“Mac,” I say softly, “I’m the only one Myra told. Eamon only knows because of me.”
I’m vaguely aware of Charlie and Layla whipping their heads in mydirection.
Mac narrows his eyes at me, then heaves a long sigh. “She hates me,” he says, crestfallen.
I shake my head. “No, she doesn’t hate you. She’s scared. Aren’t you?”
He drops his head into his hands, nodding, as he whispers, “I don’t know what to do.”
“Mate, the best thing you can do is sober up and sleep on it. Don’t do anything until your head’s clear,” Eamon says compassionately.
“Yeah,” he groans, “that’s probably a good idea.”
“I’ll call you guys an Uber,” Charlie offers. “You can’t drive, and none of us are sober enough to drive you.”
While we wait for Mac’s ride, we make him drink more water and eat some fries to help soak up the alcohol. He doesn’t say anything as he sits there, only nodding or shaking his head when someone asks him a question. I actually feel sorry for him. Becoming a parent isn’t what he or Myra wants at this point in their lives, so it makes sense that they’re terrified. He could have handled it better, but thisisMac we’re talking about. I send Myra another text.
Norah:I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?
Myra:Shit. Give me the good news.
Norah:We have Mac sobering up and called him an Uber.
Myra:And the bad news…?
Norah:He announced to pretty much the entire pub that he knocked you up. *insert grimace here*
Myra:…he did not…
Norah:I wish I was lying.
Myra:Fucking fantastic. I’m going to kill him. Who all is there?
Norah: Eamon and me, Charlie, Layla, Teagan, Ro, and a few others from the team.
Myra:What else did he say?
I type out a shortened version of the incident, telling her I’m hopeful he’ll have a better response once he’s sober. Myra replies that she won’t hold her breath but appreciates the sentiment. Once we have Mac and the otherstucked safely into their Uber, I prepare for the onslaught of questions.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!” Charlie whines playfully. “How far along is she?”
“It wasn’t my story to share,” I say. “I think she’s around four months now. Or at least getting close to it.”
“She’s always so safe. I can’t believe it,” Layla comments.
“Mac as a father. Now that’s something I can’t believe,” Ro exclaims. “That wanker can’t even take care of himself!”
Teagan barks out a laugh. “True enough. I hope Myra is prepared to raise the kid without him.”
“You never know,” Layla says, turning to him with a shrug. “Maybe he’ll wake up tomorrow a new man.”
“Also true, love.” He winks and brushes her dark hair off of her shoulder. “I’ll swing by and check in on him in the morning.”
The smile she gives him is blinding. I wish I could take a picture of this moment. I’d label it asThe Moment Layla Fell For Teagan.
“Text me after,” she suggests. “I was thinking about going to Airlie Gardens. I might want some company.”
Then she stands up, hugs Charlie and me goodbye, and leaves.
