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“Elijah?”
“Yep,” I replied as Johnny stormed in and took the mobile phone from me gruffly, dropping straight back into his concerned big brother role.
“Sis. Right. If, you’re sure? Okay then. Love you, too.”
I tried to make sense of the cryptic one-sided talks between the pair of them, but my mind just played on a loop of unknowns. I knew Johnny wouldn’t have admitted anything until he had processed it all first. Johnny dropped himself on to the sofa next to me, forgetting how long he’d spent ironing the pile of clothes, with his phone in his hand and yielded the biggest grin going.
“Ring around and cancel tonight, would you? I think the football is on the television. Pizza and beer sound much better instead,” he said, stretching his feet in front of him crossed at the ankles and cupping his hands behind his head.
Surprised, I shook my head, my eyes widening in confusion at the sudden change in plans.
“Are you going to tell me what Harlow wanted or keep avoiding the fact that she called you?” I asked, raising my brow at him, and crossing my arms over my chest.
I waited for him to give me some clue into what was going on. I wondered what Harlow had announced to make Johnny change our plans so quickly. The abrupt change of plans meant that whatever she had rung about had thrown him into a tailspin.
He grabbed the television remote and turned it to the correct channel in preparation. It felt as if he were debating how long he could go without spilling whatever news had caused this sudden night in.
“Harlow’s coming home!” he said with an excited tone. “She won’t be long.”
Shaken to the core, I was unable to hide my shock. I tried to reign in the excitement in my voice before I spoke. “Are you certain? She’s not been here in two years. Why now?”
The smile that widened across Johnny’s mouth proved he didn’t care for the reasons. Just the fact that shewascoming back home.
“Something to do with them selling the place she works at from beneath her feet.” He shrugged. “It took guts for her to ring me and ask for my help. This time, though, I can’t lose her. She’s all I have left.”
“I know and that’s why you should be here when she returns. I can’t reach the guys, so I’ll head down and let them know,” I stated trying not to let slip that I had a serious case of blue balls that I had to solve first before dealing with whatever Harlow Carmichael was about to throw my way.
“Thanks,” he replied. He pulled me into a hug and patted my shoulder. “You’re a true mate.”
I managed to hide the grimace creeping on to my face as I fled, leaving Johnny pacing the room. Yes, Harlow was his sister, but this opportunity was rare. It seemed that whatever had rocked the boat with her return wouldn’t be a quick fix. Harlow would be here when I returned as I called a taxi to Murphy’s.
“Hey, Wayne. Guys in yet?” I asked with one hand half pushing the door open.
“Yep, Ian and Proctor are here,” he replied. He shrugged his shoulders whilst cocking his head to the side as he kept his eyes focused over my shoulder.
“Coops is behind you.” I turned around and spotted him sneaking up behind me, letting out a disgruntled huff at being called out.
“Damn it, Wayne, when did you get so serious? Come on loosen up a bit…” He fist-bumped Wayne as he sly eyed me.
“I didn’t fancy a spectacle that was all.” Wayne shrugged.
“Where’s the man of the hour? Already buying the drinks I hope?” Cooper asked with a huge grin across his face as Wayne shook his head at him.
“Not here. Unexpected family business.” I sighed, knowing they wouldn’t ask any more questions as family business equalled Harlow and they knew anything involving her was not up for discussion.
“Fuck, man, you know I’m here if you need us.” I nodded solemnly, “Right, time to scour the bar. Wayne, what hot chicks are in?” Cooper asked as the grin took over his face whilst he straightened his shirt. He ran his hand quickly through his choppy hair before placing his hands in his pockets.
“Seriously, get in there before I don’t let you two in,” Wayne stated as I pushed the door open, staggering into the place.
The loud bass of the music hit my ears as my eyes adjusted to the lighting and my body swayed in time to the beat. I moved, finding the rhythm as I approached the bar and Proctor thrust a drink into my hand as Ian walked over with shots.
“Wondered where you had gotten to,” Proctor said. He leant into me to ensure I heard him.
“Sorry, Johnny ain’t coming tonight. I couldn’t reach any of you to tell you the change of plan.” The three looked at one another sheepishly as they grabbed a shot each.
“Must have silenced my phone, man,” Ian stated nonchalantly.
“I can’t stay long. Got to get back,” I replied. Cooper grinned smugly. “I just came to…”
