“I’m starting to think I attract emotionally mangled friends,” Cian added to the conversation.
“As if you’re any better,” Connor said, annoyed.
“Well, at least no one has to tell me that a relationship without love is a shitty relationship!” His expression hardened. “You know, I’m the fucking expert on this, so listen to me when I tell you:Fall in lovefirst. Then consider getting serious. Don’t look for a woman because you want to win a bet. Or because you think it’s time, just because your thirty-fifth birthday is approaching — yes, I’m looking at you, Gareth! Jesus. Connor is already past thirty-five! But I also agree with Gareth, Connor: Don’t be an asshole. Whatever you’re doing with Rachel, stop! She deserves better than screwing some guy who’s taking away her chance at something real.”
“I’m not screwing Rachel!” he said, annoyed, a knot forming in his chest. He didn’t like what his friends were trying to pin on him.
“So what exactly are you doing with her?” Gareth asked.
“I... I don’t know! I don’t understand her. And...”
“And that’s what’s bothering you,” Cian concluded, and the guy had the nerve to chuckle.
Fuck, yeah. “She’s incredibly smart, fearless, funny, and obviously knows what she’s doing, but she is insecure on dates, and suddenly wants to please everyone even though she’s dating the most ridiculous men who aren’t right for her, and...”
“Connor,” Cian stated impatiently, “some people feel completely secure in their professional lives but not in their social lives. Like Gareth here.”
Gareth frowned. “What social life?”
“Um, us, your friends?” Connor suggested.
“Nah. You guys are pure work.”
Cian sighed. “Then your sister.”
“The one who runs the Hawks with me, you mean?”
“Fuck, is your whole life really work?” Cian asked, shocked.
Gareth shrugged. “That doesn’t bother me.”
“Your opera singer then,” Cian chimed in.
Connor lowered his gaze. He didn’t say it to his best friend, but the opera singer sounded like work too. It seemed like just finding a time for the two of them to meet gave Gareth a headache. But since Gareth was into work...who was he to judge him? Connor had always been too short-tempered, Cian too sensitive deep down, and Gareth too hard and cold. It was an unwritten rule that they would never hold their flaws against each other.
But was Cian right? When it came to things like this, he usually was. Maybe that was it. Maybe Rachel was insecure about her personal relationships...but not about her competence.
“Stop looking at me like that, Cian!” Gareth interrupted Connor’s thoughts. “I’m not going to fall in love. I tried it once and it sucked. I’m incredibly happy with my opera singer.”
Yep, it was always a good sign when you referred to your girlfriend by her profession instead of her name.
“She’s smart, distinguished, kind, and hasn’t argued with me once. And if I decide to marry her at the end of the summer, you’ll both smile, be my witnesses, and tell my sister it’s a wonderful idea.”
Connor exhaled and slapped Gareth on the back. “I’d love to be your divorce lawyer if it all falls apart.”
Cian was too shocked to laugh at the joke. “You’re not serious, Gare.”
He shrugged. “I’m closer to thirty-five than thirty. It’s time to get married.”
Cian shook his head and studied him. “Your girlfriend is super nice, but she doesn’t challenge you.”
“Which means we don’t argue.”
“She’s always traveling. You’re always traveling. When do you evenseeeach other?” he continued.
“Her job is demanding, and I don’t mind her being gone all the time.”
“Itshouldbother you.”
