TWENTY-FOUR
DANNY
Danny was watching a mindless mid-morning show. Two impossibly cheery people were interviewing a twelve-year-old boy who had won a TV singing competition.
“I’ve wanted this my whole life,” he gushed.
“You haven’t had a life,” Danny muttered. He pressed Off.
“Talking to the television?” Lisa said as she came in. “First sign of madness.”
She handed him a cup of tea.
“Thanks, Mum.”
“You know who you should talk to…”
She never missed a chance. “Don’t,” he said.
“You’re being ridiculous. Men like him don’t come around regularly.”
Danny scowled. “We haven’t split up. I just need a bit of time.”
“Four days is not abit of time. You haven’t been together all that long, love. It’s delicate.”
It had been four days and twelve hours since he’d last spoken to Tyler. Longer than he had anticipated but it had to be.
“I will get in touch with him when I know what’s happening. I can’t be with someone who’s ashamed of me.”
Lisa shook her head. “He dressed a few things up. So what? Who hasn’t?”
They sat in silence, sipping their tea. Danny almost missed the effervescent prepubescent future popstar to take some of the attention away from him.
“What time is your interview?”
“Two fifteen.”
The day had finally arrived when the bank would speak to him about a potential loan.
“It’s good of Bruce to keep things ticking over until you get this sorted.”
She was circling for another strike.
“I know you don’t understand why I have to do this without Tyler.”
“You’re damned right I don’t. He’s a clever man.”
“He’s bossy.”
“You need it.”
Danny took a big gulp of tea and glowered.
“Haven’t you even seen him at work?”
Emotion threatened to bubble up inside him and explode. “Yesterday.”
Lisa took his hand. “Talk to me, Danny. You’ve been so distant since you came back from that pissing wedding. I know I fuss but I’m worried.”
