Page 35 of Vengeful Vows

My mood has dropped but Gray seemed excited to go out, and I’m not about to pass that up. Gray is the least outgoing of all my siblings, even Lara, and when he wants to tie one on, I’ll always be there.

Besides, if I get him drunk enough, I can take videos of something stupid he does and use it to blackmail him. A smile spreads across my face at the thought, and I exit the bathroom and head into the main bar, the music booming.

Paddy decorates in an unusual way, taxidermy animals all over the walls. A squirrel, a panther, and a moose are the most unusual ones. Especially since there are no moose anywhere in this area. And Paddy isn’t even a hunter, so I’m not sure what went through his mind when he put these things up.

There’s also stolen road signs, including a yield sign, hanging above the bar. Then, behind the register, there’s a “bad check” photocopy with various faces and names on it. Some of those faces and names are currently in this bar right now since Paddy is too forgiving.

Gray stands at the bar, holding a beer and grinning.

“What are you boys celebrating?” Paddy’s hair has gone completely silver as has his beard.

“Can’t exactly say,” Gray says. “Just know it’s big.”

Paddy nods slowly. “First beer on me, then.”

Gray hands me a beer.

I sip it but he puts his hand on mine, forcing me to chug it. I indulge.

Gray’s in a good mood, and maybe he’ll dance the Riverdance on the pool tables again so I can film it this time.

“Bottoms up.” I hold back a belch, and Gray cheers, chugging his own beer.

A couple of hours later, the room is spinning, and Gray has already given me the show I yearned for and more. Those poor pool tables have some crazy tales to tell. The whole thing is securely in my video files, just waiting for the right moment. It’s been a good night.

I look at my watch. Shit. It’s late!

I wonder what it’ll be like with Bree tomorrow since I’m probably staying out all night. Will she be worried? Jealous?

I can’t deny that I can’t wait to find out.

Part of me is hoping that she is jealous, that we have a big argument about it. It feels like I’m running out of reasons to hate her. And that’s dangerous.

I never thought I would have a relationship, someone to come home to. I always thought I’d be married to the life, no room for anyone. Now, it’s like it’s all I can think about.

Gray nudges my shoulder.

“What are you thinking about?”

My new wife, as always lately, it seems.

But what I say is, “How good it felt to put Niall Murphy in his place.”

I smirk, and Gray brays out a laugh, handing me another beer. I mutter a curse under my breath and take a sip, despite my better judgment.

The bartender is drunk from the shots we’ve been pushing on him, and he sits on the bar, playing the guitar and an old Irish ditty.

Gray finishes it in a sing-yell and claps me on the back so hard I almost fall over.

“Isn’t it time to call it a night?” I’m slightly nauseous.

Gray’s eyes widen at me. “Are you even Irish?”

I continue to drink my beer, sitting down and listening to the off-key music from the bartender.

My chest is heavy with this longing, something strange. I think I miss Bree.

I miss my wife.

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