to store any of your stuff at mine, you’re welcome to.”
“Thanks, Dan,” I say, finishing my sandwich.
“Hey, sorry to ask again, but is there any chance you can take a look at my laptop? It’s running slow.” This isn’t the first or second, maybe not even the third time Danny has asked—each time, I have to reformat it and give him a fresh start. I blame the porn he insists on downloading; I don’t say anything about it though, since it’s not illegal, and I don’t want to embarrass him.
“On my way home from work, I’ll swing by and grab it,” I say.
“Thanks.”
I ponder whether to mention that I have a date tomorrow evening. Danny has been interested somewhat in my love life since my split from Nathan, which was quite messy. Danny came over and helped me with my stuff when I finally called it a day, and he witnessed first-hand the complete mess I was in. Nathan always tried to speak nicely to me in front of others, but that night, his mask slipped, and Danny saw him for what he was.
“I have a date tomorrow,” I confess.
“Hope he’s not a prick,” Danny says.
“It’s just someone from an app; I’m just looking to get back out there, you know? It’s Becca’s idea, but I’ve had zero success so far.” Becca, Danny and I grew up together, so he should know her ideas by now.
“What do you mean, Becca’s idea? Is she dating too, then?”
“I guess so. We both signed up for the same app.”
“Right,” he says, going quiet.
Danny’s been single for a while, too; maybe he wants to get in on the action.
“I don’t know why I’m doing it,” I tell Danny before giving him an account of the weirdos I’ve been dating. “I just want to know that not everyone is a prick like Nathan. Shit, that reminds me, I need to figure out what to do about my season ticket. I spoke to the club, and they don’t have any other season ticket seats left that they could reallocate. What shall I do? I can’t sit next to him all season,” I say, but it’s clear that Danny isn’t listening. He’s in a world of his own, and when his phone goes, he can’t snatch it out of his pocket quickly enough.
“Shit, Johnny is picking up our new fella from the airport right now. He’s just texted to say, ‘The eagle has landed.’”
“I need to head off, Dan. I’ll text you later when I’m five minutes away so you can run down with your laptop, okay?”
There’s no way I’m traipsing up to the eighth floor when I’m doing him a favour.
I stand up and give him a quick hug before heading toward the door. When I glance back, Danny is staring at his phone, frowning.
Chapter 2
Ryan
Idon’tgetanysleep on the plane; I never do, which sucks when you travel as much as I do.
Thank fuck Johnny is waiting for me in the arrivals lounge. My suit feels stiff and uncomfortable and I can’t wait to take a shower, so I’m grateful not to have to wait for him. He’s reading a newspaper, looking fresh—smug bastard.
“Prez! How’s it going, buddy?” Johnny tosses the paper down and pulls me into a hug, even though he knows I hate hugs.
“All good,” I say, rubbing my eyes.
“You look like shit. No sleep?”
“Bingo.”
“Well, at least you made it. I’m glad you didn’t bottle it. How’s Liam?”
“Yeah, he’s good.”
