Page 104 of Thrill
Amanda looked around and nodded.
“I think I’m understanding what a total shit mess that can turn into.”
She leant forward. ‘“Courage is found in the most unlikely of places.’”
Trust her to quote Tolkien in times of need.
“I don’t follow.”
“Play to your strengths,” she said. “Be you times ten. That will show him what he’s missing. Get out there this weekend and have some fun.”
He saw the logic.
“What are you up to?” he asked.
She blushed. “I’ve joined a Dungeons and Dragons group. It’s the first meeting this weekend. I’m a little nervous.”
“Good for you, Amanda. I really mean that.”
“See?” she said. “If I can do it, so can you.”
Tyler lay in bed eating ice cream. Even Ben and Jerry were struggling to make the day acceptable.
He couldn’t stop staring at the drawers. They stood there like a monument to his stupidity.
“Oh fuck off,” he said before spooning another dollop of Chocolate Fudge Brownie in his mouth.
He leapt out of his skin as the door was flung open.
Scott and Eddie stood there.
“Day seven in the great heartbreak saga,” Scott said. “Tyler has initiated the ice-cream-before-noon protocol. Things are getting serious.”
“No news?” Eddie asked.
Tyler shook his head. “He’s really bloody making me work for this.”
Scott sat down on the end of the bed. “I admire your will power. I’d have been banging on his door by now.”
“I can’t,” Tyler replied. “I have to show him that I respect his needs. I’ve hurt him.”
Eddie came in, folding his arms. He clearly meant business. “At no point has he broken up with you. I think that’s a good sign.”
Tyler looked from one to the other. “You reckon?”
Scott patted him on the leg. “Of course. Now, how about we have a movie marathon. I’m sure you’ve got something in that collection that isn’t total crap.”
Eddie chuckled. “NotSpiceworldagain.”
“You two are like broken records. Tyler can choose anyway. He’s the one in need.”
Tyler’s heart was about to burst. No matter what happened with Danny, he had discovered two amazing friends in these two. Maybe there was some merit in the found family idea.
“The pressure,” Tyler said. “Let’s go gruesome and shut the curtains. I know.Alien. Have you got it?”
Eddie clapped his hands together. “Have I got it? You’re talking to the owner of theAlien Predatorseven DVD box set.”
Scott shook his head. “Such a nerd. It’s a good job we love you.”
