Page 16 of Taming Irish

I grunt, wishing hewasn’t.

“Oh shit,” Owen says, one eyebrow rising. “Did the infamous Shane Hayes actually strikeout?”

“Screw off.” I stand, my frustration growing. Normally, I roll with whatever life offers, the good and the really shitty. The band has taken hits before. Fuck, just dealing with Cillian’s mood swings would be enough for most groups to pull the plug. But we made it through the tough times. Made it to the top. And then, they just decided to give it all up, without even a thought of what it would mean tome.

Sure, I know I sound like a selfish prick. And maybe I am. But this was my life,too.

“We didn’t work our asses off just to throw it away for...” I rake my fingers through my hair and blow out an uneven breath, knowing the lecture I’m going to get if I keepgoing.

“For what?” Owen asks, his voice low withwarning.

I hold his gaze, not wanting to spew my thoughts while Bree is around, but unable to hold back the irritation that has been mounting formonths.

“For playing house,” I spitout.

Owen snorts. “It beats thealternative.”

“Bullshit. A year ago, ye were living every man’sdream-”

“And I was miserable.” Owen’s nostrils flare. “We allwere.”

“I wasn’t.” Tension boils between us, because I know he’s right. We were riding higher than the fucking sun, and both Cillian and Owen were spiraling out ofcontrol.

I know that’s how he sees me now. But he’s wrong. I don’t use chicks and alcohol to ease some darkness in my soul. I fuck and I drink for the pleasure ofit.

It’smygoddamn life, and I’ll live it the best way I knowhow.

Unhindered.

Free.

Bree touches Owen’s shoulder. “I’m going togo.”

Owen nods, and Bree gives me a small, sadsmile.

And I know exactly what’scoming.

Shit. I’m not in the mood for an Owen Gallagher life lesson. But as soon as the door shuts behind her, I know it’s exactly what I’m about toget.

“Save yer speech, man.” I shove my hands in my pockets and lean against thewall.

“I know ye’re not happy with the choices me and the guys have made to spend more time with ourwives-”

“I don’t give a flying fuck how much time ye spend with them as long as ye do yerjob.”

Owen sighs. “And what job is that? The tour is over. The royalties from our albums are enough for all of us to live comfortably. The music will be there when we’reready.”

“And when the hell will that be? After Cillian’s kid is born? Or after ye knock up Bree? And don’t tell me Aiden and Emer are going to be happy with just one ankle-biter. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s pregnant again already. I’m just supposed to wait around, while ye all breed like fuckingrabbits?”

“That’s life, man. Even the longest day has itsend.”

“It’syerlife. I didn’t sign up for this shit. And my day isn’t even close to beingover.”

“I’m not telling ye to settle down. Trust me, we all know that won’t happen any timesoon-”

“Ever,” Iadd.

“But ye’re going to have to get used to the fact that this is our realitynow.”

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