Page 66 of Compulsion

“Don’t tell me any more,” Seve interrupted. “Don’t waste our time on a shit like him.”

His vehemence startled me. “So what are you doing nowadays?” I asked. God, it sounded like a something-for-the-weekend chat at the barber’s.

Seve gave a low laugh. “I lost my job at Compulsion, obviously. Mama has managed to retain control of a few of the businesses, but only a small number of them were viable. One is in pharmaceuticals, a remarkably resilient industry, and I’m helping to run that now. It’s a very small concern, and I am involved at a relatively low management level so far, but it is… surprisingly satisfying.” He cleared his throat. “It deals in medical pharmaceuticals, not recreational, before you ask.”

I opened my mouth to protest, and shut it again. It was just such a joy to hear his voice, even distorted slightly as it was over the line. “So you’re doing well?” I wished he’d say my name again. It sounded so good in his steaming-hot-chocolate tone.

“Max.” He sighed. “It’s a slow path. Trying to get businesses going again—legitimate ones. I’m… well, I am using another name for the time being. A different history, let’s say.”

“Wise move. I expect your social security number’s flagged at every celebrity magazine. As soon as it appears, they’ll be on the quest for a story. Probably bring the boy band with them.”

“I expect so.” Another small laugh. “Your humor….”

“What about it?”

“Nothing. Just… I miss it.”

The brief silence this time was quite companionable. Then I got scared he’d ring off and I started gabbling again. “Are you seeing anyone, then?” How crass, I groaned to myself. How moronic, how pathetically clinging—

“No, I’m not.” There was a pause. His tone had sounded strangely flat.

“Seve? Are you still there?” No, please, please don’t go….

“Yes, I’m here. What about you, Max?”

“Who, me? Seeing anyone?”

“Yes.” The tone was dry now. “Is there a better choice on the honest side of the street?”

“Maybe!” I snapped. The arrogant smartarse—

“Don’t!” The phone vibrated against my ear with the exclamation. “I didn’t mean….” Another sigh, more like a groan. “I’m still not very good at saying the right thing, Max.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Perhaps that’s what I miss from you, Seve.” More silence, while I forgave him everything but couldn’t tell him. My fingers were numb from gripping the phone so tight. “Seve?”

“What is it?”

“I’m thinking of retraining for the future. Youth counseling.”

Pause. “That’s good.”

I was rambling on. “If it works out for me, I’ll go looking for a permanent job somewhere as soon as my probation finishes.”

“You might move away from Brighton?” What did that sharpness in his voice mean?

I took a deep breath. My chest felt constricted. Ideas were springing to mind whether I wanted them to or not—whether I thought any of them were good or not. “I don’t know. It depends where the jobs are and what I want to do with my life in the longer term. I mean, I like it here, and the guys are still okay with me at their flat. And it’s not worth moving lock, stock, and barrel until I know where to go… even what country,” I added rashly. “But I wouldn’t rule it out.” This was the first time we’d talked at length about the mundane things of life—about work, money, somewhere to live. This was weird. “Seve?”

“Yes?”

“What’s the job situation like in Spain?” My heart was hammering so hard I couldn’t hear my words clearly.

“It’s… it’s not good.” Maybe he heard disappointment in my silence. “But that’s the same everywhere. You could find something, I’m sure.”

“I could learn the language. It has a lovely sound. Of course, at the moment I only know two beers, please, and that’s because Pedro in the site office taught me for a laugh—” Fuck. Talk some more crap, why don’t you. My hand was shaking around the phone.

Seve’s voice broke in. “Don’t move without telling me.”

“I’m on probation, Seve. I can’t go anywhere without letting everyone and their dog know.” I sounded just a little too sharp. “Why, are you thinking of calling again?”