Page 58 of The Tape Job
Then the servers bring our food, and the conversation is suspended.
“Let’s tuck in,” Dad says, as if things are completely normal. And to my complete horror, Liam reaches for his knife and fork and starts cutting into his steak.
“How can you sit there and eat like everything is fine?” I say.
“We’ll talk about this later, Vic,” says Liam.
I’ve done something stupid. I’m catching feelings again. Not that they really left, but this is Liam for Christ’s sake. How can I keep a disconnect between my heart and my horniness when it comes to him? I’m a fool. And embarrassment sets in.
But Johnny is relentless. “What recent events, Vicky?”
“Forget it, Johnny,” I say.
“Wait. Are you sleeping with him? After everything you said, Lee? What the fuck is this?” Johnny’s eyes are wide, and his hands rest as fists on the table.
“No. We’re not sleeping together. But apparently—” I begin.
“Vicky, just leave it. We’ll talk about it later,” Liam says.
“No, we’ll talk about it now!” I yell, half surprised at myself for doing so.
“Vicky, stop. You’re causing a scene,” Johnny says.
“Shut up, Johnny,” I snap.
“Vicky, that’s enough,” Dad says.
People are looking, but I don’t care. Tears fill in my eyes. I feel even more heartbroken than I thought possible. I look over at Liam.
“Let’s talk about this another time,” he says softly, but at least he knows better than to tell me to pipe down.
“No,” I croak.
“For fuck’s sake, Vicky, leave it there,” Johnny says, but my emotions are running high and the last thing I want is for Johnny to stick his ugly nose in.
“Keep out of this, Johnny.”
Dad takes this opportunity to apologise to Jayne for our behaviour which only angers me further.
“You should apologise to me for inviting Liam,” I say to Dad through tears.
“What’s the problem? Jayne and Cody—”
“For Christ’s sake, I’m done. I’m literally the last person you care about, Dad. As long as Johnny and Liam arehere—that’s all you care about. It’s always been the same. I’ve always been a spare part and even now, you’re not considering my feelings.” I stand up and grab my purse. “No doubt you’ll be at the game tomorrow, but please don’t talk to me. In fact, please proceed as normal and pretend like I don’t exist.”
I shuffle between tables, feeling all eyes on me as I head for the exit. Liam is shouting my name, and as much as I want to turn around and run to him, seeking his comfort, his words ring through my head: ‘That ship has well and truly sailed’. So, I leave without looking back.
Liam
I rush towards the restaurant door, hoping to catch Vicky before she disappears. However, Johnny catches up with me before I make it.
“I’ll go after her,” he says. “You’ve done enough, already. That entire situation was all your fault. Honestly, Lee. Stay the hell away from Vicky. The last thing she needs is further upset.”
“Why don’t you tell your dad that? Because he doesn’t give a shit about whether Vicky is distressed or not.”
“Don’t bring my dad in to this,” Johnny says, but his phone snatches away his focus by vibrating in his pocket. He slips his hand into his pocket and sighs when he reads the screen.
“Something more important, John?” I ask.
