I’ve chosen a pair of shorts—not too short, but short enough that women tend to notice. And comment. I also put on a soft, cream-coloured knit T-shirt that Billie calls my bawbag shirt. But it gets the job done.
I open the door to find Florence standing there, wearing a light green sundress, her red hair up in a ponytail today. She’s also sporting a giant pair of sunglasses.
Those shades for the hangover? I ask her and she only snorts in reply. I think we were all hurting a little after last night, except Alistair I suspect, who had offered to stay sober and drive us home last night.
Alba and Rose are dealing with something here at the B&B so Violet is going to come with us, let me get her, Florence says, ignoring my jab about her hangover, before walking to the cabin next door.
Close quarters with Violet in the backseat? A perfect start to our little scheme.
Then I remember my mother will also be there and anxiety zaps through me. Jesus fucking Christ. I take a deep breath before going over to the Jeep to get settled. To my relief, Mum is in the front seat.
Hi Mum, I say, trying to muster a chipper tone. Did you have fun last night?
Indeed I did, Finnie. That’s a good start. My mother can sometimes be a bit of a downer, bless her. She goes on, And I noticed you chatting up every hen in the pub. Did ye enjoy yourself?
Fuckin’ hell, Mum, I say over Alistair’s laugh. I’m going to make these two swallow their words.
I move to sit in the middle of the back seat, which normally isn’t preferable for someone of my height, but it’s roomy back here—and I have an idea.
What are you up to? My brother asks, turning around and eyeing my spot in the middle of the Jeep.
Oh nothing, Allie, I shrug. If he wants to see me as the fuckboy for now, then let him.
Florence opens the door and snorts again, finding me in the middle.
I’ll go around, she says, leaving the lovely Violet before me. She eyes me warily, and if I had to guess, is trying to compose herself before the game between us is really afoot.
Good afternoon Violet, I say to her, delighted. How was your morning?
She hauls herself up the step of the Jeep and into the car, ignoring my question.
Wouldn’t it make more sense for one of us to sit in the middle? Violet asks as Florence gets seated on my other side.
I lay it on thick. Well I cannae help wanting to be in the middle of two gorgeous women.
Finn! My mother shrieks, but Florence and Alistair both laugh. Violet’s cheeks have flushed that lovely pink, but she says nothing.
We drive for about ten minutes before arriving at Albie’s place. He’s already out front, leaning on a cane in front of the barbecue. Alistair explained last night that while Albie’s multiple sclerosis sometimes makes it hard for him to walk, he likes to stay out of the wheelchair as often as he can.
Well, look who’s here, he says, booming from his deck. Two Scottish lads and three beautiful ladies. He says this with a nod to my mother, who is positively beaming. My shoulders instantly tense up at this.
Calm the hell down, Albie.
I walk around the door to give Mum a hand getting out of the Jeep, since it’s quite the drop. She pinches my cheek. Hard.
Ouch Mum, what the f—
Now that’s a good boy Finnie, remember your manners.
Okay, I suppose I’ll just go fuck myself.
Albie has set up a selection of condiments on the picnic table, along with several bags of chips and a cooler full of drinks. I help myself to the cooler and choose a local beer I don’t recognize.
Violet also makes her way over to the food.
All right Violet, I half-whisper to her across the table, my eyes watching the others standing further away at the barbecue. You ready for this?
She nods at me, determined.
