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“Billy.”
“Oh, you’re one of Adam’s brothers? Thanks for watching over the girls, man. When Chelsea said she was moving here, Adley and I both had reservations and-”
“Why would you have reservations? They’re both safer here with us than anywhere else.”
He’s assessing me and I don’t like it. “Yeah, sure. I’m just saying because I’m not here-”
“You don’t need to be here, Steve.”
“Billy.” Adam warns.
I hold Steve’s stare, then break into a laugh. “Just fucking with you, man. All good.” I jump from the couch, leaving the room full of tension and head to the kitchen. My blood is pumping and I’m feeling on edge, so I grab another beer, but needing something stronger, I open the freezer and find what I need.
“Bingo.”
Grabbing the ice-cold tequila bottle, I twist the cap, bringing the bottle directly to my lips and gulp down three shots worth. Swallowing quickly, the icy liquor runs down my throat, and I squeeze my eyes tight, hissing through my teeth as it races through my veins.
Leaning against the counter with my eyes closed, I hear Adam enter the room. “I didn’t know he was coming.”
“It’s fine.”
“Is it, Billy?” He takes the tequila bottle from me, waving it in my face.
“Don’t get all therapist on me, bro. There’s nothing between us.”
He studies me for a quick moment. “I’m not talking about you and Adley. I know you’re missing Tom, we all are and-”
“Adam. I’m fine. Now, are we going out or what? If we’re hitting the bar, I’m going to make a call or two. Line up my night, if you know what I mean.” Cutting the words out quickly, I just want to end this conversation.
“Okay, Bill. Just know I’m here, alright? And if you want to come back here later, you can.”
“I don’t think you want me bringing a chick back here, Adam.” Laughing, I walk away from him because I have to get out of this house as fast as possible, “No one would be sleeping.”
I walk past the girls and Steve, ignoring them all, but then I pause with my hand on the doorknob. “Moose’s, right? I’ll catch up with you all later.”
And with that, I slam the door behind me.
** *
Entering Moose’swith a girl on each arm, I’m greeted by everyone here. Grace and Angela enjoy the acknowledgment they receive. It’s the good and bad of a small town. They all know you and your business, but at the same time, it’s kind of nice to know there’s always someone looking out for you.
Seeing my family at the back booth, I head toward them but I’m stopped by the owner, Al Gargulo, on my way. Al has been a constant in my life, good and bad. He’s been great friends of my parents since I can remember, and I always thought of him as an extension of our family. One who looked out for me but didn’t look down on me. He loved to chase my brothers and I out of here as teenagers, but I know he secretly loved having us around, too.
We give a quick hug and he asks about Tom, and I answer, “We were able to get a quick word in with him last week, but nothing since then.”
He nods, holding my eyes. “Jackson? Is he going to make it back for a visit soon?”
“No, he’s got a game this weekend. He’s supposed to be in town soon, though. We’ll make sure to come by.”
“Make sure that you do.” He gives me a quick slap on the back, then ducks behind the bar again.
“No one said she was coming!” Closing my eyes, I inhale deeply and let it out slowly when I hear Britt, Jackson’s sister, yell out. I know she’s talking about Grace. She hates her. Grace went to high school with us and always had a thing for my brothers and me. She tried very hard to date each one of us, and when none of us took the bait, she went for Bobby, Britt’s boyfriend.
I feel for Grace. She’s just trying to find her place in a small town. I took her friend to prom and convinced Adam to go with Grace when her date bailed, and I’m sorry I did. It’s been an issue ever since because Grace likes to goad Chelsea about it. She definitely brings this shit upon herself. I also shouldn’t be bringing her around, either. But I needed someone quick to be with me tonight, and Grace is always down. Her friend Angela is just a bonus.
“Please don’t start with Britt tonight.” I whisper to Grace.
“You heard her! She’s already starting with me!”
