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“And semi-naked.”
“With pierced nipples.”
I had every intention of continuing. Couldn’t stop if I wanted to. Our bodies moved in perfect symmetry to the routine we had won countless competitions performing in childhood.
I tried my best to remember the steps and patterns of the complicated traditional Irish stepdance we were attempting. It wasn’t hard since they’d been ingrained in me every Monday afternoon for eight years of primary school. Besides, I wasn’t ashamed to dance with her—even if the alcohol helped a great deal.
“Hup out that, Gibsie boy!” Johnny howled, belting his thigh with his hand to the rhythm of the music as he cuddled his snickering girlfriend to his chest. “Show us those dancing toes.”
“It’s dancing feet,” Shannon corrected through fits of laughter. “And yes, guys! Woo! Let’s go.”
We completed three more sets of dancing around each other together before joining hands for our big finale.
Pulling her close to my chest, I dropped my hand to rest on her hip before leaning in close to press a kiss to the tip of her nose.
“Hey, no kissing!” Hugh roared, aiming his can at my head. “Keep your lips off my sister, fucker!”
Snickering, I deftly dodged the missile can of beer, pulled his sister flush against me, and then dipped her in glorious fashion just as the song ended.
“That was epic,” Claire panted through fits of laughter as everyone around us clapped and cheered. She had the best laugh. It was so full of life and heart and sincerity. When Claire laughed, it wasn’t false or pushed on, it was authentic and real. Her eyes were bright with excitement as she smiled up at me, still clutching my shoulders. “I wasn’t expecting the dip.”
“Yeah, well, it was either dip you or kiss you,” I admitted, setting her back down on her feet. “And then I remembered I promised Kav a peaceful night.” Grinning wolfishly, I added, “I didn’t want to start World War III with your big brother over there.”
“Liar,” she teased, tipping my nose with her finger. “You chickened out and that’s all there is to it.”
Well, how could I argue with that?
“You guys should still be entering competitions,” Shan encouraged with a clap. “I bet you’d win them all.”
“Absolutely,” Katie agreed, pulling Claire down to sit beside her. “I’ve seen all of your medals and trophies in your front room.”
“We still would be if the boys hadn’t poached him off me for the rugby team,” Claire replied, still breathless from our earlier antics. “It’s all good, though. Some of the best things in life aren’t meant to last forever. That’s why we cherish them when they happen. Like your favorite chocolate in a box. Or shooting stars. We don’t refuse to eat the sweet because once we do, it’ll be gone, or stop looking at the stars after one shoots by. We enjoy the moment because we know it’s worth living in.”
“Whoa,” Shannon breathed. “That’s deep.”
“Aw, there’s a wise old head underneath those curls, isn’t there?” Katie teased, hooking her arm through Claire’s. “Very philosophical, Baby Biggs.”
8
Shits, Giggles, and Shaking Tents
CLAIRE
“I just miss him so much.” With her cheek resting on her boyfriend’s shoulder, Shannon clung to him like a baby monkey would its mother. “I want him home, Johnny.” Her voice was slurring and her eyes were closed as she spoke, letting me know that she was a little beyond tipsy.
“I know, baby,” Johnny, who was equally drunk, soothed as he rubbed soothing circles on her back. “Joey will be home on Monday.”
“I just…I love him so much,” she mumbled, clawing and pulling at Johnny as if he would disappear at any minute. “Oh god, but my heart loves you most of all.”
“Right back at you, Shannon like the river.”
“You’re really for keeps, aren’t you?”
“Just try to get rid of me.” Chuckling, he stood up from the sand in one swift move, taking my bestie with him. “I’ve got you, my little darling.”
“And I’ve got you, Binding 13,” she cooed, attempting and failing to ruffle his hair. “So pretty.”
“We’re going to call it a night,” Johnny announced as he carried his baby monkey back to their tent and disappeared inside. “Night all.”
