Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I’ve now danced. Badly, because it’s something I never do. I’ve seen a drunken Joey juggling, not only shot glasses, but bottles, after assuring our bartender, Patricia, that he’d pay for any damages. And now I’m watching him on stage, arm in arm with Calamity Finn and the deejay, closing down the bar that no one seems to want to leave. Neither do I.
“We made it to last call,” the more-than-tipsy Joey calls out to the mostly younger crowd. “You came. You saw. You probably got someone’s number, so don’t be an a-hole and send a dick pic. If you like them, talk to them. It’s not that complicated guys.”
All the women in the room cheer.
“Now I’ve asked Calamity here to help me close this place with the honor and dignity a genuine Irish pub deserves. If you know the words, sing with me. Oh, and we’re all going out for breakfast after this, so call those Ubers now.”
Then he tips back his head and starts singing, loud and slightly off key.
“Tiiim Finnegan lived in Walkin Street. A gentle Irishman, mighty odd.”
Either I’m drunk, or Joey just got an entire bar full of adults to join him in a sing-along. Or both of those things are true. Yep. Both.
They’re still singing as they exit the bar and Joey rejoins me, and then Calamity and Patricia are promising to follow us as soon as they close up.
“Shelley Wayne? When did you get here?”
I turn back to see Joey staring at a lovely young black woman with long pink braids.
“I’ve been here for a while,” she answers, looking down at her phone and sounding bored. “I have to catch up with my ride, but I’ll see you at the diner.”
“Wait.” She doesn’t, and Joey turns to Calamity, who’s gathering glasses with a speed and efficiency I wouldn’t be able to manage in my state. “Is she old enough to be here?”
“She is, babysitter.” Calamity leans across the counter with a warning look. “But even if she weren’t, it would still be no business of yours. You know I like you, but we’re already up to our tits in well-meaning older brothers and protective male relatives. Shelley is a genius who’ll be richer than all of us, including you, by the time she’s your age. But she’s been in a funk and she deserves some free time, and it’s no business of yours what she does with it or why, is it?”
“No ma’am.” Joey glances at me, mumbling, “My brother Royal is married to her older sister. I needed to check.”
I put my arm around his shoulder supportively. “Of course you did.”
I don’t blame him for the ma’am-ing. Kate “Calamity” Finn is a bundle of dynamite I wouldn’t want to set off either.
“And neither one of you will be telling anyone about seeing her out tonight. Nod if you understand me and agree.”
We glance at each other before nodding in unison and in an instant, she’s all smiles again. “There’s my good boys. Now, why don’t you tell me why you’re playing hooky, shaving your beard and hanging out with the peons, Flash?”
I let go of Joey and drop onto the nearest stool, staring at her with surprise. “You knew?”
“I don’t think anyone else noticed,” she assures me. “Drunken frat boys and boxers, all. But I’m a baseball fan with an eye for a pretty face, which you have, by the way. I’m not about to tell anyone, so stop frowning. Neither will Patty.”
“I’d appreciate it. I’d like to keep my private life private for now. I’m taking some time.”
I don’t mention my daughter, and when I see her blue eyes shift between Joey and me with a look of understanding, I don’t deny the conclusion she comes to. “Time is a good thing. But it never lasts. Neither does privacy. With my family, I know. Sooner or later, secrets come out.”
Patricia, whispers in her ear and Calamity’s smile turns cocky. “Now, if you gentlemen will excuse us, it’s time for us to take a break from cleaning to visit the ladies. Go on to breakfast if you’re going.”
After they disappear around the corner, I allow myself a glance at Joey. “Do you think they’re—”
“Yes,” he says emphatically, before cracking up and leaning heavily against me. “I don’t know why I’m laughing. Bathroom sex isn’t funny. It requires skill and balance.”
He’s laughing again.
I love hearing it. For being such a funny guy, he doesn’t do it as much as he should.
“The reason is you’re drunk.”
“So are you.”
I think he’s right about that. “What do you say we skip the diner and go home?”
It’s clear he’s tempted, but he hesitates. “I was going to buy everyone breakfast.”
“You already got the bar tab. The entire bar tab. Don’t think I didn’t notice. They’ll manage.”
He nods thoughtfully. “It might be better to make a graceful exit than pass out in front of all the cool kids. We could end up with shaving cream in our hands or viral videos we can never live down. I’m not sure Calamity would save us.”