“You could come with us.We’re picking up Nick for a beer.”
“No, thanks.”
“You just said you had nothing to do.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m up for a night out.”
“Why not?”
“Maybe he has other things to do,” Ryan jumps in.
“I said I’m busy, okay?”I snap, losing patience.
“Relax, I was just asking a question.”
I realise I’m nervous and need to take charge of my emotions; otherwise, they will start their usual, invasive, suffocating interrogation.
“Tell us,Captain…” Ryan says, taking the piss.“Who are you busy with?”
Your number is up, little bastard.
“It’s none of your business.”
“Is it someone we know?”Ian asks.I could almost think his question is innocent, but he’s an O’Connor; their souls are permanently marked with black ink.
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Most definitely.”
“Well, then you can talk, if we don’t even know him.”
“Why should I?”
“Because we’re friends, and friends talk.”
“You think I’m up for some locker room gossip?”
“We’re like brothers, aren’t we?”Ian says.
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“I married your sister.”
“That doesn’t mean my name is also on the marriage cert.”
“You’re such a dick, you know that?”
“It must have been your influence.”
“Let it go, Ian,” Ryan says.“If he doesn’t want to talk, it means it’s something hot; better not to stick around for the blow-up.”
“Something else is about to blow, like your head.”
Ian watches us for a few seconds, then says, “Why do I feel like I missed something?”
“Because you were busy with other matters,” Ryan replies.
