Page 15 of Companion Required

Kennedy went quiet for a second, remembering Leonard’s kind words when he and Patrick had parted ways.

“Go on,” prompted Kieran.

“The last time we talked, Len had a number of companies—early on, he developed a knack for juggling a lot of online businesses—and does really well. Specialist real estate, holiday rental properties, vintage cars, among other things. Of all my friends, he’s the entrepreneur, the smart, successful businessman.”

“Wow, is that faint praise I hear? So he’s single, too?”

“Yes, but unlike me, his partner died. Don’t think he ever really recovered, so he threw himself into his work.”

“You had a partner, too?”

“Patrick, yes.”

“And what happened to him?”

“He left me. But fortunately, he’s not going to be there, so you don’t need to know anything about him.”

Thankfully, Kieran had the sense not to push the subject. Kennedy did not want to talk about Patrick, did not want to open that can of worms.

“So why only five this year?”

“Because the others tend to side with my ex. So if he doesn’t come, neither do they.”

“Wow, sounds really grown-up. Okay, is that everyone?”

“That’s everyone,” said Kennedy, before turning to Kieran. “Now how about you? I suppose I ought to know something about your family. In case anyone asks.”

For a moment Kieran appeared a little uncomfortable, shifting in his seat. After taking a sip of his champagne, he sighed deeply and started speaking.

“Not much to tell. Got a younger brother and an older sister. Julie’s thirty-one. Sean is twenty-two. On the day Mum announced to us all that she was expecting Sean, our father checked out. Disappeared off the face of the planet. Although we suspect he went back to Argentina. He has family there. Mum was left to bring up a newborn and two young kids. Jules and I had to step up, but thank goodness we also had Mum’s parents to help. Couldn’t afford to send Julie to university, but I went and Sean’s there now, finishing up his degree in Leeds. I help with his fees where I can.”

“That’s got to have been tough.”

“We survived. I had a couple of jobs since leaving full time education. The last one in real estate started out good—lasted four years—but when times are tough nobody wants to buy or sell. I was let go three months ago. Not long after, I split with my girlfriend, who also kicked me out. Since then I’ve been sleeping on my sister’s couch. Which is why I desperately needed this sick and depraved job. Am I allowed to say that, now we’ve reached cruising altitude?”

“What? About this sick and depraved job that has you sitting in business class sipping vintage champagne?”

“Okay, point taken. There is that.”

“Now, before I let you watch movies or sleep or whatever, I have a couple of small items for you.”

Kieran appeared a little uncomfortable.

“Honestly, you don’t need to—”

“Hear me out. These are things I’ve given to all my travelling companions at the outset of a holiday.”

Kennedy took out a small brown envelope from his pocket.

“Inside here, there’s a nominal sum of different currencies for all our Asian destinations. Yes, I know this may feel as though I’m giving you pocket money, but it’s mainly because I want you to have funds in case of emergencies. If you need a taxi, something to eat or drink, or see anything you want to buy. I don’t want you to feel as though you need to rely on me to pay for everything.”

“I do have some money of my own that I can change up.”

“Of course you do, but I thought this might be more convenient.”

Although he didn’t appear entirely happy, Kieran placed the small envelope into his tracksuit pants pocket.

“Thank you.”

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