The twins laugh at the good-natured rivalry they’ve developed with LTZ. We’ve all grown close to the band and their crew, having toured together on and off for a couple of years.
Nevertheless, I’m pissed. Mostly at myself for not standing up for myself and Avonna more. I want to shake Liam. Chastise him for failing to clue the fuck in. It’ll wait. I’m not about to unravel the whole night, although, I’m pretty sure Liam’s picking up my vibe by the tension in his posture, even if he’s too careful to let it show.
At the end of the day, this is his family. They’re all getting along. Liam suddenly revealing the truth about the three of us could blow the fragile ground the McGloughlin’s have traversed to pieces.
Connor’s bass hum rumbles through the wall again, followed by Ty’s voice testing the mic. The focus in our dressing room begins to shift toward the hallway, where security waits to escort the McGloughlins to their seats. The brothers make their way to the door. Rory shifts in his chair, rubbing his leg, Maureen helps him up and they follow.
When Avonna stands, her knees buckle slightly. No one but me catches it. She laughs under her breath and tries to mask it. I take a step toward her. She shakes her head, subtle, mouthinglater.
Always fucking later.
Padraig pulls on a fresh T-shirt. “You guys comin’?”
“Yeah, after I check the loadout,”I answer.
Liam’s half tuned out, eyes focused on their setlist taped to the wall. I get it. He’s not comfortable in the presence of his people. He’ll do anything to distract himself.
The big-screen monitor in the dressing room flicks on to a view of the stage. The house lights dim for LTZ’s set and the crowd roars so loud you can hear it through the corridor. The family departs out the side exit.
“Don’t stay in here hidin’,” Padraig says to Liam. “Come watch your brother steal the show.”
Liam chuckles. “He doesn’t need my help.”
Padraig laughs, shutting the door behind him.
The sudden quiet feels unusually heavy. Avonna settles back onto the couch, one hand at her temple. Her skin’s completely lost its glow. Sweat beads at her hairline, her lips are pale.
“Avonna.” I cross the short space between us. “Baby, are you okay?”
“Fine,” she says too quickly. “Tired.”
“Are you sure? You didn’t look right durin’ the second chorus.” Liam turns, taking in her slumped posture.
Her head lifts, eyes meeting his. “You noticed?”
The question hangs. He hesitates, guilt flashes across his face before he can hide it. “Of course I noticed.”
“I’ll be okay.” She manages a faint smile. “Go watch the show.”
He doesn’t move. Torn between staying and the pull of being with his family. I see every battle written across his expression, every part of him conditioned to put the everything else before anything us.
Avonna stands again, likely intending to prove her strength, but her body betrays her. The moment she’s up, her breath stutters. Knees buckle. The bottle in her hand slips, water splashes the floor. I catch her before shehits the ground.
Liam’s there in an instant, panic cracking through his mask. “Avonna. Jesus, what’s wrong?”
“Too hot.” Her eyes roll slightly, lashes fluttering. “I’ll be okay.”
Seamus’s voice slices through the doorway. “Give her space. Let her breathe.”
I set her down on the sofa and Liam’s wee brother is at her side in an instant. He’s a medical student and immediately takes charge. Calm. Precise.
Liam crouches next to him, concern etched deep in face.
Seamus checks Avonna’s pulse with steady fingers. “Her vitals are fine. Probably dehydration, overexertion.”
I kneel beside Liam, my hand shakes as it brushes Avonna’s cheek.
“She needs rest.” Seamus looks between us. “You’ve all been running yourselves ragged.”
