That’s not true at all, but I don’t feel like correcting her.
Ash hops up off the bed, scowling at it like it just bit her in the ass. “I probably caught something sitting there.”
Laugher rumbles my chest. “I keep my room clean, and I regularly wash my sheets. You didn’t catch anything.”
“Hope you wash your dick too.”
“I’m always double bagged, sis.”
She covers her face with her hands, mumbling, “TMI, Dillon.”
“You started it.” I smirk.
“And I’m ending it.” She plants her hands on her hips and fixes me with her no-bullshit look. “Get showered and changed. We’re all going for wings. Your lunch is my treat. By the way, the guys have tickets for Longitude, and I have one as well. We’re all going together.”
“Can’t wait.” It’s months away yet but definitely something to look forward to. It’s a nonstop three-day-long session, and I’m already on a countdown.
“Oh, and Dil,” she says, lingering in my doorway as I fling the covers off my body. I look up. “Aoife is not invited.”
“Fine by me.” Despite what Ash thinks, we are not glued at the hip to Aoife. She’s around a lot at the weekends when we play gigs and have parties, but I don’t tend to see much of her during the week. I have been working some temporary shifts behind the bar at Whelans at night, to earn extra cash, and during the day when I’m home practicing and writing lyrics, she’s at work in Dunnes. Jamie meets up with her a few lunchtimes, and he fucks her the most.
To be honest, she’s becoming a little too clingy for my liking, and I don’t like the superior attitude she throws around sometimes with other girls. I’ve told the lads if she keeps it up, she’s out. I think Ash may have hit the nail on the head last September and she has an agenda. “Will I get to meet the Yank?” I yawn as I stand, stretching my arms up over my head.
“I asked Grace, but she’s not feeling great today, so she passed. I think she’s a little shy, but I’m sure you’ll get to meet her soon.”
PART II
IN MY VIVIEN ERA
18
AGE 20
“She’s fucking gorgeous,” Jamie says to Ronan as I return to our usual table in Whelans with fresh beers. Aoife scowls and scoots in closer to Jay’s side.
“Who is?” I ask, setting the tray with the drinks down on the table before sinking into a chair.
“The Yank,” Jay replies.
“Is she here?” I ask, sitting up straighter and looking around the crowded bar for any sign of my pint-sized feisty sister and her new sidekick. I’ll admit I’m curious. Ash hasn’t shut up about Grace since they met at Trinners.
“Not yet,” Ro says, staring at his phone. “They are on their way.”
“I bumped into them in The Buttery during the week,” Jay supplies. I’m surprised this is the first time he’s mentioned it.
“She’s not that gorgeous,” Aoife pipes up, sulking and scowling because the risk of competition threatens her perceived position within the band.
She hasn’t gotten the memo yet that her place is temporary. It’s not like any of us would settle down with a girl who openly shares herself among us. I’m not judging her. I think it’s cool sheowns her sexuality, and I love she’s down for anything, but she’s not exactly girlfriend material.
Not that I ever want one of those.
Love is for pussies and fools.
“Do I detect a hint of the green-eyed monster?” Ro asks, grinning before he knocks back his beer.
Jay slides his arm around Aoife’s shoulders. “I didn’t say I was going to bang her. Just acknowledging she’s a real looker.”
“Depends on your taste,” Aoife replies through tight lips and gritted teeth.
