Page 135 of A Long Way Back
“Good goldfish impersonation,” Tay said.
“Koi carp! I’ve gone up in the world.”
“Sorry.”
“Can you walk?” Jonty blurted.
Tay took one step and Jonty flung out his arms. “Give him space, give him space.”
There was no one anywhere near. The guy with him was rolling his eyes.
Jonty stared at Tay. “You can do it.” He beckoned him and Ink smothered a smile.
“I’m not sure I can make it.” Tay glanced around. “Where’s my wheelchair?”
“Nooo, you can do it. Just try.” Jonty grabbed a miniature circle of meringue topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a strawberry from the table. “Want this? I’m going to eat it if you don’t walk to me.”
Jonty lifted it towards his mouth and Tay strode over in a way that Ink hadn’t ever seen him manage before and wrapped his lips around the dessert.
“It’s a miracle,” Jonty whispered. “I did a miracle. Do youdomiracles? Does anyone else need help? I performed a miracle. He speaks, he walks, he eats.”
“And he apologises,” Tay said quietly.
Jonty sucked in a breath and burst into tears.
The dark-haired guy ushered Jonty and Tay through open doors onto a patio.
Mike sighed. “To see them together again… It’s amazing. Like bookends, that pair.”
Ink swallowed hard.
“Come on. Time for us to go, Bigfoot,” said Willis.
“What do you mean?” Mike glared.
“Think before you speak. Nice to meet you, Ink.”
“What did I say?” Mike asked as Willis tugged him away.
Ink hesitated. Now what was he supposed to do? He didn’t want to talk to anyone, but he felt like a lemon just standing there without even a drink. His attention was caught by a picture of two seahorses, tails entwined, constructed from small pieces of sea glass. No doubt Jonty’s work. It was really good. Ink’s already shaky self-confidence was shrivelling second by second. Before he could decide which direction to take, the tall guy came back into the room and headed straight for him. It was as much as Ink could do not to run.
“Hi. I’m Devan. I think we need to leave Jonty and Tay alone for a while. Can I get you a drink and something to eat?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
“What’s your name?”
“Oh, sorry. It’s Ink.”
Devan held out his hand. “Good to meet you, Ink. How long have you known Tay?”
“Not long.”
“Is he back up here for a visit or for good?”
“For good, I think.”
Ink didn’t want to make conversation. It might lead to mistakes he couldn’t put right.
