Page 27 of The Secret We Keep
“And I’m guessing you’ll let me know when I can return? I can’t just walk back in when I’m ready.”
“I don’t want to see you here unless I tell you to.”
I press my forehead to the cool glass. I don’t think I can stand my own company and there’s no way I can find enjoyment without distraction. “You think you’ve got it all figured out, don’t you?”
“No, Paddy. I’m knee deep in toddler parties and a day away from a divorce. I’m just looking out for you because you don’t seem to have anyone else.”
“Spoken like a true boss.” I sigh, hating my tone with him.
“Spoken like your fucking friend, Paddy.” He hangs up.
My phone makes it across the other side of the room, crashing to the wall and marking it. “Fuck!” The air I drag into my lungs makes my head swim. I don’t like this feeling of helplessness. It’s suffocating, like a noose around my neck. Not wanting to feel the weight of my burdenany longer, I retrieve my phone, which thankfully is still in one piece, opening up my messages.
Tell me you’re in the city?
Jake: Leaving Stoney Grange now. I have no plans later.
I need a heavy one
Jake: What happened?
Tom suspended me
Jake: Shit. I didn’t know things were that bad
Jake. My friend for fucking years. We grew up together. Moved to London at the same time. Him and Danny are the only two people outside of my immediate family who I trust with my life. We don’t see Danny half as much since he still lives in Stoney Grange, but without them, I’d be fucking lost.
Danny: Who died? Why are you fuckers blowing up the group chat on a Sunday?
Jake: Read the messages, dick
Danny: Oh, fuck. Paddy, what’d you get suspendedfor?
Jake: He got suspended
Danny: FOR WHAT?
Beers tonight?
Jake: I’ll be there, mate
Danny: I can get the train, but need to be back here tonight
Jake: You sure, princess?
Danny: Eat shit. I’ll be there
Meet me at The Winchester Gate, 7pm
I’m the first to arrive at the pub. Ordering a round, I get our usual and head to the quiet corner at the back. Jake arrives next, shortly followed by Danny.
“You managed to get away then?” Jake asks Danny, smiling into his pint as he takes a large sip.
Danny sips his beer. “Yeah, your mum wasn’t happy she had to stayin bed alone, though.”
“Fucker,” Jake replies. He looks at me placing his glass on the table. “Want to tell us why we’re really here?”
I look up at him. “I already did. I got suspended.”
