“But wouldn’t it be weird?” I ask, making a face. “That’s like me and you hooking up.”
London throws her head back with a loud cackle. “Not really, ya weirdo.”
“Anyway, I don’t know why we’re talking about this. He’s coming to the lake house to do me a favor.”
“Yeah, do you the favor of giving you a taste of his dick.”
I gasp. “I think I’m rubbing off on you.”
London shrugs, tossing her blond strands behind her shoulder. “I’m just saying.”
I grab my purse and head for the door. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
“Okay, but don’t get off subject.”
“Look, the fact that we’re friends would maybe come in handy if we were trying to start a relationship, but if we just hook up, then it becomes weird every time we’re around each other. And we’re not talking about relationships.”
“Why not?”
London and I wave goodbye to Daniel before we leave the bank. “Because he just got out of one. Are you not listening?”
“Okay, let’s say that’s not the issue. Would you be willing to be in a relationship with him? It’s been a while since you’ve been in one.”
“I know, and I’ve liked it that way. Less heartbreak.”
“I don’t think Cill would break your heart.”
At our cars, I turn to face her. “Two things. Cill isn’t even into me like that. And I’ve had a thing for him for years. He has the ability to hurt me more than anybody else. I can’t let that happen. We have to stay friends.”
She stares at me from across the top of her car. It’s no secret I think Cillian is sex-on-a-stick. I’ve said as much dozens of times. I think I’ve only alluded to my childhood crush on him, but now she knows.
Her lips turn down as she tilts her head, and I know she’s giving up for now. “Okay. Talk to you later?”
“Yeah. Later.” I give her a smile to let her know I’m not upset, and then I climb into my car.
Instead of going home, I go straight to my grandparents’ house. I have to drive down Main Street, and end up taking a quick peek down Sycamore when I drive past, and spot Cill’s motorcycle parked in front of his tattoo shop.
The rest of the fifteen-minute drive is spent thinking about what it would be like to hook up with Cill. Damn London. Okay, I won’t lie, it’s not like this is the first time I’ve thought about it, but it has been a while. Like, almost two years. He’s been in a relationship, and we’ve been casual friends who see each other from time to time. There’s never even been a moment, you know?
At no time have we been pushed up against each other, and the world quiets down around us as we gaze into each other’s eyes. There’s never been drunken moments where we stumble into a room together, laughing about nothing, then start making out.
We’ve always been one thousand percent friends. Nothing more. Maybe it’s because I’ve never gotten a vibe from him. Usually, if there’s a vibe, I’ll take my shot. I’m not a shy girl. I’m not a prude or worried about being called a slut for having a sex life. But Cill’s never led me to believe he likes me more than a friend, so I’ve left it alone.
London’s crazy. Cill isn’t coming to the lake house to give me a taste of anything, so I might as well stop thinking about it.
When I pull up to my grandparents’ house, I spot Gramma kneeling in the garden, pulling weeds. She’s wearing this funky little straw hat that makes me laugh.
Their home was built in the fifties, though they moved into it about twenty years ago, since they wanted to downsize. Gramma hated having a big house with no kids in it, so now they have a pale green, three-bedroom place that they love.
I pull up their long driveway and park in front of the detached garage, then walk back toward the house.
“Well, hey there, pretty girl,” Gramma says, slowly getting up. “Gramma’s getting old,” she complains.
“Ah, but you don’t look a day over thirty.”
She swats me in the arm. “You’re full of shit. Just like your momma.”
I laugh and give her a hug. “Garden looks nice.”
“It’s a labor of love. Come on. Let’s go inside and get some lemonade.”
We walk to their small deck and enter through the sliding glass doors that lead into the kitchen.
“I’ll get it, Gramma. You sit down.”
She sounds a little out of breath as she makes her way to the living room. “Thanks, dear. You know your way around.”
I grab a couple glasses from behind their new white cabinets and grab a pitcher of lemonade from the fridge.
“I love the new look in here,” I say, admiring the subway tile backsplash, and updated cabinetry and countertops.
“Yes, well, it was time to go. We probably should’ve done it years ago. It’s not like we’re gonna be here much longer.”
“Don’t say that,” I chide, bringing the lemonade into the living room. “You and Granddad are in good health and shape. You’ll likely be around another twenty years or so.”
Gramma takes a sip. “I can’t imagine living to be ninety. Just take me out and shoot me.”
“Gramma!” I say with a laugh. “You’re awful.”
She chuckles. “Oh, you know me. Anyway, how ya been?”
“Pretty good. Workin’ during the week and drinkin’ on the weekends.”
“Well, at least you’re working and playing. Can’t do just one. Any men in your life?”
“Oh, just one for every day of the week.”
Gramma laughs. “Yeah, right. That’s too much work.”
“Not really looking for a relationship.”
“How old are you again?” she asks.
“Twenty-seven.”
“Ah, well you have some time then.”
“Where’s Grandad,” I ask, looking around.
“The old man’s taking a nap.”
I giggle. “Oh.”
“So who’s this friend that’s going up to the lake house? I noticed you were vague and didn’t mention the sex of said friend. Safe to assume this friend is male?” She raises her brows at me.
