I said, it looks hot out there, she repeated.
He dropped the roller after putting it in the most out of the way position and walked toward her, quite disturbed nobody, generally, was able to sneak up on him and the fact she had bothered him. Billy didnt speak or even look at her until he was almost to the wire fence, and one look rendered him speechless the girl was gorgeous! She was dressed for tennis in a short white skirt, white blouse, white socks and white Dunlop Volleys, which contrasted against her lightly tanned almost flawless skin, her startling green eyes and long light brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was an absolute vision and didnt wait for him to speak. He probably couldnt have anyway!
I was told to be here at seven thirty.
Her comment gave him more time he checked his watch and a surreptitious glance to check his abs! It was twenty past, which meant he was late he had to be changed and ready by seven thirty as well and in his confusion he said the only thing that came into his brain at the time.
Youre early. It didnt actually mean anything, or it meant many things. Regardless, it made no sense. He tried again. I mean, everybody gets here at seven thirty, which is ten minutes away yet. Dont worry, theyll be here. They tend to rock up together. Who, who are you waiting for?
I was told to see Billy, Billy Nelson Mr Howcroft said he would look after me.
Billy was stunned again; his normally precocious brain dumbfounded Howcroft had delivered him an angel! He wondered if Howcroft had seen her? No way! If he had, the old lech would have been here giving her private coaching lessons, not referring her to him. He replied hesitantly.
Ah, thats me. Billy. Um, Howcroft said see me?
Yes. Mum rang during the week and went in and, you know, registered and paid the fee and here I am! Do you need a hand with anything?
No. Yes! He spoke sharply. I need to put the nets up, the lines will be fine for today.
Billy realised how late he really was when she asked if he needed help. He knew he really should do the lines but after a late start there wasnt time to load the lime and run it around both courts it wasnt as if any of them was a John McEnroe or Evonne Goolagong! He ran through the gate and she followed him into the clubhouse, where he rummaged in the equipment chest for the nets, and as he turned she was standing right behind him, eyes looking straight at his with a strange sparkle.
Give it to me, she told him, I know how to do it.
He passed her the first net then dragged out the second and they walked out onto the courts together. She dropped her net at the closest end and bent over in front of him to unroll it. Billy rolled his eyes to the heavens and she turned back to look at him it was his turn to be standing there looking at her with a sparkle in his eyes. Now he knew what shed been looking at in the clubhouse, and he had just returned the favour!
I think Im going to like it here after all, she said straight to his face and then immediately turned around, bent over again and finished unrolling the net.
Since that first meeting over a month ago theyd become inseparable, which annoyed Tony somewhat. They turned into Billys street and Billy decided to stir him up a bit.
I was thinkin of asking Wendy but it is Saturday and I usually see Jen on Saturday.
I know, Tony said sullenly.
So, I thought if I see Jen tonight, then I could still ask Wen tomorrow!
Tonys shoulders slumped appreciably and Billy almost wished he hadnt done it. Poor Tony! One day, and Billy knew it would be soon, one of Tonys propositions was going to be accepted and he hoped to God he was there to see it. But his guilt is too much for the moment so he decided to cheer him up.
Nah, stuff the women! Lets just you and me hit the town tomorrow, okay mate?
Tony lifted immediately, as if nothing had happened. He was like that, resilient as all hell and Billy liked that about him too.
Okay, okay! Ill see ya after then.
Billy slapped him on the back before opening the front gate. Dont wanna come in for a drink do ya?
Tony didnt even stop walking to reply over his shoulder and was past the yard by the time hed finished. No, sorry, gotta go. See ya mate, and with a backward wave, he crossed the street. Tony had only ever gone into the house once and Billys Mum and Dad had made him feel about as welcome as small pox.
Arent you Barry Smiths son?
Yes sir.
You a drug addict boy?
No sir.
How come I hear the Smith boy is a drug addict?
Thats my big brother sir.
Brothers! Thick as thieves. Your brother ever give you drugs?
No sir.
You expect me to believe that?
Yes sir.
Why? Tell me why I should believe you, boy.
No sir.
What dya mean no?
Oh! Sorry, I mean, yes sir, its the truth sir.
Dad! Stop it will ya. Tonys okay Dad, trust me.
Why? You gimme one good reason why I should trust a smart-alec fifteen year old? You takin drugs too?
Dad, you know better than that. Trust me coz Im your son.
Youre hangin around with a drug addict.
Hes not a drug addict Dad. Let it go will ya?
What, yellin at me now are you? You aint so big that I cant throw you over my knee.
Dad, you know as well as I do that you couldnt if you wanted to. Sorry for yelling. Lets go Tony.
Where you goin boy, havent you got homework? I forbid you to go down to that, that drug addicts place. You get back here. Billy? Billy?
His mothers voice floated out to them as they had walked to the front gate. Where are you going Billy? You havent upset your Father again have you? Billy? Come back here son. Im your Mother, dont you walk away from me. Billy?
That was why Tony never went back inside Billys house! His old man was okay, just a bit grumpy at times. But that was then. Today, Billy walked into the house and his Dad was sitting where he always sat. He nodded to Billy without even looking away from the television and Billy went straight to his room.
Billy didnt always tell Tony everything, in fact he tried to tell him as little as possible and it had been the truth about seeing Jen tonight his Dad wouldnt let him go. But what Dad didnt know wouldnt hurt him, the same with Tony for that matter and as much as his Mum and Dad talked and blustered they never stopped him from doing anything. So Billy would be going to the drive in with Jen tonight only no one except the four of them going knew.
He walked out of the house around six-thirty but stopped suddenly on the front step something made him go back. He stood at the entrance to the living room and looked at his Dad whose eyes remained glued to the TV.