Page 52 of Shattered Hearts

GRAYSON: I second that.

REID: How did Mum handle all of us?

GRAYSON: Correction, how does she STILL handle us?

SAWYER: We’re not that bad.

MACIE: You are.

GRAYSON: M, you’re meant to be on our side.

MACIE: Sorry, but your mum is a saint dealing with you lot.

REID: Get out of the car.

COLE: Just letting you know, the bruise on my arm is NOT from Holden.

HOLDEN: It is.

COLE: NOT.

SAWYER: We believe Holden.

COLE: You would, twin.

SAWYER: Exactly. I would never go against my twin. We’re connected.

HOLDEN: Did you feel my eye roll in Sydney?

SAWYER: Going to have to try harder.

REID: Macie and I are here. Hurry up.

COLE: Holden, you’re driving me.

HOLDEN: Fine. Hurry up.

COLE: I’m fixing my hair.

SAWYER: Oooo for Paisley?

GRAYSON: Oooo.

REID: Oooo.

COLE: If you don’t shut up then I’m not coming.

MACIE: Leave him alone.

COLE: Thank you, Macie.

MACIE: Paisley likes men with longer hair, anyway.

COLE: Where’s the scissors?

Ashwood Afterhours always smells the same. Like country, leather, and beer. Honestly, it’s comforting now, with the amount of time we spend here after work or on the weekends. It’s familiar and calming, even when it’s loud and a little crammed. The large wooden barn door has been pushed aside for people to enter. Polished concrete flooring, wood panelled walls covered in pictures, sporting memorabilia and speakers. It’s the heartbeat of this small town.

My hand is on Laynie’s lower back, leading her through to the booth at the back where Reid and Macie are already sitting, half on top of each other.