Billy was worried about Todd, he hadn't been himself lately. He was much quieter, he rarely smiled and most worryingly of all when Phelan walked into the Rovers last night there were none of Todd's usual sarky comments about his mother's boyfriend. He missed that mischievous spark in Todd's eyes, it was that spark that had attracted Billy to Todd in the early days of their friendship. He knew there was something wrong but he also knew that Todd found it difficult to talk about his feelings, unless he'd had a couple of drinks of course.
Billy was supposed to be working from home but he was finding it impossible to concentrate as his thoughts kept turning to Todd, he picked up his mobile and dialed Todd's number
"Hey you" Todd answered - Billy wondered if his heart would always skip a beat when he heard Todd's voice. "Hi gorgeous" Billy replied and then inwardly cringed, why not just a simple 'hello'? "I was wondering if you fancied a night in tonight instead of the usual Bistro and Rovers?" Todd's reply was immediate "That would be great I'm not really in the mood for a night out" "Okay I'll cook and you can bring the wine, see you around seven if that suits? "Perfect I'll see you then" Billy was sure he could hear the relief in Todd's voice that he didn't have to go out and pretend to be the life and soul of the party.
He really hoped that he could get Todd to talk about what was troubling him, he hated to think that this man who he cared so deeply about was suffering alone. Todd was usually the strong one always there for Billy but now it was time for Billy to be there for Todd......if he'd let him.
As always Todd arrived on time, he handed the wine to Billy and gave him a quick hug, Billy could see so much sadness and pain in Todd's eyes that he physically hurt for him, he just wanted to hold him and never let go. They ate their food in the sitting room neither saying very much, just talking about inconsequential things like the weather and the new beer in the Rovers, they cleared away the dishes and sat down each with a glass of red wine. Todd seemed so tense and Billy knew this couldn't continue.
"Todd what's wrong? You know you can tell me anything don't you?" Billy expected Todd to tell him everything was fine and he didn't know what Billy was talking about but Todd only sighed and stared at his hands. Billy let the silence go on, he didn't want to force Todd to talk and he was suddenly afraid of what he might hear, what if Todd didn't want to be with him any more and was worrying about how to tell him.
Todd eventually spoke "You're right something is wrong" Billy felt his blood run cold, was this the moment that Todd broke his heart?
