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“Joey had to go to a match,” the middle one spilled his guts and said. “Mammy was supposed to drop us to Nanny’s, but she’s still in bed and she won’t wake up.”

“Jesus fucking Christ, Ollie,” Tadhg roared. “What are you trying to do to us?”

“He asked,” Ollie replied, lip wobbling.

“And you justtellhim our business?” Tadhg snapped. “You know better!”

The middle one hung his head and sniffled. “I’m sorry.”

“If you call the Gards on us, I’ll make you pay,” Tadhg hissed, turning to glare up at me. “I’m dangerous.”

I bit down on my lip to stop myself from smiling. “I believe you,” I told him, keeping my expression somber. “You’re a big lad for your age.”

“Yeah, I’m twelve,” he growled, puffing out his chest. “I could take you.”

I nodded solemnly. “Definitely.”

“He talks funny,” Ollie said then. “Why do you talk funny?”

“That’s because he’s a Dub,” Tadhg sneered, giving me a scathing look. “Everyone knows Cork is the real capital of Ireland.”

Was he picking a fight with me over mybirthplace?

Jesus…

“So, what time’s Joey due back from his match?” I asked, trying for nonchalance as I leaned against the doorframe.

“A few hours,” Ollie said, forthcoming. “But if he’s working afterward, then he’ll be really, really late.”

“Dammit, Ollie.” Tadhg shook his head in resignation. “You can’t keep anything to yourself.”

“I’m just answering his question,” Ollie huffed.

“Did you guys have dinner yet?” I asked, smiling at Sean who was staring up at me, wide-eyed. “Are ye hungry?”

“We’re fine,” Tadhg growled.

“I’m hungry,” Ollie piped up. “And we didn’t have dinner because we don’t know about the cooker.”

My heart cracked in my chest, but I masked it with a small laugh. “Yeah, same here,” I told them, trying to put them at ease. “I don’t know much about cookers, either.”

“Joey cooks,” Ollie offered. “Shannon, too.”

Smiling, I nodded. “Yeah, Shannon’s a great cook.”

His eyes widened. “Have you tried her spaghetti? It’s my favorite.”

“Not yet,” I replied. “I must ask her to make it for me sometime.”

“You should,” Ollie agreed. “It’s really good.”

“Hey, you know what I really like?” I said. “McDonald’s.” Their eyes widened and I hurried to say, “Do you want to go?”

What the fuck are you doing, Johnny!

“With you?” Ollie asked, eyes wide.

Say no, asshole. Say fucking no!

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