Sweet Pizza - preview

you, ‘Oh, I wish my name was Joe Merelli instead of Joe Davis,’” he said in a whiny voice. “‘It sounds SO much better...’”

Joe kicked him under the table.

“Did you say that?” Mam asked.

“I can’t remember,” said Joe, narrowing his eyes at Combi.

“Well, I apologise for not consulting you on the choice of family I married into, Joe,” said Mam. “But you weren’t born!”

“Merelli is a lovely name,” said Gwen. “Has to be said.”

Joe smiled, then he caught Mam’s eye. “I see there’s taekwondo classes on at the Community Centre,” she said. “Shall I put your name down, Joe?” Combi stopped drinking his Coke and glanced at him.

“Oh, Mam. What for?” said Joe. “Get you fit.”

“Not taekwondo, Mam.” “Why not?”

Joe couldn’t think of a reason.

“I heard someone died of taekwondo,” said Combi.

Joe pointed at him. “See!” Mam tutted. Combi held out the can of Coke to Joe, like a peace offering. “Want some?”

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