They left at ten. Milzani’s was on the south side of the town centre, nearer to the housing estates than the pubs and clubs, and as they passed the empty bus stops, Jayden dared to slide his arm into the crook of Darren’s elbow and squeeze.
“Thank you,” he said. “They were pretty good, actually.”
“Surprisingly,” Darren said. “I usually avoid the live mike nights like the plague.”
Jayden sniggered, bumping their shoulders to throw Darren off-stride a little. “Where are we going?”
“I’m going to walk you home, and then I’ll cut through the park back to Beauchamp.”
“That’ll take you ages!”
Darren shrugged. “It’s a nice night.”
“But…”
“Jayden, I am walking you home whether you like it or not,” Darren interrupted. “I suggest you put up and shut up.”
Jayden flushed, bit his lip, and blew
