Sidequest for Love by L.H. Cosway

Billy’s eyes caught mine, and he smiled right back, his phone held to his ear.

“Listen, bud, I better go. I’m visiting my sister in London. Yeah, I’ll give you a call as soon as I’m back home.”

He hung up and slid his phone in his pocket before opening his arms wide. I dove right into them, and he swung me around with a chuckle. “You came to visit!” I said in delight when he let me go.

“I told you to keep an eye out for me, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did, and I’m so happy you’re here. How long are you staying for?”

“Not sure yet. I only bought a one-way ticket. You know me, I like to play it fast and loose.”

“And it’s why I love you. I was just heading out to grab something to eat.”

“Perfect timing. I literally stepped off the plane an hour ago, and I’m famished.”

With that, I grinned then gave him a clip round the ear.

“Hey!” Billy exclaimed. “What was that for?”

“That was for giving cheek to a nun. Have a little respect.”

“She was the one who started it. I was only defending myself!”

I shook my head at him. These antics were typical of Billy. “I can’t believe some silly girl was crazy enough to ask you to escort her to a dance in the first place,” I said in mild amusement. “That’s just asking for trouble.”

“It was Anne-Marie O’Dwyer from around the way. Remember her?”

“Yes, I do. I didn’t think she was your type.”

“She’s not really, but I was bored enough to accept the invitation.”

“Maybe you should focus on girls your own age.”

“She’s nineteen, and I’m twenty-three. I’m hardly out snatching cradles.”

“Still, I think you need an older woman. Someone with enough spirit to handle your wildness and keep you on the straight and narrow.”

“The Straight and Narrow is what they’ve started calling the alley at the back of Hennessy’s pub,” Billy countered. “Couples do be riding in that alley like the clappers on a Saturday night, so if that’s the sort of place you think I should be frequenting—"

“Don’t be cute,” I interrupted. “You know what I meant.”

“I do, but it’s far more fun to be wilfully obtuse.”

I shook my head at him, grinning as I replied, “They should’ve called it Pump Alley instead.”

Billy gave a hoot of laughter as we reached the restaurant, pulling open the door before motioning me in. We managed to snag my favourite table by the window, and I realised it was the exact same spot where I shared that first lunch with Neil and Michaela. I thought about our discussion last night. I’d been in high spirits complaining about the lack of a sex scene in North and South when I’d blurted out my dislike of kissing and history of break-ups. It wasn’t something I generally went around telling people, mainly because it was none of their business. But the more I thought about the way Neil had looked at me with a mixture of surprise and sympathy, the more I regretted my confession.

I didn’t want him feeling sorry for me because there was nothing to feel sorry about. It wasn’t that I’d always hated kissing; experiences had simply moulded me in such a way that my stomach now turned at the idea of locking lips with anyone. I wasn’t traumatised, okay? I just didn’t enjoy it. I could still have a full and active sex life minus the kissing.

“So,” I said to Billy after we’d both given our orders to the waiter. “How’s everyone back home? It’s been a while since I last chatted with Mam and Dad on the phone.”

“Hmm, let me see,” Billy replied, rubbing his chin. “Ryan’s busy with the wife and kids, as per usual. Maura works every hour God sends. Sharon and her partner just got approved for a mortgage. Patrick is still single and living his best bachelor life. The twins’ restaurant is doing well, and as you know, Helen is still at home with Mam and Dad. I’m not sure she’ll ever move out, but they like having her there all the same.”

“Well, if she’s happy and they’re happy, then there isn’t really anything wrong with it,” I said, thinking of my older sister. She was twenty-seven and suffered from severe anxiety, which meant she’d shied away from many of life’s milestones in favour of staying at home with our parents. She found solace in the repetition of the familiar, and that was fine by me. Whatever keeps you sane.

“And what about you? Where have you been living? Have you been working at all?” I asked, bringing my attention back to Billy.

“Ah, you know me. I’m a piece of driftwood floating down the stream,” he replied, making flowing motions with his hands. “I go where life’s crazy path decides to take me. I did a stint at Electric Picnic over the summer, but right now, I’m in between gigs.”

I pursed my lips, studying him more closely. “So, you aren’t living anywhere in particular?”

“I’ve been sleeping on friends’ couches mostly. But sure, it’s grand. I always have a room at Mam and Dad’s that I can go back to if worse comes to worst.”

“You can’t couch surf forever, though. Why don’t you think about moving over here? We can find you a job and a room to rent. It’ll be great. That way, we can see each other all the time.” It’d also give me the chance to keep an eye on him. Billy had a reckless streak, and the rest of my family were often too busy with their own lives to realise when he needed help.