Page 102 of Shattering

Byron looked thoughtfully at Gray. "So. the gas lady-Vanessa."

Byron took a long sip, licking the foam from his lips, before fixing Gray with an uncharacteristically serious look.

Then, he pointed a finger straight at him.

"Ye need to have a clear conversation about her."

Gray groaned. "Fuck's sake."

Byron didn't drop the look. "I mean it, lad. Ye think things are gettin' better, but if ye don't settle this, it'll keep sittin' there-like a bad tackle that bruises deeper every time ye take another hit."

Gray frowned. "I told Cadi already."

Byron shook his head. "Nah, nah. Ye told her, but did ye talk about it?"

Gray went quiet.

Byron smirked. "Exactly."

Gray exhaled slowly. "Ya think it's still in her head?"

Byron leaned back, crossing his arms. "Mate, women gnaw on these things like a fuckin' bone. And if she doesn't say it, doesn't push about it, it just means it's sittin' somewhere at the back o' her mind, waitin' to be pulled out at the worst moment."

Gray ran a hand through his hair. "Fuck's sake."

Byron took another sip of his pint, then smirked. "Besides... ye do realise yer sufferin' from a serious case of blue balls 'til this is sorted, right?"

Gray gave him a flat look. "Christ, Byron."

Byron grinned. "Tell me I'm wrong."

Gray rubbed his face. "I hate how often ya make sense."

Byron patted his shoulder. "Better get it out in the open before she does clock ya over the head."

Gray sighed. "Aye. Ya might be right."

Byron grinned. "Course I am. That's why they pay me the big bucks."

Gray snorted. "They pay ya to play rugby, not for yer shite love advice."

Byron shrugged, grinning. "Same thing, really."

Despite Byron's absolute bollocks of an approach to relationships, he was probably right.

It was time to clear the air.

Gray took a sip, then glanced at Byron, tone casual.

"So... Ana's back."

Byron froze mid-sip, then lowered his pint with exaggerated ease. "Aye. I am aware."

Gray raised an eyebrow. "That's all ya got to say?"

Byron shrugged, focusing on his drink. "What else is there?"

Gray smirked. "Ye knew she was back ."

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