Chapter 6

Billy stared out of the shop doorway and glanced at his watch. It was coming up to two o'clock.

Where the fuck is he?

A burly figure came around the corner.

"About bloody time," Billy said.

A breathless Harry reached the doorway. "Sorry," he said. "Honest I am. The baby wouldn't go down. Then I couldn't get bloody parked."

"Get in," Billy replied.

They both went inside.

"Shouldn't you put the closed sign on?" Harry asked.

"Ha! It's hardly a crowd control situation out there. I think we'll be all right. At this point, I might even try and flog a pencil sharpener to the Pleasure Seekers guy."

Harry checked his reflection in the mirror usually used by customers trying on novelty hats. At least he'd made an effort in a white shirt and black trousers. His muscular body threatened to rip the garments at their seams.

"You look smart," Billy said.

"Ta. This is my old door staff uniform," Harry replied. "I think I've bulked up since then."

Billy clapped him on the shoulder. "Mind you don't reach for anything and I'll think we'll be okay."

They caught each other's eye in the mirror and grinned. It reminded him of the time he'd taught Harry how to do his tie.

"I can't believe we're doing this," Billy said. "Mum will be spinning in her grave."

Harry turned to him. "I hate to break it to you, Billy-boy. Mum had sex. With Brian too."

"Shut up," Billy replied. "I don't even want to think about that. I went on the Pleasure Seekers website last night. Have you seen some of the stuff they sell? I sincerely hope none of that crossed our mother's path."

It felt disrespectful to be having his conversation in her old shop. Billy hated to think how many hours she'd spent behind that counter. All for what? For it to become a high-class sex shop. She would have been horrified.

Billy led Harry into the storeroom.

"You've been busy," Harry said.

"Yeah, I spent most of yesterday getting it looking half decent. I don't want whoever comes to head straight out of the door."

"Brother, you're acting like we're being interviewed."

"Aren't we?"

"Of course not. We're holding the ace card."

Billy frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Location," Harry replied. "Pleasure Seekers will be biting our hands off, man. Have some faith in yourself."

He had a point. The promenade was literally on their doorstep. The potential passing trade couldn't be ignored, especially in high season. For shops selling things people actually wanted, it was practically a licence to print money. It still hurt to make such a change to the place. He had to get over it.

"I had a chat with Ian next door the other day," Harry continued.

Ian and his wife, Carol, ran the café next door. They'd been there for years.

"He's not leaving?" Billy asked. "Don't tell me that."

"No. They're getting a booze licence," Harry replied. "He reckons they're all doing it. This is going to be a boozer's paradise. If we open late too, stands to reason we'll coin it in."

"And I suppose I'm the one giving up my evenings?" Billy said.

Harry came up to him. "Kim has agreed to me spending some time here. To give you a break."

Instant guilt at his suspicions swirled around Billy's system. He relaxed his tense muscles. "Thanks, Harry. I appreciate it. I'm sorry to be so snappy."

Harry shrugged. "I may have to ask you and Crystal to do a bit of childcare. If things get hectic."

"You'd trust me?"

"Of course I would, you doughnut. We're family."

Billy found himself too choked up to reply. A flash of realisation at the responsibility he'd shouldered in recent years came upon him. When his mother had died, he hadn't even considered not taking Crystal on. There had only ever been one choice.

The front doorbell sounded, snapping Billy to attention.

"He must be here," he said.

"Or it's a customer," Harry replied.

"I admire your optimism. I'll go."

Billy strode out into the shop. A man had his back to him. He appeared to be inspecting a shell-covered jewellery box. Not one of Billy's wisest choices.

"Can I help you?"

When the man turned around, Billy gasped. He hadn't seen someone that handsome in a long time. With light brown skin and short dreadlocks that appeared to have been tinted by the sun, he glowed.

He was a contrast to Billy's much darker tone and cropped hair. Fashion statements had never been high on Billy's agenda. He took pride in his appearance whilst making minimal effort. Although when Crystal's friends all became obsessed with giving each other facials at sleepovers, he did succumb to letting Crystal practice her technique on him.

The life of a girl dad proved to be a never-ending voyage of discovery.

"Mr Webster?" the exquisite specimen said.

"Um…yes."

"Eddie Channing. From Pleasure Seekers. We have an appointment?"

"That's right."

"Sorry, Mr Channing," Harry said as he pushed past Billy. "My brother appears to have let the heat get to him. I'm Harry and this is Billy."

Eddie shook his hand. "That's better. I'd get confused dealing with two Mr Websters."

Billy got a hold of himself and forced his brain to focus. "My apologies, Mr…Eddie. I don't know what came over me."

This man intrigued Eddie. "Don't worry about it. As long as I have the bragging rights. It's not every day I make a handsome man lose his words. My flatmates will be amazed."

Did he just call me handsome?

Billy refused to let his emotions take control. This was important. He wouldn't fall for a salesman's tactics.

