Page 14 of Kicks
“Billy. You know how we’re fixed. Kim’s still on maternity leave. It’s not easy with this little monster and Cassius. Especially when I’m up and down the country.”
As a semi-professional boxer, Harry had travelled all over the world. However, that career had a shelf-life.
“What are you going to do when you’ve thrown your last punch?” Billy asked.
“I’m still winning,” Harry said. “Most of the time.”
His brother had always been a fighter. Ever since they were kids. When their mother had married Brian and the family had moved in with him, they’d been the only Black kids on the estate. Sadly, Harry had needed his fists more often than not.
Lennox was making short work of the sweetie. He reminded Billy so much of their mother. He had her eyes.
“Okay, fine,” Harry said. “I know I’ve not been pulling my weight with this place and Crystal.”
Talk about putting it mildly.
“I haven’t summoned you to have a go,” Billy replied. “Honest, I haven’t. I wanted to talk it out.”
“What are the choices?”
Harry might have been the brawn but Billy had always been the brains. Their mother said she had one exceptional child in two bodies. Billy had never worked out if that were a compliment or not.
“Not many. If you could give some hours to this place?—”
“Kim won’t have that,” Harry said. “Do you think it’s easy, having kids?”
“No, Harry. I don’t. I’m raising a teenager, remember.”
Harry had the sense to act embarrassed. “If you need help with Crystal, then I’ll have a word with Kim. Perhaps she can come and stay once in a while. Get to know her nephews.”
“Oh, Harry. That’s incredible. Once in a while? That should really help.”
“What do you want from me?”
“You to put some shifts in here,” Billy said. “We have a shop in the middle of Brighton. We should be coining it in. Mum and Brian used to.”
Harry shifted Lennox on his knee. “Billy, face it. Everyone goes abroad now. It’s mostly hen dos and stag parties these days. They don’t want a tin of cough sweets with the fucking pavilion on them.”
Billy got up. The storeroom had become very hot. Or perhaps that was him.
“What is your suggestion then?”
“Flog it like the others.”
A sheen of sweat appeared on Billy’s forehead. It had killed him to let the other shops go. This flagship store was the last one.
“And let Mum down? No way.”
“Billy. Mum’s gone.”
“Like I need reminding.”
Lennox whimpered a little at the raised voices.
Billy came and sat on the arm of the chair. “Sorry, little one,” he said. “Guess what Uncle Billy has for you.”
Lennox raised his head. Billy tickled him under the chin, making him squirm.
“I am the best tickler in Brighton,” Billy said in a deep voice.
