“Nelson’s Shanty Boys,” Brix shouted over the booming folk song. “All the clans have a lad or two that sing. It’s local lore.”
“It’s what?”
“Lusmoores, the Gywnns, the Daddows, and the rest. We’re all primordial residents. Been here as long as the sea. Listen.”
Calum listened to the shanty hymn being sung by men who looked no more like choir singers than Brix did a primary school teacher. The song was loud and rousing, and reminded Calum of the music Brix played at Blood Rush, albeit without the heavy metal and bagpipes. “I like it.”
“Good. ’Cause you’ll hear a lot of it round these parts. What you drinking?”
It felt like sacrilege to ask for a lager, and slightly dangerous, if the dark glares being sent his way were anything to go by. Outsider much? Not that the sensation was a new one for Calum. How many times had he walked into a London bar full of Rob’s mates and felt like a prize wanker? Too many. “I’ll have what you’re having.”
Brix nodded and said something to the surly barmaid. Two mugs of amber ale appeared a moment later. “Doom Bar. Comes from Sharp’s up the road in Rock.”
Calum took an experimental sip, and then another, deeper swallow. “Ooh, I like that.”
“Course you do. I remember you drinking Guinness by the bucketload. Always knew there was an ale-swiller in you somewhere.”
Calum hadn’t drunk much stout in recent years. Rob had preferred fancy cocktail bars with their overpriced bottled lager. Calum had forgotten how warming and soothing a pint of real ale could be. Or perhaps it was the company. The cramped pub had forced Brix to stand almost on top of Calum, their shoulders touching, hips just a hairsbreadth away. If Calum leaned forward, his nose would brush Brix’s cheek.
Not that he had any intention of leaning forward. Fuck no. Brix was as alluring as he’d always been, but their dynamic wasn’t like that. Brix was one of the best friends he’d ever had, as he’d proved over the last few days by taking Calum in and patching him up enough to function in the real world . . . Brix’s world, at least, which tonight seemed to be all about pirates, ale, and grumpy old men.
Something warm bumped Calum’s leg. He glanced down to meet the liquid gaze of a border collie. The dog was attached to a bright-red lead. Calum followed it, expecting to see a burly fisherman, but instead, he found himself face-to-face with Lee, the last person he’d expected to see in a pub like this. Though, to be fair, with her Doc Martens and grungy green beanie, she didn’t look out of place.
Calum scratched the dog’s ears and grinned at Lee. “Who’s your friend?”
“Rocky. He’s my sister’s. I’ve got him for the weekend.”
“He’s lovely.”
“I know. Shame my sister’s a cunt.”
“Hey.” Brix leaned around Calum and gently punched Lee’s arm. “She’s trying, remember?”
“Yeah, trying to be annoying.”
“You’re pretty annoying yourself. Give peace a chance, gal.”
“Dick.” Lee scowled. Calum wondered if she might storm off as abruptly as she’d arrived, but she didn’t. She remained, her lips set in a stubborn line, though she didn’t look at Brix again for a few minutes.
Over the past few days, Calum had grown used to the edgy banter between Brix and Lee, but this seemed different, like she’d meant her muttered insult. But Brix’s answering silence spoke a thousand words, and after a protracted moment, she turned back and offered Brix a sheepish grin.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t mention it, though you can take care of Calum for me while I go find my dad to make up for it if you want.”
“I don’t need looking after.” Calum knocked back half of his ale. “I’ll be fine on my own.”
“I know,” Brix said. “It’s Lee needs watching. Last time she was in here, she throat-punched my uncle Len.”
Lee’s scowl returned, though it lacked the malevolence of before. “Did not.”
“Did so. Just stay with Calum and behave yourself.”
Brix pulled Lee’s hat over her face and walked away, shouldering through the cramped bar until he disappeared entirely.
Calum looked back at Lee and raised an eyebrow. “Why did you punch Brix’s uncle?”
“Because he’s a lecherous prick. Don’t be fooled by Brix. He’s the best guy in the world, but the rest of his family are wankers.”