I snort. “Yes, it’s a man. No, it’s not a boyfriend or lover. It’s Cillian. You remember him? The Kingston brothers?”
“Oh, yes. The tattooed one?”
“Yes, the tattooed one,” I reply with a laugh.
“It’s a shame what happened to their parents. Nice family. The boys grew up well.”
“Yeah.”
“Well, let me grab those keys for you,” she says, pushing herself up from the couch with a groan before slowly walking down the hallway.
I finish my lemonade and wash out the glass before Gramma returns, holding out the keychain.
“Here you are. The place should be clean, but there won’t be food or anything.”
“That’s fine, Gramma. I really appreciate this. I’ll make sure it’s ship-shape when we leave.”
She smiles. “I know you will. Have fun.”
I slide the key ring onto my finger and give her a hug. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Sounds good. Drive carefully.”
I crane my head and glance over my shoulder as I walk out. “Always. Love you.”
“Love you.”
7
Cillian
After going to work on Monday, I got everything figured out with my employees, and finally got the official confirmation that my leave is good to go. I mean, I’m the owner, but I’m not such a dick that I’ll do what I want and screw over my employees, so making sure they’re good with their extra workload is important.
I’m actually starting to look forward to this trip now. Wes, the good guy that he is, even offered to work more tomorrow so I could head to Lake Erie tonight instead. Well, he’s also getting paid a little more, so there’s that.
Since I’m a procrastinator, I’m throwing some clothes in a duffle bag before I jump in the jeep and start the three-hour drive. I guess I should inve
st in some decent luggage, but I don’t travel often, so I never felt the need to have actual suitcases.
Most of my wardrobe consists of jeans and t-shirts. My job doesn’t require me to dress up, so I don’t have many suits. I actually only have one. When I’ve had my art displayed at galleries, I’ll put on a suit, or at the minimum a pair of slacks and a button up.
My phone rings as I’m putting together my shaving kit, so I walk to the bed and see that it’s Midge.
“Hey, girl. What’s up?”
“Oh, not much. Just drinking.”
“Hey, Cill!” I hear multiple voices yelling in the background.
I laugh. “Who’s that?”
“London, Jon, and Daniel.”
“Ah. Where’s Royce?”
“He’s coming later because he refuses to leave the bar before he has to.”
“Sounds about right.”
“Anyway, Jon was looking up restaurants for us to eat at, and you know Jon, he has fancy taste.”
“I’m classy, darling,” I hear Jon say in the background.
“Anyway, his classy ass picked a restaurant that has a dress code. So keep that in mind when you’re packing.”
“Doing that now. I guess I’ll pack my button up and black slacks. Or does it have to be a fucking tuxedo or some shit?”
She laughs. “I don’t think so. If they don’t let you in, we’ll blow off the rest of the gang and go eat at Taco Bell or something.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“All right. Well, we’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yep. See you then.”
I decide not to tell them that I’ll actually be up there late tonight. They’ll all probably be wasted by the time I get there, but oh well. I can catch up fast.
After I toss the phone back on the bed, I pull out my dressier clothes and hang them over the closet door. I won’t shove them in the bag so they don’t get wrinkled.
As soon as I’m done packing, Royce sends me a text.
Royce: Hey, dude. When are you heading up to the lake?
Cillian: Probably within the next hour or so. Why, what’s up?
Royce: Just wondering if you wanted to ride with me, or let me ride with you.
Cillian: When are you gonna be ready to go?
Royce: I can be ready within an hour. I already have a bag packed upstairs. It’s kind of busy, but Chad, Luna, and Lennox say they can handle it.
Cillian: I’m sure they can. You’re the psycho who thinks he needs to be behind the bar 24/7.
Royce: Oh, fuck off.
Cillian: I’ll swing by when I’m done doin’ the shit I gotta do. Your ass better be ready to go too.
Royce: Yeah, yeah.
After I throw my luggage into the back seat of my Jeep, I make sure I get rid of any food that’ll go bad, and take the trash out.
My house is only a few blocks from Elijah’s, so I’ll have him swing by once or twice—not because I think anybody will break in, there’s mostly retired folks around here, but just to take my mail inside and make sure nothing springs a spontaneous leak.
Unlike Elijah’s neighborhood, which is the neighborhood we grew up in, mine is a newer development. These houses sprung up around eight years ago, and I bought mine five years ago. Normally, a twenty-one-year old wouldn’t be able to purchase a home, but when my parents were killed in that car accident, they left us all a generous amount of money.
Elijah, being our guardian, helped me with the process, and in the early years, had a key of his own to stop by whenever he wanted. I think he was aware that I’d be having parties since I was twenty-one and able to purchase alcohol, but they were never too out of hand. Yeah, my house was trashed afterward, but not damaged. And the neighbors never complained about noise.
Now that I’m damn near twenty-seven, my crazy party days are over. I guess I grew up quicker than most. I went a little crazy after Mom and Dad died, but I was fifteen and already pissed off at the world. I’m surprised I didn’t give Elijah a mental breakdown. Royce and me both.
