“You don’t want to go home?”
Tony shakes his head. “Nah bro, I’m doing the job I love.I’m doing stunts for jobs we used to watch on the big screen. Every day’s an adrenaline rush, y’know.”
I nod, knowing the feeling. It’s addictive.
“When did this go down?”
Tony shrugs. “A few months maybe.”
“And Masen?”
At that Tony’s gaze shutters, spinning his nearly empty glass on the table. “He’s—” he breaks off. “He’s hard to reach sometimes.”
My nephew Cody is definitely on the way to becoming a moody teenager, preferring to sit in his room with his video games than hang out with his family. I send him messages when I’m working away but it’s only really when I’m in his house that he allows me to give him any attention.
“She wants to get back together.”
“She does? That’s great right?”
Tony nods, tracing the condensation on his glass. “She wants me to quit.”
“Quit?” I lean back in my seat.
He laughs sardonically, “She says it’s too dangerous. I’ve been doing this job for nearly fifteen years, Jackie. I’ve never been hurt. She wants me to give up everything I’ve worked for.”
I sigh heavily. “There are other jobs, Tony. This is your family.”
Tony scoffs. “You left your family for a little bit of fame as soon as you could.”
“Hey,” I say sharply. “That’s not fair.”
“Sorry, but it’s a bit hard to sympathize with the guy who’s got enough in the bank to retire at thirty two and fucks a different girl every weekend. You don’t have the same responsibilities I do, and anything you were responsible for you left behind to chase fame.”
I could snap back, throw in the fact that my family is currently growing just around the corner from here, but Tony slumps forward, his hands tangling in his hair and it doesn’t feel worth it. I had planned to pull out the ultrasound I carry around in my wallet to tell one of my oldest friends my news, but this is no longer the time.
Plus, I don’t want to reduce Rosie and the baby to a ‘gotcha’ moment. Even though I do have responsibilities,thank you very much.
“I think we’d best call it a night, bro.” I gesture for the bill.
Tony doesn’t say anything, still slumped in his chair. I bite back my irritation as he folds his head further on his arms. I love my friend but he’s really starting to get on my nerves.
“I’m sorry,” he slurs.
“It’s okay.” I help him out of his chair. “Where are you staying?”
“Marky’s spare room.”Jesus.
“Alright, let’s get you in a cab.” He doesn’t protest as I sling his arm over my shoulder and help lead him out of the pub.
“I’m sorry man.” Tony pulls himself unsteadily to his full height, the fresh air hitting him.
“Stop apologizing. I owe you for the help with that harness back then anyway.”
Tony snickers as he slumps up against the brick wall. I scan the street but can’t spot a black cab so I lean against the wall next to him.
“Listen Tony, if you’re not happy about the split, I think you might need to consider it. Marriage is all about compromise, right?” I nudge his shoulder.
“I don’t want to give it up,” he snaps.
