“Nope. We’re not leaving without you,” Amelia says, ripping the blanket away.
“Gah!” I yell, hands reaching for the blanket. “Give it back! I’m serious. I don’t want to go to Paddy’s tonight. You can’t make me!”
* * *
Soon, I’m sulking in the backseat of the car while Amelia drives us to O’Nelly’s. She and Myra are singing loudly to Beyoncé’sSingle Ladies, completely ignoring my pleas and the insults I’m hurling at them. I’m still not sure how I ended up here. One minute, I was in my favorite pajamas on the couch, and now I’m dressed in light-wash skinny jeans and a taupe sweater with my curls tamed and hanging free around my face. I even have a little bit of makeup on.
“You do know that I hate you both, right?” I glare at the back of their heads.
Amelia laughs, and Myra turns in her seat to blow me a kiss before saying, “No, you don’t. We’re your favorites.”
I roll my eyes and flip them off, which makes them both howl with laughter.I need new friends.
Paddy’s is absolutely packed when we walk in. It’s usually busy on Friday nights, but there’s hardly any room to move. Alicia is behind the bar slinging drinks with Paddy, and I smile despite my mood.
Paddy turns his head towards the door when the chilly air from outside rushes in his direction. He grins widely, eyes sparkling with delight. “Norah!” he bellows in greeting.
Alicia’s head snaps up, and she beams at me before whispering something to Paddy. He nods and walks out from behind the bar, weaving through the crowd, shaking hands and patting backs as he passes. When he reaches me, he envelops me in a bear hug, and I laugh, hugging him back. I didn’t realize how much I needed this. Maybe I don’t hate my friends.
“Hey, Paddy,” I say, placing a quick kiss on his cheek.
“It’s good to see you, lass!” he exclaims, holding me at arm’s length and looking at me carefully. “You alright, then?”
“Yeah, Paddy. I’m alright. How are you?” I ask, forcing myself to smile and act like I’m not about to have a meltdown.
He studies my face, clearly not buying the lies. “Have a pint of the black stuff on the house, aye?”
I swallow the lump in my throat, nodding, and follow him to the bar.
“Norie!” Alicia greets me while filling pint glasses with beer. “It’s so good to see you!”
“Looking good, Li. Loving the outfit tonight,” I wink, admiring the black leather vest she’s wearing over a deep purple tank top. Her full sleeve of colorful tattoos runs up her left arm, making her look even more badass. It’s warm enough in the pub that she can get away with it.
“Thanks, girl!” Alicia says, handing me a perfectly stacked Guinness.
I thank her and start towards our group’s usual spot, Ro’s shock of red hair catching my attention first. I shouldn’t be surprised by his presence, but seeing Ro and Teagan without Eamon feels wrong. I shake it off, determined to not dwell on him, and take the open seat next to Layla.
“I’m so glad you made it!” she says, hugging me.
“I didn’t have much of a choice.” I roll my eyes and nod towards Amelia and Myra. “Those two don’t take no for an answer. Remind me why I’m friends with them again?”
Layla laughs. “Because you love them and life would be significantly more boring without them?”
“I like boring. Boring I can work with. I’m happy with boring.” I shrug, glaring playfully at the two in question.
I glance around the table while sipping on my beer. Mac and Myra are cozied up together, heads bent in hushed conversation. Mac’s hand is rubbing soft circles over Myra’s baby bump. It’s such a sweet gesture that I have to look away. My eyes fall on Rowan. The normally boisterous Irishman is hunched over his drink, forearms resting on the table, looking desolate. He must sense me watching him because he glances up and plasters a fake smile on his face.
“Everything okay, Ro?” I ask cautiously.
“Aye, right as rain, love!” he says a little too brightly. “Good to see you out and about. Wasn’t sure if we’d have the pleasure of seeing you tonight.”
I shrug. “I was brought against my will. I’m just having one drink and then heading back home.”
“Suppose I’ll have to try and change your mind, then. We’re playing some songs in a bit. You have to stay for that at least,” he says with a wink.
“If it’s the soccer team, forget about it.” I grimace. “I’d rather not lose my sense of hearing, thanks.”
He barks out a short laugh. “Just us Irishmen tonight, so your ears will survive.”
