Page 94 of Kicks
They walked into a men’s clothing shop. It was a usual haunt of Scott’s with plenty of vibrant couture that he found very hard to resist.
“Ugh, this is totally the wrong vibe,” Scott declared.
“What are you talking about? This is your favourite place in the world.”
“I want this guy to think I’m serious,” Scott explained. “We’ve been chatting for a while and he’s finally asked me out.”
Eddie picked up an electric blue shirt from the rail and studied it. “Why would he think you’re serious?”
“Because that’s how I’ve presented,” Scott replied. “I’m done with dating all the odd ones who think I have to be the life and soul of the party. I’m after someone who sees me for me.”
Scott held up a beige checked shirt. “And that’s you, is it? A meek sparrow in peacock’s clothing?”
“It’s the me I want him to think I am.”
Eddie put the blue shirt back and gently removed a beige one from Scott’s clutches.
“Please, listen to me. You are you,” he said, quietly. “Don’t make the same fuck up I did. I thought I was being the hotshot salesman. Striking the deal and saving the day. What happened? I lost the most valuable thing that’s come into my life in a long time.”
Scott squeezed his arm. “Give him some more time. Everything is up in the air at the moment. He’s freaking out.”
They walked farther into the store.
“This time last week I was sure I had a new job and a new man,” Eddie said. “Now both are slipping away from me. I’m bloody useless.”
Scott glared at him. “Hey you, that’s my best friend you’re talking about.”
Eddie tried to be cheerful despite his low mood. Scott always had a way of bringing light to a dark situation.
“How about this?” Scott asked, holding up a bright orange shirt.
“Quite the step change.”
“Maybe you’re right. I should let him see me in all my faded glory. Then, if he runs a mile, I’ve not wasted much time.”
This time Eddie reached across and took Scott’s hand. “One day, someone will discover the real you and fall madly in love. Just like the rest of us.”
Scott returned the garment to the rail. “I’ve got plenty of loud shit in my wardrobe if I’m going down that road. How about we go and get a cocktail?”
“On a Monday?”
“That’s the crazy kids we are. Come on, I’m buying.”
They walked out into the street again.
“Kemptown?”
“Why not?”
Scott led the way.
“I’ve got something that will cheer you up,” Scott said.
Eddie doubted it but his curiosity always got the better of him. “Go on.”
“I reckon I’ve figured out the identity of Amanda’s lover.”
He nodded proudly.
