* * *
Later that week with no Pip to entertain him, Jonathan found himself at a loose end until the twins approached him.
“Fancy coming to St Ives then?” As always Kit led the way. The three boys took the Coast Path the two miles to St Ives and made straight for one of the cafés that lined the front overlooking the harbour. Sure enough, attracted by the slot machines, there was a gaggle of girls of about their age idling away the afternoon away.
“Here, let me show you,” was the standard line taken as the boys showed off their alleged prowess on the pinball machines. It didn’t take long. Leaning into the girls as they pulled the levers, hands over theirs, a touch here, and a touch there. The twins knew that just possibly these innocent activities might lead to something more, an invitation to a walk, a discreet spot, perhaps something more? Well, that was what they wished for and Jonathan was all too eager to try for himself as well. When Jonathan received his second invitation the following week, he was eager to go. Pip, seeing Jonathan drift away, spent more time with Clancy and Owen, their conversations limited to more chaste matters.
*****