He waited, forcing himself to be calm, wanting to be anywhere but surrounded by strangers in an unfamiliar place.
“Sorry.” Sam surprised him with the apology, his eyes cautious. “Didn’t mean anything.”
Gavin felt like a fool. He shrugged, keeping it casual. “Nah, no biggie. I just… I, ah… Sometimes the music hurts my ears.”
Foley grinned. “That crap? Hurts my whole fuckin’ body. But at least it’s not some bullshit country or folk music.” He made a face. “You would not believe the noise the guys like to play in the garage.”
Gavin forced a commiserating grin, felt the sweat gathering at the back of his neck, and slid into the space Lou had vacated—one with an avenue of escape.
“There’s a nice quiet spot outside.” Sam nodded to a tiny outdoor courtyard dimly lit by strands of white lights through tree branches. The doors to access it had been closed earlier. “I was out there before, when it got too stuffy after the McCauleys took forever making toasts.”
“Yeah, thanks. That’s probably what I need. Some fresh air.”
Sam nodded, his gaze thoughtful. Lou and Foley had started arguing about something and stepped away.
“So Rena,” Gavin said, wanting to put that to rest. “I met her a few weeks ago at Ray’s. My brother and I had to take care of some jerk messing with our sister.”
Sam didn’t seem surprised. “So that was you, huh? The preppy twins who put a beatdown on Greg. Heard you guys did some nice work. You should stop by sometime for a beer and darts. You play?”
“Nah. But I might take you up on a drink.” Of soda. God knew what he’d go home with at Ray’s if he imbibed. No way he’d be lucky enough to snag Rena.
“You do that.” Sam gave him a final once-over, grunted, then stepped away.
