“Was that really important?”
“More important than any of the other steps.”
“I can’t believe I’m sitting here listening to this crap.”
“You’re here, bro. That means you must be really desperate.”
He’s not wrong.
“Before we throw ourselves into this latest O’Connor project, I want to just remind you of something, Nick,” Ian is suddenly serious. “We need her. She’s Dad’s physio, the only one he likes. Don’t make her run away: got it?”
“Don’t worry, O’Connors,” Evan says. “If Nick fails – which is very likely – I’ll get her back into the family.”
“You…what?” Ryan asks, one eyebrow raised.
“No one’s running away,” I say, convincingly; because I won’t let it happen. “And Evan, try to stay away, or your career won’t even get started. Got it?”
“What’s wrong, O’Connor – don’t you like a little competition?” he challenges.
“Fuck, Ryan, what have you done to this kid?” I turn to my brother.
“I didn’t do anything. He was already like that. Runs in the family, I guess.”
“Can we get back to what’s important here, please?” Ian interrupts us. “When shall we get started on this?” He bounces up and down, excitedly. Apparently, the thought of getting involved in my business, turning my life upside-down and leaving a trail of shit is making him giddy.
“Right now. Stupid question,” Ryan responds.
“Right now?” I ask, worried.
Ryan glances at his watch. “In this very moment.”
“Come on, you’re making us late,” Evan urges, dragging us all to our feet.
“Late for what? And are you coming too?”
“He didn’t want to miss the plan in action. Besides, he’s helping us out,” Ryan explains.
“Does this mean you’ve told him…everything?”
“It’s part of his training.”
“Sure,” Evan interjects. “Now I know exactly what not to do. Which reminds me, Nick. Really? You left her there because you werescared?”
“I wasn’t scared!”
“But she was standing in front of you naked, man. Naked!”
“I can’t have this conversation with you. You wouldn’t get it. You weren’t there.”
“If I was there, no one would’ve been left on their own, you can be sure about that.”
“You little shit…”
“You were and always will be a loser.”
“Hey, hey. Calm down. Evan, keep your libido in check, and Nick, you need to save your strength for tonight. We have no idea if this’ll go well for you.”
“Why? What are we doing?” I ask, panicking by this point.