He held his hand out. When Eddie took it, Billy tried his best to ignore the spark of electricity that fizzed through him.

"Would you like to come through?" Billy said.

"I'll put the closed sign on," Harry chipped in.

"No n—" Billy started.

Harry widened his eyes at him. "Probably for the best."

Suddenly, Billy saw how wildly out of his depth he was. Harry seemed to be treating this like one of his fights. He was ducking and weaving all over the place. Billy had never been any good at games.

That was probably why they were about to go bust.

He led Eddie through. The close proximity making his heart beat a little faster. However, those few steps gave him the chance to get it together.

"Take a seat," he said. "Can I get you a drink? It's hot today."

"No, I'm good," Eddie said.

Billy took his usual seat at the little desk. He gestured for Eddie to take the armchair that Crystal usually sat in to do her homework.

Harry soon followed them and perched delicately on the remaining stool. He was far too big for it. Billy prayed to everything holy that it wouldn't collapse under him.

Why didn't I give him this seat? Fuck's sake, calm down. It doesn't matter.

"So," Eddie said. "I read your application. We're very interested. I do have to ask, why us? It's a bit of a departure from what you're currently selling."

"That's the point," Billy said.

To his annoyance, Eddie had been addressing Harry for the whole speech. Billy didn't blame him, but he'd be damned if he became a bit-part player.

"How so?"

A flash of interest passed across Eddie's face. Billy found himself wanting to tell his man everything. Yet, in the back of his mind, he remembered this was a dance.

"This stuff is old-hat now," Billy said. "We're not stupid. Times are changing and there's money to be made."

Eddie appraised him. "I can't argue with that. Some of the things we stock are pretty outrageous. You won't be able to have anyone under eighteen in the shop. Ever. You sure you can handle that?"

Billy hadn't considered anything of the sort. When he did, it made sense.

"If we move some things around, the counter can go by the door," Billy said. "A few well-placed mirrors and cameras, we should have it covered."

Even Harry looked impressed.

"I like it. Judging by your space, I think we'd need roughly two-thirds for our stuff."

Billy frowned. "What about the rest?"

"Up to you," Eddie said with a shrug. "Although, no offence, I'd rethink the souvenirs."

A little bead of perspiration trickled down Billy's spine. Fuck, this man had the strangest effect on him.

And I like it.

"What's the split?" Harry asked.

Eddie appeared taken aback for a second. "You're very direct. You get eighty percent of whatever you sell."

"Twenty percent for supply?" Billy exclaimed. "That's daylight robbery."

"That's the deal," Eddie replied. "You need stock you can shift, mate. Take it or leave it."

Billy stood up. He would not be ripped off like this. There must be another way.

"Then we'll leave it."

"Billy—" Harry said.

"No," Billy replied. "Don't."

Slowly, Eddie rose to his feet. "Okay, I don't want to get in the middle of family tension."

"I'll show you out," Billy said. "I'm sorry to have wasted your time. If you'd told me that on the phone, I would have saved you the trip."

They walked into the shop.

"It's always nice to get down by the sea," Eddie said, seemingly unconcerned.

Billy opened the door. Eddie didn't appear to have any animosity at Billy cancelling the deal. He had no doubts that many other salesmen would have tried to manipulate him way more than that.

"I really am sorry," Billy said.

"Don't sweat it," Eddie replied. "If you change your mind, you have my details. For what it's worth, you're sitting on a goldmine here. Whatever you do, do it well, my friend."

Eddie nodded and stepped out into the morning sunshine. Billy watched him walk along the pavement.

He didn't look back. Something that Billy found slightly disappointing.

"I hope you're pleased with yourself," Harry said from behind him.

Billy closed the door and faced his brother.

"He was ripping us off," Billy said.

"Eighty percent of things that sell is better than a hundred of old crap gathering dust."

He couldn't deny that he'd had more losses than wins on his choices for the shop. But he had had wins.

"Now we've had the idea, why don't we see if we can find another company to stock with us?" Billy suggested.

Harry sighed. "I suppose. It was bloody perfect though. Think of all the hens and stags that'll be down here. Too pissed to care how much they're spending."

Billy walked into the shop and leant on the counter, facing his brother.

"Fuck," he said. "I've ruined everything, haven't I?"

Harry looked into his eyes. "Maybe the best thing is to get rid of it. We'd get a decent price."

Harry had a point. To move on had its attractive qualities.

"We'd get a better one if it we were running a booming business in the newest hot spot in town."

"What are you saying?"

"I guess I'm saying I'll call Eddie and eat a fuck ton of humble pie."

Harry's face lit up then dropped. "Won't Pleasure Seekers be pissed that we're looking to bail at the first chance?"

Billy shrugged. "They don't have to know everything. We'll sell as an established business. Everyone's happy."

It seemed like the perfect plan. To add to that, Billy would be seeing Eddie again. The thought made him tingle in places he hadn't in quite some time.

Yes, it would be very nice to have their paths cross once more.