Page 61 of Trying Sophie

“You’re going to spoil me,” I called out, descending the stairs to the smell of greasy bacon, eggs, and strong coffee.

She wouldn’t drink the stuff, preferring a strong pot of tea, but Aoife and I were addicted.

“Oh, it’s you,” Aoife muttered from behind a large, steaming mug clenched in front of her face.

Still in her pajamas, her pink hair standing on end and her eyes caked in thick, black makeup, she looked like she’d had a rough night.

“That’s no way to greet your brother,” our mother scolded.

“Oh that’s right, one must always bow and scrape when the prodigal son returns,” she muttered so only I would hear.

As I took my seat, I ruffled the rat’s nest on her head in affection, wincing slightly for the effort. She caught the grimace and gave me a look that indicated I only had myself to blame for the pain.

Taking in her bedraggled appearance, I asked, “Late night?”

She stared into her coffee and murmured unintelligibly under her breath.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. What were you saying?”

“Oh, don’t mind her,” mam said, setting a couple of plates on the table. “She’s just mad because I made her come home last night instead of staying in the city with that no good Tanya.”

Aoife’s head shot up and her eyes caught mine. Tanya was nothing but trouble and she knew I knew exactly how much.

Tanya O’Reilly was a few years older than Aoife, closer actually to my age, so I was surprised to hear they were hanging out. The problem was Tanya was considered an easy lay. While other women tried to trap the lads into marriage with claims of fake pregnancies, Tanya wanted nothing to do with relationships. All she wanted to do was screw. In that way, she was basically an honorary member of the team. I’d never been with her, but Aidan had and we’d razzed him for days afterward. If Aoife was hanging out with her, I was afraid she’d develop a similar reputation.

“And how long have you been friends with the notorious Tanya O’Reilly?”

“I’ve known her all my life,” Aoife responded with a smirk, as if she was being clever.

“That’s not what I asked and you know it.”

She shrugged. “It’s not really any of your business.”

“It is when Tanya spends quite a lot of time with my mates, if you catch my meaning.”

I leveled a stare at Aoife and dragged my eyes to our mam so my sister would know I was trying to keep good old Colleen from understanding my meaning.

Apparently, I needn’t have bothered.

“You don’t have to talk in riddles, Declan,” she said. “I know all about what that Tanya gets up to in her free time. Everyone knows what Tanya does with your teammates. It is only your teammates, yes?”

That she felt she had to ask made me queasy. A guy had to have some standards!

“Yeah, Declan. You’re one to talk.” Aoife clucked as she sat across from me, dropping her chin in her hand and staring. “I’d wager you’re even worse.”

“This is not the time or place to talk about that. Our mam is present, for chrissakes, Aoife. Show some respect.”

I was no prude but some things you just did not discuss in front of your mother. Your sex life being at the very top of the list.

“Oh please,” Aoife scoffed. “Like we don’t know what you get up to in Dublin. You’re famous for—”

“—Don’t you dare!” I warned, leaning forward and clamping my hand over her mouth.

She crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrow in challenge, her meaning clear. If I said another word about Tanya, Aoife would start in on my own misdeeds. It was bad enough mam already knew I slept around. Who knew what she’d say if Aoife filled her in on the other, more salacious rumors about me?

“Fine. I won’t lecture you about who you spend time with,” I conceded.

She smiled smugly, having won this particular battle.

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