“Ah, all o’er really, like. Declan was born in Cork an’ me family hails from Dublin, but we rarely stay put long enough ta call any place ‘home’, now,” I replied, glad for a slight subject change.
“How exciting. I can definitely see the appeal of travelling around. I’m no stranger to a bit of wanderlust.”
Sarah yapped away, telling me about her expensive foreign travelling experiences as if they were something I could relate to in any way. I found my attention drifting. Tess and Declan seemed to be getting on alright, and the rest of the lads had disappeared off someplace – maybe making tracks to Newcastle already. It was fair to say Declan and I wouldn’t be joining them after all. I wasn’t sure there was much anyone could do to distract him from that pretty, wee barmaid of his. I found myself thinking about Ronan for the millionth time. What was he doingwith himself tonight I wondered – was he still at the fair or had he headed back to the camp? There was a big party planned for tonight. Would we run into one another there? Just the thought of it had excitement fizzing in my gut.
I continued to let Sarah talk at me, plying her with glasses of wine. The drunker she got, the easier it was for me to zone out. She sure liked the sound of her own voice and was more than happy to chat a load of shite whilst I pretended to be listening.
“This is nice,” she slurred, reaching out to squeeze my bicep where the edge of a tattoo was peeking from underneath my sleeve. I had one or two, but I was nowhere near as covered as Declan… or Ronan. Visions of his muscular, tattooed back, flexing as I fucked him against the toilet wall flashed before my eyes and I coughed into my fist.
“Y’like it?” I peeled my sleeve back to show her the rest of it. Sarah squeezed me again, stroking her fingers over the muscles.
“Really hot,” she purred.
That was my green light. I steeled myself. A shag was a shag. Sure, it wasn’t going to be as satisfying as it could be, but getting off was never a bad thing.
“Aye, ya’d know a lot ‘bout bein’ hot,” I replied, keeping my voice low.
Sarah flushed, giggling and stroking me. Her hand drifted from my arm to my chest, and she moved in close, craning her neck to look up at me. She wanted me to kiss her, the signal was clear as day, and yet I found myself hesitating.
“Y’want another drink, like?”
Sarah shook her head, reaching up to loop her arms around my neck. I allowed her to pull me down and I stooped, bringing my mouth to hers. As always, there were no fireworks, but it was perfectly pleasant. The kiss was a little sloppy, but enthusiastic and I appreciated that. I let Sarah kiss me as she wanted to and when she dropped her wine glass into the grass, I spun her around and pressed her against the side of a nearby burger van.
“You’re such a good kisser,” she sighed into my mouth. I’d been told that before, but it was always nice to hear. My ego puffed up, and I kissed her a little harder in response. When she started moaning, her hands running all over me, I knew it was time to shoot my shot.
“Y’wanna come back t’ the camp wi’ us, aye? There’s a wee party goin’ on.”
“Definitely,” Sarah gasped, breaking our kiss and fanning her face. She was an easy wee ride, that much was clear. Just what I needed to get myself back on the horse after Ronan…Fuck, why couldn’t I get him out of my head?
As Sarah smoothed her hair, Tess appeared beside her.
“Well, you two are looking cosy,” she teased with a grin.
“John-Francis has invited us back to the camp with them,” Sarah said, still a little breathless. “There’s a big party.”
Tess cast her an incredulous look. “Sure there is. Where? In his pants?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Tess definitely had my number.
“Nah, I’m bein’ serious wi’ ya. There’s a massive bonfire, fireworks… Y’should come wi’ us.”
Declan sidled up beside Tess and draped an arm over her shoulders. “Plenty o’ drink too, aye.”
“Will we, um… Are we allowed to be there?” Tess asked nervously.
“S’long as y’with me,” Declan replied.
“I’m game.” Sarah gazed up at me, eyeing me like I was a piece of meat. I felt perspiration breaking out over my back.
Tess seemed to hesitate, almost fighting with herself and Declan caught my eye. If she agreed to come back with us, there was no doubt he’d be getting the ride in with her.
“Alright, fine – we’ll come back with you and have a drink, but then we’re heading home, okay?” Tess poked her finger into Declan’s chest. When he raised the palm of his hand, as if that somehow proved his innocent intentions, I almost laughed. No way was Tess getting away from him now. No way.
“Come on,” Sarah giggled excitedly, taking my hand. I cast Declan one last grin over my shoulder before leading the group away through the crowds. I knew the way like the back of my hand and even though it was dark now, I confidently navigated us through pitch black fields and woodland and back to the camp.
The party I had promised was already in full swing. Yet another large bonfire was roaring at the centre, loud bass music pumping out into the night and traveller folks danced and laughed all around. I felt Sarah tighten her hold on myhand and I dragged her along behind me, snatching a bottle of vodka from a table of various alcoholic drinks.
“What have you got there?” Sarah asked, and I passed her the bottle whilst I wrestled with a rusty, old picnic chair beside the fire.
