“Shit. That’s rough.”
“Yup.” I take a large mouthful of my drink.
“The guy must be a dope to let someone like you go.”
I think so, because I doubt Reeve will ever find anyone who loves him as much as me. But I can’t let my mind go there. I’m still way too fragile and the last thing I want to do is burst into tears in front of my new friends, and then have to explain. I’m not ready for explanations yet, if ever. “What about you?” I ask, desperately wanting to change the subject. “Are you dating anyone?”
“I’m not seeing anyone. I was going out with this guy from school for a few years. During sixth year, he broke my heart, and I swore off boyfriends after that.” I know from my research that sixth year in Ireland is the equivalent of senior year in high school. She looks off into space with the saddest expression on her face. “Anyway, Trinners has been great. I’ve been embracing my inner slut and sleeping with different guys, but I run a mile if any of them look for more. I had to commute from home during first year here, which made it hard to get with guys, but I’m living in a studio flat close to my brothers’ apartment this year, so I have more freedom.”
“I’m getting a feeling you and I might be kindred spirits,” I tell her, because it’s clear she’s suffering the aftereffect of heartache. Maybe she’ll have some tips for how to repair the fractures in my heart.
29
I survey the pile of clothes covering my bed and the floor while I stand in my black lace underwear in front of the mirror in my bedroom, no closer to making a decision. I have no clue what to wear. Glancing at the time on my cell, I curse out loud in the empty room. I tap out a quick message to Ash, asking her for help, and then I pad into my en suite bathroom to apply a full face of makeup. I don’t normally wear much makeup, but it’s my first proper night out in Ireland, with a bunch of new people, and I feel like I need armor.
I’m straightening my long dark hair when my cell pings with a new message.
Keep it casual but sexy. Jeans with a crop top and heels.
Inspecting the items surrounding me, I choose some ripped black jeans, black and gold Armani high heels, and a black lace crop top I’ve never been brave enough to wear. The sheer lace design covers my arms and my upper body, but my bra will be clearly visible underneath. The V-shaped hem exposes a decent amount of my midriff, but as I examine my reflection in the mirror, I know I look hot.
Gulping back nerves, I down a vodka shot for courage before I grab my coat and purse, lock the door, and leave to meet up with Ash.
She’s waiting for me outside Trinity, and we walk up Grafton Street, meeting the others outside the mall before we walk to the venue. “This place will be mad,” Ash warns me as we approach the bar. “Whelans is known for live music, and it’s always packed at the weekends. Toxic Gods have played here before but usually upstairs. Tonight, they’re playing in the main room, so it’s going to be wild.”
We follow the others into the deceptively large bar, and I’m accosted by a blast of heat and noisy chatter from the crowded room. Ash may be pint-sized and slim, but that doesn’t stop her from charging her way through the busy room. I spot Jamie’s distinctive faux hawk as we approach a long L-shaped seating area in the corner. A scratched mahogany table is in the middle of the space with red leather seating against the wall and a bunch of freestanding high-backed wooden chairs in front. A group of guys and girls are already seated, but there’s just enough room for us.
“What’s up, assholes,” Ash says, leaning down to give a one-armed hug to a guy with messy dark hair and startling blue eyes.
“Sis. You made it.” Muscular arms wrap around Ash as he squeezes her tight.
“Where’s Dillon?” she asks, straightening up and looking around.
“In the jacks,” a guy with long brown hair and matching brown eyes says.
“Come sit here,” Jamie says, patting his thigh and arching a brow at Ash.
“Over my dead body,” she replies.
The guy she was hugging—who I’m assuming is her youngest brother Ronan—lifts his eyes to meet mine. His mouth turns up at the corners as he gives me a quick once-over. Unlike when his buddy Jamie did it the other day, his inspection is respectful, and it doesn’t make me squirm. He’s cute in an innocent boy-next-door kind of way. Unlike the guys surrounding him, I see no visible ink or piercings.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” He jerks his head in my direction.