“I’m not saying cancer. I just…” I drag a hand through my hair. “I can’t lose them both. Fuck! I don’t want to lose either of them.”
Her expression softens. “I know you don’t, sweetheart. But Kiera’s a fighter, and the treatment is working. And whatever is going on with Effa, it isn’t terminal. They would have found something like that when she was in the hospital. Shewillbe fine.”
“Yeah…”
She nudges my arm. “Stop borrowing trouble. Go have a night out with your friends, and don’t think about Monday.”
“Right,” I mutter as we reach the pub.
It’s quiet inside. Locals chat over drinks while the band sets up on stage. Effa and Kiera move ahead of us, heading straight for the booth at the back where the others are already seated.
A roar goes up when they spot us.
“Hey,” I call, sliding in beside Tank and Jay. Gran takes a seat next to Donny and Lettie, while Kiera settles beside Raoul. He wraps an arm around her without hesitation.
Dammit.
She looks too pale.
Too tired.
She shouldn’t be out.
But she insisted.
So I swallow the protective instinct and lean into what Effa told me earlier…‘Be the supportive brother, not the controlling one.’
Tank nudges my ribs. “This town, huh? Seems to be bringing out the best in everyone.”
“It does that.” I glance at him. “How are things with you? Feels like we haven’t talked properly in ages.”
He grins, flicking his gaze to Andi before returning to me. “Good, brother. Really good. She’s back to herself. Not so fucking angry all the time. Said Effa helped with that, so thank her for me.”
I nod slowly.
“She finally admitted she swings both ways,” he adds casually. “And weirdly? It’s like she’s even more into me now. Don’t ask me how that works, but I’m not complaining. Occasionally, there’s an extra body in the bedroom… I’ll take the win.”
I snort. “So… you two official?”
He shrugs. “No idea. With Andi, you don’t push. You ride the wave.” He says it so calmly, it’s impossible to tell how deep he’s in.
Jay suddenly leans forward. “I need to find a decent Ligonier girl. Haven’t had a proper lay in days. I’m getting twitchy.”
Tank and I look at him.
“Jay, you sound like a sex addict,” I tell him.
“Shut up. On tour, there’s ass everywhere. Here? Slim pickings. Two months without a fuck and my balls are going to shrivel.”
“Sounds dire,” I deadpan. “Jenny will be here tonight. She’s the town bike, give her a spin, but wrap it up. Everyone’s had a ride… except me.”
Tank and Jay both raise their brows.
“Inside intel. I appreciate that,” Jay says, scanning the room already.
I shake my head and turn back to Tank. “How’s the Inn?”
“Solid. The staff is good. Guests aren’t weird with the girls. It’s… normal. Nice change from the usual bullshit we have to put up with.”
