‘Jimmy, it’s Michael. Eddie Mitchell has just walked in.’

Jimmy smiled as he dropped the food and ran towards his pick-up truck. It was finally time for a bit of action.

Eddie munched on a packet of dry-roasted peanuts and gulped back his pint. As his phone rang, he answered it and was surprised to hear Jessica on the other end. ‘What’s up?’ he asked abruptly.

‘Oh, Ed, I’m sorry. I’m having a lie down and I’ve been thinking about what you said. I have been too easy on the twins, I know I have. I’m gonna toughen up, you know. What you said this morning about them getting a job makes sense. They have too much time on their hands and I think a bit of responsibility would do them the world of good.’

Eddie smirked. He just loved being proved right. ‘No more hiding things from me about Joey, Jess. He either starts dating girls or he stays fucking celibate. I’m not having him make a fool out of me again. I’ll disown him next time and sling him out the house, I swear on my life, I will.’

‘Please don’t say things like that, Ed. Things are awkward for Joey, and I still think you were out of order earlier. You nearly choked the poor little sod. He’s probably just going through a phase, I’m sure he’ll grow out of it.’

‘Well, if he don’t, he’ll be moving to the fucking Hebrides or somewhere,’ Eddie said angrily.

‘All right, Eddie? Can I get you a drink, mush?’

Telling Jessica they would talk later, Eddie ended the call and stared at Jimmy O’Hara’s ugly face. ‘No, I’m all right, thanks,’ Eddie replied.

As O’Hara walked to the bar, Eddie cursed himself for drinking locally. ‘This is all I fucking need,’ he muttered. He couldn’t just get up and walk out – he would make himself look like a right mug. Letting the pikey bastard know that he bothered him was the last thing Eddie wanted.

‘So, how’s business?’ Jimmy asked as he sat down opposite Eddie.

‘Yeah, going well. What about you?’

Jimmy smiled. ‘Good. I don’t do so much meself now. I’m happy pottering about at home doing a bit of buying and selling.’

‘How’s your wife?’ Eddie asked politely.

‘My Alice is fine. She’s a good woman, she is. What about your Jess?’

‘Pregnant,’ Eddie said smugly.

‘Well, I’ll be blowed. So is my Alice,’ Jimmy told him, smirking back.

About to make his excuses and leave, Eddie was shocked to see the barman bring over a bottle of champagne and plonk it on the table. ‘I never ordered this,’ Ed said immediately.

‘I did. With our families getting it together, I thought me and you should have a little celebration,’ Jimmy said grinning.