Chapter 113

Simon had begged to be allowed to move in straight away. Joey managed to put his nephew off by telling him he needed a few days to get his new room ready.

??I don??t mind, Uncle Joey, I could help you.??

??No, Champ, you??ve got to spend time with your mum while she??s still in the country.??

??Suppose so,?? Simon had sulked. Joey couldn??t blame the lad for wanting to get as far away from his mother as possible.

??Tell you what,?? Joey had said, feeling he had to offer the youngster some hope, ??Monday evening we??ll go down to the DIY superstore and you can pick out what wallpaper you want, as well as a desk and chair. And if you??re really good we could go and get you a small telly and DVD player for the room as well.??

??Awesome!?? Simon had jumped onto Joey??s lap and hugged him fiercely.

Simon had been the only bright spot. His youthful enthusiasm and sunny disposition helped to lift Joey??s spirits. Whenever he was around Simon, Joey was forced to put on a happy face.