Part Nine
Having driven home slower than necessary as he pulled up outside Smithy the all too familiar scowl returned to Aaron's face.
"I guess I should be going then?"
That would have been the plan had the truck not been suddenly surrounded.
"Get inside now."
Chaz growled as Aaron opened the door.
"You too Farm Boy."
Adam's way had been blocked by Cain. And worryingly even Paddy seemed more flustered than usual.
"Sit. Speak."
Aaron sat staring blankly at his mum, but when she turned on Adam he started shaking and uttering absolute gibberish.
"What do you want to know mum? Not that this is any of your business."
He attempted to put Adam out of his misery.
"Whilst we assume you have given that Mickey his money back-"
Paddy intervened to prevent the inevitable explosion.
"He did."
Adam defended.
"We are slightly more concerned about Jackson."
"Who has left by the way. Not that you care."
"Of course I care."
"Then would you like to explain what the hell you two were playing at?"
Chaz's voice had reached a pitch only bats could hear.
"And in my tru-"
"No one cares about your sodding truck."
Chaz seethed, as she turned her icy glare on Cain who backed down noticeably.
"You're right sis. He held his hands up in surrender. His love life is the be all and end all here. Keys. I'll see you in work early tomorrow."
"If I'm still here."
Aaron grimaced.
"You'll be lucky."
Adam and Paddy muttered unanimously.
"So who wants to start?"
Chaz took three deep breaths in an obvious attempt to calm herself before seating herself opposite them in silence.
"There is nothing to tell you until I've spoken to Jackson and he's…well he knows what he wants."
"So it is true then?"
"You know it is."
"I know what I want."
Adam instinctively reached out his hand and laced his fingers with Aaron's and to everyone's surprise he didn't even flinch.
"Awwww."
Paddy's usual goofy smile returned to his face and even Chaz couldn't stop the lovey dovey fuzzy feeling getting to her. All she wanted was for her son to be happy and if Adam 'Farm Boy' Barton could keep him smiling like he was now, then they had her blessing.
"Fine but you deal with this properly. No one else gets hurt."
"Deal."
Aaron whispered unable to tear his eyes away from Adam.
"Good. Chippy it is then."
Paddy interrupted their moment.
"Don't forget the curry sauce."
Aaron and Chaz said together, smiling shyly as their eyes met.
"I should probably get going."
"Don't be daft. There'll be plenty of curry for everyone."
Chaz quipped.
"It's okay. Your dad knows you're here. Paddy reassured him. He said you can have your day off tomorrow if you want."
"So you can stay over if you like."
Aaron blushed as all eyes turned to him.
"It is a nice idea. Chaz interjected. But Jackson's calling round for the rest of his stuff tomorrow."
"So I should probably go out? I mean he doesn't want to see me."
"No but you need to see him if it's only to explain."
"What she means is I definitely shouldn't be there."
Adam clarified.
"No but you can stay till lunch can't you? Anyway I believe someone mentioned a Chippy?"
"You and your blinking stomach."
Paddy rolled his eyes skywards sarcastically.
"Some things never change."
Adam smiled and squeezed his knee flirtatiously.
