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She says it conversationally, as if remarking on the score of a game she doesn’t follow. Not the least bit concerned that she’s just been accused of cheating on her lover.
“I’m very good at being an ass,” Liam says. “I believe that is my hidden talent.”
“No, my dear, it isn’t hidden at all.”
Liam laughs and reaches for the scotch. He pours a finger for himself and one for Celeste, and then moves the bottle over Tom’s empty soda glass.
Tom pulls it away. “No, thank you. I’ve had enough.”
“Ah, got a problem holding your liquor?” He points at Tom’s tattoos. “Is that what put you inside?”
Tom lifts his gaze to meet Liam’s, and if I’d been on the receiving end of that look, I’d have retreated fast. I turn a look of my own on Liam, but he ignores it and shrugs.
“I’m a criminal lawyer, boy,” Liam says. “I know a prison tat when I see one.”
“Prison...?” Celeste says, her gaze following Liam’s. “Oh, is that what that is?”
“Yes, darling, that’s what it is. You may have noticed it’s not nearly as pretty as the other ones. They give themselves those in jail to pass the time and indicate group affiliations.”
I’m not sure what’s worse—Liam’s patronizing use of boy or him casually explaining prison tattoos, treating Tom like a carnival-sideshow exhibit. Tom’s jaw sets, but he blinks, too, as if tired, before shaking it off.
“It’s getting late—” I begin.
“And the reason you need to know what those tattoos look like, Celeste, is so you don’t invite a man bearing them into your house. Or into your bed.”
“Okay,” I say. “That’s—”
“Whatever Tom did,” Celeste says, “I’m sure it isn’t cause for concern. I’m betting a youthful mishap.”
She smiles at Tom. She’s trying to be reassuring, but I bristle at that smile, as patronizing as Liam’s tone. Tom blinks again, as if he’s having trouble following the conversation. I discreetly motion at his glass. He catches the look and shakes his head. No, he didn’t accidentally get some scotch.
“Come on, Tommy,” Liam says. “Tell us—”
“Money laundering,” Tom says. “I did two years for money laundering. I was taking accounting in college and trying to make some cash on the side, and I did something very stupid.”
“You were laundering money, and that’s all there is to it? Just a college kid trying to make a few bucks?” Liam meets his eyes. “Is that really what you’re going with, Tommy?”
“Yes, because it’s the truth.”
“That’s not what I heard.”
Is it my imagination, or does Tom flinch?
“Liam,” Celeste cuts in. “Leave him alone. He obviously doesn’t want to tell us what he was in for, and it’s his right not to do so.”
“He is telling you,” I say through my teeth. “Liam can look it up, so there’s no reason to lie. Now, I really hate to break up this lovely evening, but I do have an early morning.”
Liam grins. “Well, well, our adorable kitten has claws. How many secrets are you keeping from us, Miss Daisy?”
Tom pushes his chair back, legs squealing on the old linoleum. He pauses, as if the sudden move surprised him. I watch him inhale. Then he calmly says, “I also need to call it a night. Regrettably.”
“Sit down, Tommy. You, too, Daisy. I will behave myself. In fact, I was just about to make a suggestion to shake up this game. Since Celeste vetoed cash wagers, I thought we’d lay something more fun on the table.”
His grin leaves little doubt as to what he’s suggesting, and Celeste rolls her eyes. “If you say strip poker, Liam, I am taking that scotch away. Clearly, you’ve had enough. We aren’t in high school.”
“I know, which is why I was going to suggest a more adult wager, for a more adult crowd.” He takes his keys and tosses them on the table.
“Your car?” I say, and I sit down. “Hell yeah, I’m in.”
