Page 86 of Ruck Me

Chapter26

AOIFE

I waitedin front of my house for ten minutes before calling Brienne. Five minutes after that, I texted her and tried calling again. After I’d been standing outside for 30 minutes, I ordered a taxi. And then I texted her a fourth time. And then again and again and again until I was in line at the airport. Dialing her number for the umpteenth time, the call went straight to voicemail. Again.

I could either check in for my flight or turn around and go home. With my foot tapping nervously against the scuffed tiles, I weighed my options. If I didn’t leave now, I didn’t know when I’d get another chance. When I’d told Eoin I was going to London with Brienne to look at wedding dresses, he hadn’t batted an eyelash. I’d already explained how Brienne’s family worked, so I assumed he figured Mr. Gallagher had finally made good on his threats to marry his daughter off to the highest bidder.

The team had one more match before the playoffs and they were all feeling the stress. Not that Eoin ever complained or asked to spend some time apart, but my being gone for a few days would give him a chance to relax and regroup that he wouldn’t have asked for himself. I told myself that by going, I was doing him a favor.

Convenience isn’t a good enough reason to do this, my subconscious remindedme.

But like I’d done every time I started to doubt my decision, I replayed Eoin’s voice, his words about Aidan and Katelyn echoing through myhead.

Stupid fucker.

How big of an idiot do you have to be to knock someoneup?

There was no question in my mind how Eoin would feel about having a baby. He loved me and I loved him, but a baby would ruinus.

Decision made, I hefted my bag over my shoulder and walked through security.

* * *

As the plane’swheels touched down at Gatwick, I turned on my phone to a series of missed text messages. Seeing Brienne’s name at the top of the list, I immediately clicked onit.

Brienne: I can’t come, Aoife. My mom died early this morning.

Brienne: I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier. We’ve been at the hospital all this time and I only just turned my phone backon.

Brienne: I have a friend who lives in Chelsea—Lydia. I’m sure she’d go with you if you want. Let me know and I’ll give her aring.

Brienne: Again, I’m sorry. I hope you understand.

My fingers flew over thekeys.

Aoife: OMG. I’m so sorry, Brienne. So, so sorry.

Aoife: Let me know if you need anything.

Aoife: And don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. You take care of yourself.

Brienne: Are yousure?

Aoife: Yes, absolutely. I’ll call you when I’mhome.

I closed out of Brienne’s message to see Declan and Eoin had both contacted me while I’d been in theair.

Declan: Mam wants us to come to dinner tonight. Says she has important news to share with us. Sophie and I can pick you up on our way out. Say halfsix?

Aoife: Sorry, no can do. I’m in London with a friend until Friday. Shopping, shows, drinking. You know how itis.

Declan: Fine. I’ll tell Colleen you’re not coming. Lucky bitch.

Aoife: €20 says she has a new boyfriend who she’s convinced is going to marryher.

Declan: Nah. €50 says she’s dying of some horrible, rare disease she read about on Google.

Aoife: You’re probably right. Damnit.

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