Elijah really encouraged my talent as an artist. When I said I didn’t want to draw anymore because Mom and Dad would never get to see it, he told me that Mom and Dad wouldn’t want me to give up something I loved and was so good at.
Mom bought me my first sketch pad, Dad took me to art galleries, and Elijah picked up the baton when they died and made sure I was never without supplies. He always wanted to see what I was painting or drawing, and he made sure I went to college and honed my craft by taking classes.
While losing my parents at such a young age was completely fucked up, I’m glad that I at least had my brothers. Royce, Merrick, and I will never be able to thank Elijah enough for giving up his freedom to make sure we grew up okay.
Royce owns his own bar, I own my own tattoo shop, and Merrick is on the verge of becoming a world-renowned rock star, and my oldest brother lives alone in our parents’ house with a dog named Sugarfoot that his ex left behind when she left him. I feel like he deserves so much more, but he swears he’s content with his job at the college and the array of women he cycles through.
My phone dings with a text as I’m about to climb into my Jeep.
Royce: I’m waiting.
I settle behind the wheel and start it up. It won’t take me long to get to his bar, and then we’ll be on the road, and hopefully I’ll be on the way to getting my shit together.
8
Midge
“I need to slow down or I’m gonna be fucking passed out before midnight,” I announce, putting my glass down on the coffee table.
“Slow down? What’s that?” Jon questions, looking between London and Daniel. Then he downs the rest of his drink.
“Oh, pft,” I mutter, waving my hand through the air. “You’re bigger than me. You can handle more.”
“Darling, I’m petite,” he says, putting his hand on his hip. “You’re acting like I’m some three-hundred-pound gorilla.”
“Definitely not,” Daniel murmurs into his neck, grabbing him around the waist and pulling him into his chest.
“Ugh. No lovey love crap. I’m single! Hello!”
Jon gives Daniel a quick peck before turning around. “So, change that.”
“I don’t have anyone right now,” London chimes in. She’s lounging across the light blue couch, her legs hiked up over the back cushions.
“Right now, but soon Royce will be here, and I’ll be the lame fifth wheel with nobody to make out with. Which probably means I should stop drinking. Drinking only makes me want to jump someone’s bones, and I don’t think anybody here is willing to let me do that.”
Jon and Daniel scrunch their faces and hastily shake their heads as London lets out a cackle.
“We should go out! There’s bars around here, right? Maybe the love of your life is right around the corner.”
I walk to the kitchen and grab a package of pop tarts from the pantry. “The love of my life better not be in some skeezy bar right now.”
London rolls her eyes when I plop down next to her on the couch. “So judgmental. You know, I met the love of my life in a bar.”
“Yeah, but it’s not skeezy.”
“Okay, so we won’t go to a skeezy bar.”
“Ugh.” I break off a piece of the Pop-Tart and toss it into my mouth. “I don’t really feel like going out right now.”
“Then shut up, stop complaining, and drink with us!” London hops off the couch, almost hitting me in the head with her long legs, and then pulls me up with her. “Who knows when Royce will even show up. You have me. Those two can disappear into a room all they want, but me and you ain’t going nowhere but drunktown. Eat your stupid Pop-Tarts and get ready for a shot. Royce has been teaching me some things.”
“Ooh. I love his drink making skills,” Jon says.
“Then you’re gonna love this new one,” she states, grabbing the plastic shot glasses we bought from a liquor store nearby.
“All right, all right, let me go to the
bathroom first.”
As I’m in the bathroom, the music gets a little louder, and the three musketeers out there start laughing about something. Once I’m done washing my hands, I grab my phone from the bed and think about texting Cill. I don’t even know why. All these years we’ve been friends, and I never really texted him. Especially once we were out of school. We’d see each other around, but we’d never make plans to hang out or anything like that. But recently, the urge to talk to him comes more frequently.
I throw my phone back on the bed and tell myself it’s a bad idea. I don’t need to get involved with Cillian Kingston. For one, it would mess up our friendship. Royce and London are together now and I don’t want things to be awkward for everyone. I’d just be a rebound, and since he’s newly single, I’m sure he’s ready to enjoy bachelor life.
“All right, give me a shot!” I announce as I walk back into the living room.
London has a cheeky smile when she passes them to us.
“She didn’t let us see what she put in them,” Jon says.
“Uh-oh.”
“Yeah,” Daniel agrees.
London giggles. “Bottoms up.”
And after that shot, things become blurry.
9
Cillian
When I pull up to King’s Tavern, Royce is already outside, leaning against the building with a duffle bag at his feet. With a nod in my direction, he slips his phone in his pocket and hoists the strap of his bag over his shoulder and jogs over.
“’Bout time.”
“Please. Get in and shut up.”
He tosses the bag in the back and climbs in next to me. With a big grin on his face, he grasps my shoulder and shakes me. “You excited or what?”
I pull away and head toward the highway that leads us out of town. “Well, you are.”
“I don’t vacation often.”
“I know.”
“Neither do you, so liven up! At least you’ll be out there longer than the rest of us.”
Truth or Dare (Kingston Brothers Book 2) Page 4
