Craig started spouting off names. “Nathan, Ricky?”
I expelled a frustrated breath, wanting them to put this conversation to bed. Grudgingly, I said, “Nick,” the name I didn’t think I’d ever forget.
“That’s the one. God, he was a cockhead.” Craig pulled another beer from the fridge and offered me one. I took it gratefully.
When I sat, I glanced over at Dan, whose focus was on me. The crease between his brows was prominent.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
His gaze searched mine. “Wasn’t he the guy who started giving you shit before we left?”
I rolled my eyes and forced a laugh. “Bloody hell. You’re asking me about something that happened, what, fifteen years ago?”
As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I realised my mistake.
Both of them knew I had the memory of an elephant. That fact was frustrating at times, like now when I feigned being oblivious.
They’d immediately wonder why I was pleading ignorance. They were worse than old Maeve at the local post office when getting information out of someone.
The worst thing was, me hiding any of this had never felt strange before, mainly because I’d sucked up my year in the eleventh grade. I’d had a decent final year in Year 12 though, which was something, once Nick and his gang had left.
That it bugged me now, in all honesty, pissed me off.
“So, plans tomorrow? You still up for a spot of fishing over at Lake Neverfill?”
That I changed the topic wouldn’t be lost on either of them. But for whatever reason, Dan let it slide, saying, “Yeah. Early start, though. Setting our alarm for six?”
I could have kissed him for going with it. Though, I could have happily kissed him anyway just because he was hot as hell and one of the best men I knew.
“Six, really? It’s Sunday. What happened to our lie-in?” Craig grumbled.
“Suck it up, sunshine. The early worm catches the fish.”
I squinted at Dan.
“Yes, I know I butchered the phrase. I’m not the only one good with words.” One of his brows shot high, and I grinned, more than happy to tease and let my high school memories go.
“Uh-huh, let’s just stick with ‘butchered,’ shall we?”
“Okay, wise guy, we can do that. Let me grab my charger out of my bag and sort my alarm now before I have another drink and reconsider waking up early.” I watched as he shoved his socked feet in his boots at the side of the back door. “Which room am I in?”
“The one next to mine. Craig’s got the green room.”
Craig groaned. “You seriously need to do something about the colour of that room, Ross. It makes me feel like I’m gonna throw up whenever I stay in it.”
I smirked. “You’re the one who stays in there the most. Pick a colour, grab a roller, and have at it.”
My home was a work in progress. Since buying the place, it had sucked all my time and money, but it was nice having a few acres and being out of town. I saw enough of the school kids during term time. The last thing I wanted to do was see them more often when out of work. Screw that.
Being here meant I had some space, and while the house was much too big for one man, I made the most of spreading out and trying to make the place my own, one room at a time.
And apparently, the kitchen was next if Dan got his way.
I expected that would be the case.
