Page 196 of Keeping 13

“Shannon?” Darren pressed, leaning in my bedroom doorway. “Are you even listening to me?”

“No,” I replied softly. “I’m really not.”

“Jesus,” he muttered to himself. “You’re in trouble, girl.”

Don’t I know it…

49

Flying Bras

Johnny

“I want a word with you, Jonathan Kavanagh,” Mam announced, stalking into my bedroom with a basket of folded laundry in her arms. “Right now.”

“Jesus Christ, Ma!” Scrambling for the towel I had discarded when I stepped out of my en suite, I wrapped it around my waist and gaped at her. “Did you ever hear of knocking?”

“I’m your mother, Johnny. I housed you in my body for nine months, so no, I don’t believe in knocking,” she shot back, unfazed. “And stop fidgeting around, will you? There’s nothing you have underneath that towel that I haven’t washed, wiped, and talcum powdered.”

Jesus Christ…

“Now.” Setting the basket down on my bed, she turned to stare at me, hands on her hips. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Like what?”

“It’ll be better for you in the long run if you just confess now,” she told me, eyes narrowed.

My mouth fell open.

Was she serious?

What the fuck did I do?

“Is this about training?” I asked, confused. “Because you heard Dr. Quirke. I’m allowed to attend light sessions starting this week.” I had been given the all clear by not one butthreedifferent doctors last week. I had been put through fitness evaluations, strength training, pelvic examinations, and a whole heap of other bullshit before they finally deemed me fit enough to return to the pitch.

“No,” Mam replied evenly. “Try again.”

I frowned. “It’snotabout training?”

“Nope.”

My brows shot up. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

I scratched the back of my head. “Is it aboutrugby?”

“Last chance,” Mam said, tapping her foot on the floor. “Make me proud.”

“I would if I knew what I’m supposed to say,” I choked out, feeling nervous.

“Well then,” Mam said in that tone of voice that sent shivers down my spine. “Let me give you a little hint.” Shoving her hand into the laundry basket, she yanked out a white cotton bra. “Imagine my surprise when I was hoovering your room yesterday and foundthisunder your bed.”

Aw, shite…

Dangling Shannon’s bra from her fingers, Mam arched a brow. “Care to explain?”

“Would you believe me if I told you that was mine?” I offered weakly.

---