“Mmm?”
“Me and you.”
“Nick, now’s not the time.”
“It’s never the time for you.”
“We’re here together, aren’t we?”
“And you just tried to push me off a ladder.”
“Don’t exaggerate, I was only joking.”
“You’re not the sort of person to joke around.”
“Depends on the moment.”
“So, what do you say? Shall we get to work? There are dirty windows upstairs with our names on.”
“Shit.”
“Just be grateful he didn’t ask us to do the garage, too.”
“He definitely will next time.”
* * *
Mum insistedthat we stay for dinner. Something quick, she said, because Dad needs her help today.
We sit down in the kitchen, me and Nick, while she takes something upstairs for Dad. I open a beer and take a few sips, as Nick chews on his sandwich. I gather up my courage and start to speak.
“I need a favour.”
He looks at me, surprised, placing his sandwich back on the plate.
“A favour from me? Seriously?”
I shrug.
“I’m listening…”
“Are you coming to the game on Sunday?”
“What a stupid question. Obviously I am. Why?”
“I need you to take someone with you.”
“A woman?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I say, taking a few more sips of beer to mask the idea that I could also have invited her. But that would never happen.
“A boy.”
He looks at me, one eyebrow raised.
“Evan,” I continue, gauging his reaction. “Christine’s son.”
“Oh holy…”
