“To make a long story longer, he’s into it,” Liam adds, eyes flicking to Avonna. “It’s a hell of a leap from where he was when the tour ended and he was talkin’ about quittin’.”
My stomach knots. I love this band. I know how much it means to Liam, he’s given everything to keep moving forward with only middling success. Especially compared tohis brother and LTZ. With me back on the case, I plan to take them to the top.
“Okay, great.” I soften my tone. “We take things in steps. My only concern is if it goes well and Avonna joins Fireball with me managin’ the band, we can’t pretend this…” I gesture to the three of us, “doesn’t exist.”
“I’m not pretendin’.” He crosses his arms petulantly.
“You kind ofare.” I furrow my brow. His attitude is so frustrating. “For months we’ve been livin’ together. Wakin’ up in each other’s arms. You don’t see a problem if the person you’re closest to on this planet has no fuckin’ clue we’re in a three-way relationship?”
Liam exhales, rubbing his palm over his mouth. “You haven’t been around us for many years, so you don’t get it. He’s finally somewhat happy. He’s got a new girlfriend and seems to finally be over Stevie. I can’t drop a bomb right now. A new singer is about all he’ll be able to handle.”
“Jesus.” It guts me how much fear hides behind his defenses. “I know Padraig well. Give him some fuckin’ credit.”
“Liam, this isn’t a fling. Not for any of us.” Avonna’s delivery is gentler.
His pained expression guts me.
“Aye,” My fingers clasp my coffee mug. “This stopped being casual the second we all hooked up in Dublin. What we have is the real thing.”
Liam looks at us both, torn. “You think I don’t want to shout it from the rooftops? I do. How can I? How the fuck do you think the news is gonna fly?”
I don’t answer. Truthfully, I’ve worried about this too.
“I don’t want to lie to him,” I land on. “I can’t help wantin’ to protect your relationship with him. Keepin’ him in the dark isn’t right.”
He tenses and looks away.
“You can’t lead him into this blind,” I go on, unable to stop. “If we’re serious about the three of us, hidin’ it from him isn’t protectin’ him. It’s pretendin’. Withholdin’ the truth is lyin’.”
Liam’s gaze snaps to mine. “Oh, is that how you see it?”
“Aye, it’s exactly how I see it.”
His eyes flare. “What about your truth, Mr. Honesty? Do your parents know you and I were together for three years before you married Avonna? Are they aware I’m back in the picture? Or, do they still believe you’re livin’ a good Catholic life with the wifey?”
I freeze.
“Surely,” he taunts. “You’ve told them about me fuckin’ you while you fuck your wife, right?”
My silence is answer enough.
“Exactly,” he says. “Practice what you preach. Committed, my ass.”
I grit my teeth. “It isn’t the same.”
“No?” His voice rises. “You sit here judgin’ me for trying to ease my brother into the situation, when you can’t even say the words out loud to your own family?”
“I’m not judgin’ you.” I try to appeal to his common sense. “I’m asking for honesty because of the band. Aye, maybe I’m guilty too. At least I’m willin’ to admit it.”
His expression softens, but the tension doesn’t ease.
“Padraig hasn’t changed,” I continue. “He’ll do anything for you and he deserves the truth. If he’s goin’ to welcome Avonna into the band and me as your manager, don’t you think he should know what he’s really signin’ up for?”
Liam drops his elbows onto the edge of the kitchen island, staring down at the floor.
“I’m not ashamed of us,” he fires back. “I don’t understand why you’re puttin’ me under pressure here.”
“He’s not stupid, Liam. You think we’re gonna hide it? When we’re on the road and the three of us share a hotel room?When the media starts asking questions?” I throw my hands up in the air.
