Page 58 of The Has-Been

I clear my thoughts, knowing Reese wanted me to come out tonight to get my mind off of Liam and to spend some time with just me and her, so that is what I plan to do.

“Why couldn’t June come tonight?” I ask as Reese orders two more beers. I haven’t finished my first, but she’s already sipping away on her second.

“She said she was busy,” Reese answers as she subtly looks around the bar.

“Yeah, busy riding Brennan’s⁠—”

“Woah—wait?” Reese exclaims, slamming down her drink. “How do you know that?!” Reese’s face is one of surprise, lips pursed together, her lengthy hair swaying over her shoulders.

She usually wears it up, but tonight she chose to curl it, making her look put together—well, in my opinion, but I’m also in leggings, an oversized sweater, and two days’ worth of unwashed hair. So—I guess I’m not the best judge.

Maybe she looks normal, and I’m just a hot fucking mess.

“Come on, Reese, they aren’t exactly discreet about it,” I add with a heavy sigh. “I think she’s trying to keep it a secret because she’s worried it will upset me,” I explain. “But I’m just more disappointed that she’s actually into him. I mean, he’s not a bad guy, he’s just…”

“Brennan.” We both say in unison, making a face at one another.

“Right?! It’s gross,” Reese remarks after a while, shaking her head back and forth. “I mean, seriously? He’s not even her type!”

We both take a quick drink, letting it all sink in.

After a while, I shrug, considering the possibility that our mutual cousin might actually be interested in someone of his caliber. I mean…he is tall, with radiant caramel skin, beautiful honey eyes, and dark hair.

Alright, maybe I’ll cut her some slack.

But it’s not about Brennan’s pleasing physical characteristics that make me worried—or even his personality, for that matter. I mean, sure, he is arrogant and flashy, and he sleeps with everyone, literally, and I know that isn’t a bad thing. I’m just worried he’ll break June’s heart when he finds someone else who catches his attention, other than her.

I confess, “I mean…I guess he is pretty good-looking. Plus hockey players—well, you know—” With a wink, I grin in Reese’s direction.

She considers my words, then clanks her glass against mine. “Touché. But—of all the guys on the team…Brennan?” Reese’s shoulders sag. “I don’t know. I don’t think he’d be my first pick⁠—”

“I mean, if I looked like June, or you,” I say, pointing a finger at her, “I wouldn’t limit myself to just one. I mean hell, I’d sleep with them all!” I take a long swig of my beer.

Suddenly, Reese starts coughing, her chest heaving as she looks behind her.

“Liam…” Reese looks at me, her grey eyes like frosted daggers aimed straight at my face. “Hey⁠—”

Shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I curse repeatedly.

Did he hear that?

I mean, I didn’t mean it literally…I was just saying…I was just…joking.

But fuck, how is he supposed to know that?

What is Liam doing here anyway?

I spin my barstool around, coming face-to-face with him. But he only inclines his head and waves a hand in my direction.

I hide my face in my hands.

“I’m never coming to trivia again.” I whip my head in Reese’s direction. “Wait! Did you know he was going to be here?”

“No,” she exclaims, but I eye her. She looks away, spinning that piece of hair she constantly twirls when she’s nervous. She’s fucking lying to me.

Reese holds up her hands. “Morgan’s been coming since freshman year, but he normally brings Brennan. I swear I didn’t know.” It still freaks me out that she calls him that. I’m pretty sure she only started doing it because she knows it pisses him off. Which, more power to her. I like that she can get under his skin.