Page 92 of The Tape Job
“Nothing.” He shakes his head, but I press him again.
“You got a secret, John?”
“No, no. Nothing like that. Just speaking figuratively, you know.”
But I can’t say I do. “Is this about your secret girlfriend?”
He lets out an exasperated breath. “I don’t have a secret girlfriend.”
“Boyfriend?” I try.
“No. I’m not seeing anyone. Quit it.”
It’s like old times again: me bugging Johnny about his love life and Johnny being his usual closed-book self. But I drop it there. Because as much as I want to find out what Johnny’s talking about—being a nosey fuck—I’m more interested in finding out what’s going on with Vicky.
“Well, I appreciate the apology. And I accept it.”
“Thanks.” He’s playing with his keys in his pocket while he rocks back and forth between his feet. Judging by the look of it, this isn’t over.
“Spit it out, John. What else is on your mind?”
Now I’m being a douche—but I’m tired and I’m pretty sure Johnny is keen to get some sleep, too.
“It’s nothing,” he says, but then he quickly backtracks. “Okay, but I want you to know that I didn’t apologise just for this reason, and I really wouldn’t ask unless I absolutely had to.” He meets my eyes. “I’m hoping you would be able to lend me three grand.” The way he looks at me, I know for sure he wouldn’t be asking unless there really was no other way. Suddenly, I feel sorry for him.
“You don’t want it for anything illegal, do you?” I ask.
“No, no. Nothing like that, but I’d appreciate you keeping this between us. I know it’s a big ask. But—”
“Yeah, sure,” I say cutting him off. “I’ll fix it tomorrow. I’m wiped.”
I see him out, probably appearing too keen to get rid of him. But when I hear his front door close down the hallway, I shut Danny’s bedroom door and drop Vicky a text, asking if Ryan and Jen are out of the way yet. She replies almost instantly, as if she was watching her phone.
Vicky
They’re still drinking tea in the living room!!
Liam
Can you come here instead?
Vicky
They’ll see me leave.
Shit. As I pause to think of a plan, another message arrives.
Vicky
Maybe the universe is telling us we should stay apart tonight.
My heart drops in my chest. Because I’ve been reminded of how much I love sharing a bed with Vicky, and just like the drug she is, I want more.
Liam
Do you want us to stay apart tonight?
Vicky
