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“Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!” Aiden hollered. “Sláinte!”
“SLAINTE!” The bar erupted into a chorus of cheers. Everyone raised their glasses, clanking them together in celebration. Those seated next to each other leaned closer, sharing the tradition with a grin and a friendly nod.
I raised the shot glass to my mouth, knocking it back and quickly chugging down the entire glass of beer. Aiden hopped down to the floor when he was finished, collecting our glasses, and putting them in the sink.
“Where are the girls and other kids?” Jacob asked.
Tyler pointed over his shoulder. “Outside talking to Edith.”
“Grouchy old troll,” Sean huffed. “The only woman I know who thinks people shouldn’t be loud at a parade.” He turned his attention to Chance. “Nice of you to return here,” he tapped a finger on his chin, “let’s see, what does my brother call you?” He grinned wide, pointing at him. “Ah yes, Hollywood.”
Chance rolled his eyes. “Thanks.”
“Hey Chance!” a random person behind him called out.
We turned to see him pointing to a signed photo of Chance on the wall between New Kids on The Block and New Edition, with Matt Damon above and Eliza Dushku below. “Can you sign my daughter’s jacket?”
Chance lowered his gaze to the brunette.
“It’s her twenty-first today!”
Nodding cordially, he twisted to the bar. Sean handed him a black Sharpie marker. He stepped over to the table, and the girl leaned forward. “What’s your name?” Chance asked.
“Jessica.”
He scribbled for a moment on her white Boston Celtics coat, then took a step back. “Nice to meet you.”
She was beet red, covering her mouth, her eyes showing her excitement. “Thank you so much,” she squealed from behind her hands.
“Of course.” He leaned down, propping his hands on the back of her chair and her father took a photo of them before thanking Chance once again. He waltzed back over to us, leaning across the bar, slipping the marker back into the cup.
Sean delivered a mixed cocktail to a customer, then marched back over, bending over toward us. “I need to tell you something.” He ran his fingers through his black hair, then turned to a strange man who’d just walked behind the bar. “You got this covered for me?”
The guy nodded, picking up a bottle of Cîroc Vodka.
I arched a brow as Sean waved for us to follow him.
Jacob got ready to stand, but Ian shook his head, pressing his shoulder down. “Stay. Whatever this is, you don’t need to be involved at this point.”
After everything that happened, Jacob still loved the family and would’ve given his right arm to protect everyone. But Ian didn’t want to cause anymore issues with his older sister unless it was the last resort.
Sean led us down the narrow back hallway to the locked private entrance to their apartment. “Lock it,” he ordered as we filed up the flight of stairs.
Ian did as asked before we ascended the steps and gathered in the spacious living room. The walls were adorned with warm, earthy tones that gave off an inviting feel. I roamed the room, taking in every detail, until my gaze landed on one of the large windows overlooking the bustling street below.
In the distance, bagpipes played a lively tune, adding to the festive atmosphere. The sound of people shouting and chanting filled the air as they joyously celebrated. I spotted Jenna first, then Amber, Mila, Jade, and Giovanna with the kids, getting them settled and ready.
“People talk,” Sean said, causing me to pivot around instantly as he continued, “and you know how small our world is, bro.”
Ian nodded and brought his hand up to his chin in thought. Tyler strolled over and stood beside me with his arms crossed, while Chance leaned casually against the fireplace mantle.
“You know I don’t involve myself in your business affairs and vice versa, but I knew I needed to say something to you this time.” Sean sighed, pressing his fingertips on each side of his temples before he lifted his gaze back to Ian. “Before the crowd poured in, there were a couple of guys who came in who I’d never seen before. Which we know, isn’t that uncommon, but it was wicked weird.”
“How so?” I asked.
“Well,” he shifted his gaze between the four of us, “when they brought up the Fitzgerald warehouse is when I perked up. I pretended to stay busy while I listened to their conversation. One of them said something about his brother getting killed one night at the warehouse. He didn’t bring up your name and, to be honest, I don’t think he knew it was you.” He chuckled at Ian. “And I’m only assuming it was you, because I know you.”
Ian cocked a brow, his jaw clenching.
