Page 41 of Unwritten Rules

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“Dibs on the pool table for Des and me.” Cal’s voice rings out through the relatively empty bar.

“Fine,” I huff. “I was bored flouncing you guys anyway.”

I knock back my third gin and tonic, settling the glass on the bar beside me as Des and Cal rack the balls again.

“I need some air, guys.”

Percy smiles easily, her own gin and tonics having loosened her up enough to speak louder than a whisper. “I’m going to use the ladies’ whilst you’re doing that.”

She slides from her barstool as I head for the exit.

The inky blackness of night envelops me like an old friend, and, feeling the desire to at least speak with a loved one, I tug my phone from my crossbody bag.

Scrolling through my phone, I spy that there’s some unread messages in the group chat between my brothers and me.

Lowering myself to the concrete steps at the front of the pub, I open the chat and read through them, the smile on my face growing broader with each one.

ALEX

Did you two want to organise a spa day for Liv? For after the baby comes?

I swear the woman who catches this guy’s heart will be very lucky indeed.

HENRY

Do you always need to find ways to outdo me? Prick!

ALEX

It’s not a competition, Ri.

But if it were, I’d kick your ass every day and twice on Sundays.

Anyway, just thinking of our girl!

HENRY

MY GIRL. MINE! Piss off and find your own.

ALEX

I don’t want one of my own. I have the best part of a relationship with your wife. I can screw who I like whenever the mood strikes (and oh boy, does it strike regularly!) and still get love and friendship from our girl.

It’s a win-win.

HENRY

MY girl. She’s fucking MINE, asshole!

Ugh, these two.

Why do they need to have these chats where I can see them? Or do they forget I picture them as Ken dolls and have zero desire to imagine their love lives?!

I shoot off a quick text.

ME