Page 203 of Right Man, Right Time
It’s why going out tonight sounds slightly appealing because it will cut down on the time when I’ll be alone, feeling that pain.
“Why don’t I believe you when you say you’re good?”
“Because you’re annoying,” I answer.
“Well, at least your maturity is intact,” he says, annoying me even more.
* * *
It’s too fucking crowdedin here.
The music is too loud.
And even though it’s an Irish pub that gives you the sense that you’re back in Ireland with its creaky floorboards, Gaelic band, and large pints, I want nothing to do with it.
“I don’t know about this,” I say to Posey as he pushes me through the crowd cheering for us.
“We have a private space in the back, don’t worry.” He guides me through a curtained-off area and into an open room with high-top tables and chairs scattered throughout.
Well, that’s slightly better.
“Guinness?” Posey asks me.
“Sure,” I answer as I sit at one of the tables just as the guys filter into the back. Winnie is attached to Pacey, which I half expected. And then Rivers walks in with Ross right by him.
Fuck.
I haven’t seen Ross since the article’s release, which is one reason I avoided going out. I didn’t want to see him, especially since Ross and Ian are getting pretty serious now.
I turn away from him, hoping he doesn’t approach me, given the awkward elephant in the room. And what is he going to do when he goes back home? Is he going to report to Ollie about what state I’m in? Does she even care?
Probably not.
If she was willing to throw me under the bus, I’m pretty sure she doesn’t care about me at all.
And that’s what fucking stings the most. Is that I’m lying awake at all hours of the night, devastated over losing her, over her fucking me over, and she’s probably fine. Living her best life under Roberts’s command.
Christ, what the hell was I thinking, coming to this?
Really bad idea.
I need to leave.
I move off my stool and turn around just as I come face-to-face with Ross.
Of fucking course.
“Silas,” he says.
“Ross,” I reply. Rivers is only a few steps away, his eyes on us. I’m sure ready to pounce on me if I disrespect his man.
“Can I speak with you?”
“Yeah, I don’t think I want to do that,” I answer. “I was actually just on my way out.”
I slide to the side, but Ross slides in front of me. The balls on this guy because I have about forty pounds of muscle on him.
Rivers comes up behind him, equal height as me, and says, “Listen to him.”
