Chapter Two

Brendan bought Stephen a milkshake from Relish. They sat outside, the sun pouring uncomfortably onto Brendan's back in his dark suit. Bad clothing choice today, Brady. Nothing was said at first. Stephen sipped quietly at his drink, every now and again squinting up at the bright sky. Brendan wanted to tell him off and make him buy some sunglasses in case he damaged himself, but he refrained.

Feeling twitchy and uncomfortable, Brendan spoke. "So ye are back". Stating the obvious.

Stephen looked at him, his brow furrowed. "I am…" he said carefully.

"For how long?"

"Three months at least" he sighed.

"What happened?" Brendan asked, cocking his head to the side and swiping Stephen's milkshake for a sip when he placed it back on the table. He didn't wipe the straw, naturally.

Stephen looked down at the table, fingering a mark he found there. "I had a job, I lost it" he said it very matter of fact. "I looked for other work but the economy, you know?" Brendan appeared blank so Stephen continued. "I was telling Cheryl about it over the phone…" Brendan stiffened noticeably and Stephen stopped short. "Right. That"

"Yes, that" Brendan said harshly. He breathed through his nose to control himself. "Didn't fancy returning my calls then, hm?"

"Can we not get into this right now?" Stephen asked tiredly.

Brendan gestured that he continue, crossing his arms and leaning back on his chair. Defensive posture.

"Cheryl said I could come back to Chez Chez, earn money for the kids, send the money home. You know, like you used to…" Stephen trailed off awkwardly. "So here I am"

"No other reason?" Brendan asked cagily.

Stephen simply looked at him.

"Where are ye staying?" Brendan asked, sighing.

"Oh, just a bed and breakfast" Stephen said absently. "I'd better get going actually" he stood up, taking a final sip of the milkshake. "Thanks for this" he said, placing it back on the table.

Brendan stared at him, his face unreadable. Stephen looked uncomfortable.

"I'll see you then"

Brendan inclined his head briefly, unable to utter a single word. Stephen glanced away and turned around. What did he really expect from Brendan?

Watching him leave, Brendan stood up, taking his phone out of his trouser pocket and placing it to his ear.

"Chez" he said. "I'm taking an early lunch. Cover for me, yeah?"

Hanging up, Brendan hadn't taken his eyes off of Stephen. He was almost out of eyesight. Brendan straightened his suit and began walking in the same direction, following as closely behind as he could without detection.

XXX

He followed Stephen all the way to the nearest bed and breakfast, just on the outskirts of the village. Truth be told, it was an absolute dump. Brendan watched Stephen take out a key and open the door. He had thought ahead. Watching him enter the derelict building, Brendan pondered what to do next. He knew Stephen wouldn't willingly ask to stay at Brendan's, and if Brendan offered it would give the wrong impression…

And yet he couldn't bear the thought of him staying here, in this grotty bed and breakfast, all alone. Brendan kicked his shoe against the gravel on the ground. Perhaps Cheryl could convince him to stay with them? Brendan brought out his mobile, pressing speed dial number one. He flinched a little at the fact Stephen was number two. He normally called Eileen and the kids from the landline. Did he really call Stephen that often? Of course he did.

"Chez" Brendan said suddenly when she picked up.

"I thought you were having lunch, Bren?" Cheryl asked. It sounded as though she were eating herself.

"I am, I am. I've just got a question…"

He heard Cheryl sigh. "Is it Ste? Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you he was coming back, he made me promise I wouldn't"

Brendan ignored the way his chest tightened at her words. "It's fine, forget it" Brendan said gruffly. "But he's staying at a bed and breakfast right?"

"Yes…" Cheryl answered slowly.

"Well, isn't that a bit stupid?" Brendan phrased.

"I guess so…"

"Didn't ye offer for him to stay with us?"

There was silence.

"Chez?"

"Are you sure that's wise, Brendan?"

"Why not? He'd never be late for work" Brendan laughed. It sounded hollow.

"You know why" Cheryl said with a sigh. "But I do agree… I hate the thought of him on his own, especially without Amy and the kids"

"Exactly" Brendan said excitedly. "So ye will ask him then?"

"Me? Why me?"

"I can't very well ask him can I?"

"I suppose not… well, okay. I'll call him later"

Brendan grunted a little.

"Okay! I'll call him now"

"Thanks, Sis"

Brendan put his phone away and watched Stephen re-emerge from the building, free of his luggage. He frowned and looked down, taking out his phone when it started to ring. Brendan smiled at Cheryl's speediness.

"Oh hi, Cheryl" he heard Stephen say. "Yeah I've just been there now…" he froze, his eyes scrunched up in thought. "What? Oh… oh, I don't think so…"

Brendan felt his shoulders droop. He was thankful he was well concealed.

"Thanks anyway but I'll be fine, honest" Stephen was saying. "See you soon; I'm coming by the club now. Okay, bye"

Brendan watched Stephen closely as he put his hands into his pockets and walked back in the direction of the village. Brendan was about to follow him when he paused, reconsidering. He had another idea.

XXX

Back at the club later in the afternoon, Brendan sat behind his desk, his feet up on the table. He was whistling contentedly. Cheryl was sitting by the bar, reading the paper. Brendan could see her directly from his office. He heard footsteps up the stairs, agitated footsteps. Brendan smiled.

"Oh hiya, love" Cheryl greeted whoever it was. Her face changed. "What's the matter?"

"Bloody bed and breakfast" Stephen grumbled, sitting on a seat beside her. Brendan could see the two of them easily.

"What happened?"

"Well, I told you they only had one room spare, didn't I?"

"Yes… but you got the last room?"

Stephen rolled his eyes to the ceiling. "Well apparently not. Some knob came in and offered double the cost for the room, said it was imperative that he had the room for the next two weeks"

"Oh that's terrible" Cheryl said, placing her hand on Stephen's arm. When Stephen looked away, Cheryl frowned and her eyes met Brendan's. Brendan had the good sense to look nonplussed. Cheryl didn't look convinced. She turned back to Stephen. "Look, love. Why don't you stay with us for two weeks? Until the room's available again?"

"Oh I don't know…" Stephen wrung his hands together. Was being around Brendan really that terrible? Brendan couldn't ignore the way that bothered him.

"What other choice have you got?" Cheryl asked kindly. "You said so yourself, that was the closest bed and breakfast and the cheapest. You haven't got much choice"

Stephen sighed, resigned. "Well if it isn't too much trouble…"

"Of course not!" Cheryl beamed. "I'll get Brendan to help-" she didn't get to finish her sentence because Brendan had already emerged from the office. He nodded at Stephen, his face straight and devoid of emotion. He silently picked up his bags and walked down the stairs. He could feel Stephen's eyes burning into his back.

Job done.