Face to Face
Part 30
It was four months now since a drunken Gordon Livesy had run Paddy down. He was now three weeks into a lengthy jail sentence.
Aaron had said the term handed down to his father wasn't long enough. Paddy though thought it excessive. He couldn't help but feel guilty about it. He knew that despite everything Aaron still loved his dad although he would never admit it. He wouldn't admit he was struggling with the fact his father had been imprisoned either. But it was obvious to all around him. He'd been quiet and moody for a good few days after hearing the news. Paddy had tried to talk to him about it but each time he'd broached the subject the younger man had either ignored him or bitten his head off.
So Paddy had asked Jackson if he knew what was going on in the teens head. Jackson had been able to reassure him saying Aaron was working through it in his own way and would be fine.
That had been good enough for Paddy, he trusted Jackson especially where Aaron was concerned. No one understood Aaron better than he did. And Jackson had been right of course. Aaron was soon back to his normal self, or had been until now.
Mornings were usually fairly noisy affairs in Smithy Cottage, the radio would be on. Aaron turning it up to an ear blistering level, Paddy turning it down to preserve both his eardrums and his sanity. Light conversation would be made through mouthfuls of tea, toast and cornflakes.
But not so this morning, Aaron had stayed at Jackson's the night before, arriving home just as Paddy was buttering himself some toast. He handed it over to Aaron then made some more for himself. He was soon aware something was wrong. Aaron was quiet, seemed distracted, and showed no interest in eating. When the bottomless pit was off his food Paddy worried.
He wondered if it had anything to do with Jackson. The builder's present job took him thirty miles the other side of Congleton, so this last couple of weeks he'd spent almost every night at his flat, it cut a good chunk off his travelling time although it meant him and Aaron had spent less time together.
Watching as Aaron stared blankly into his cup of tea Paddy's concern finally got the better of him. "Have you two had a row or something?"
"Who?"
"You and Jackson."
"No, why?"
"Because you've got a face like a slapped arse! What's the matter with you?"
"Nothing!"
"You sure about that?"
"Yeah!"
"So nothing's wrong?"
"No."
"Well tell your face that then!"
Aaron smiled in an exaggerated fashion, earning a roll of the eyes from Paddy.
But there was something wrong, well not wrong exactly. Not wrong at all in fact. He just didn't know how to tell Paddy about it, certain the older man wouldn't be as happy about his news as he was.
"Paddy."
"Yeah?"
"I..." He'd lost his nerve and instead of saying what he wanted to say said, "I'm staying at Jackson's again tonight."
Paddy nodded his understanding as he munched on his toast.
Paddy didn't seem to have a problem with him staying at Jackson's for the odd night but how would he feel about it becoming something more permanent? How would he feel about him moving out of his place and in with Jackson? What if he hated the idea? What if he thought it was too soon to be taking that step? What if he tried to talk him out of it? What if the news upset him in some way? What if he asked him not to go? What then?
He couldn't imagine Paddy trying to stand in his way but then he couldn't imagine leaving Paddy or the place that had been home to him for the past few years.
Jackson had asked him to move in the night before, told him to take some time and give the idea plenty of thought before he decided. He hadn't needed to give it any thought though. It was what he wanted and he'd told Jackson that. Then Jackson had asked him how he thought Paddy would take the news. That had thrown him. That had put a dampener on things.
"Car going alright?" Paddy asked between sips of tea, he thought maybe that's what Aaron was fretting about. The car was his pride and joy! It didn't sound right to Paddy, but then it hadn't done ever since Aaron had put a new exhaust on it! He could hear him coming a mile away; Edna Birch had complained about the noise just yesterday, she said it frightened Tootsie!"
"Yeah!" Aaron gave Paddy an indignant look, with all the tinkering he'd done with it, it was running like a dream. It looked good too, gone were the dents and scratches, and it was polished to perfection. He'd been determined that Paddy would get his money back and more when he put it back on ebay, But as soon as he'd done all the necessary repair work, Paddy had pressed the keys into his hand and said. "Yours I think." It turned out Paddy had had no intention of selling the car; but letting Aaron think he was for several weeks was just his way of punishing him for being so out of line that day. Paddy had helped him out with the insurance; there was no way he could have afforded it otherwise. He'd been behind the wheel all legal like for the last month or so and now that he had his own set of wheels getting from Jackson's place to work was no longer a problem.
Getting up from the table Paddy placed his mug and plate in the sink, looking over his shoulder at Aaron he said, "It's your turn to wash up."
Aaron nodded then watched Paddy walk towards his surgery. He was back at work full time now and if he didn't tell him now he wouldn't have chance again until tonight, it couldn't wait that long.
"Paddy!" Aaron called hurrying after the older man.
Paddy was standing by the now open surgery door eyeing him expectantly.
"Jackson's asked me to move in with him and I'm going to." The words were finally out but he didn't feel any better for saying them.
"What? Right!" Paddy swallowed his shock and forced his mouth to form a smile, smiling was the last thing he felt like doing right now," Well that's good news! Great news!"
"Yeah," Aaron said, although he hadn't expected Paddy to sound or look so pleased about it.
"When?" Paddy asked, wondering how long he had to get used to the idea, knowing that he probably never would.
When? They hadn't discussed when yet? In the next couple of months maybe. There was no real hurry; they lived in each other's pockets as it was. It was just the next step and they both wanted to take it. But seen as Paddy was so keen to know, like it was something he was looking forward to, Aaron said the first thing that came into his head, "Next weekend."
Next weekend! It was Wednesday now. "Well that's not far off." Paddy said forcing some cheer into his voice; he wanted to sound more enthusiastic about the idea than he actually was. Why was Aaron in such a hurry to leave home?
"No." Aaron said, wondering how Jackson would feel when he turned up with his toothbrush first thing Saturday morning.
"Well you'd better get cracking on your packing!" Paddy grinned before quickly turning around to hide his faltering composure.
Aaron stared at Paddy's back; it seemed the conversation was over. "Yeah." He'd start that very same night!
TBC