“That’s none of your business.”
“It’s my business as long as you’re involved.”
“It’s fine by me. Since he’s been here, I’ve got to school on time, Mum’s happy, and she’s been drinking less.”
“Evan!”
“What? That’s what’s happened.”
“And you?” Martin turns to Ryan. “Don’t you have anything to add?”
“Are you serious, mate?”
“What are your intentions with her?”
“I definitely don’t have to tell you.”
“I’m not so sure about that…”
“Can we all just please calm down a bit?” I jump in.
“I don’t like you, O’Connor.”
“The feeling’s mutual.”
“For now I’m keeping an eye on you,” he says, sitting on the sofa and crossing his legs. “What are we watching?”
“Are you kidding?” Ryan asks.
“There’s some chicken left, if you want,” Evan adds.
“Is he actually serious?” Ryan asks me.
“Looks like it.”
“Move over,” Ryan scoffs, plonking himself down next to him.
“You’re taking up too much space.”
“You’re the one sitting on the wrong sofa.”
I can’t quite stifle a smile – neither can my heart. Seeing them all here, in my house, ready to share this screwed-up family, to accept it (or at least, put up with it) just for me.
“Come here,” Ryan says, tearing me away from my thoughts, and I shuffle over to him.
I lean my head on his shoulder and tuck my legs underneath me. I start to enjoy the atmosphere: this family and this new reality. I need to get used to it, and quickly.
* * *
The evening carrieson this way until Martin decides it’s time to go home. Evan heads up to his room, and I start to load the dishwasher.
“I don’t like that guy.”
“Thatguyis Evan’s dad.”
“I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
“I told you, he’s gay.”
