Page 3 of About That One Night
Ethan leans forward. “Is your grandmother going to Fiji?” he asks before taking a sip of his beer.
“Yeah, she’s in remission, thank fuck.” Liam’s shoulders sag with visible relief. “Now I just have to make sure my bride doesn’t run away,” he adds with a wry chuckle.
“Sounds like pure bliss, man. Arguing over centerpieces and appetizers, what more could a guy ask for?”
“Mostly I’m hoping that your dad doesn’t hire a hit man to finish me,” he half-jokes.
Dad isn’t happy that his little girl is about to get married, but I don’t think it’s as bad as Lee claims. If anything, we all agree that Liam is a great person and can’t think of anyone better for her.
“Let’s just hope I survive the wedding and Audrey’s big family,” Liam says overwhelmed.
I slap him on the back playfully, perhaps a bit harder than necessary. “Welcome to the McCallister family—we’re a fucking mess.”
Liam glares at me. “Your sister is amazing and perfect, the rest of you . . .” he sighs. “I’ll deal with the rest of you because I adore my woman.”
“I wouldn’t do all that shit for anyone. Never,” I assure him.
Ethan pipes up from across the table. “Just wait ’til it’s your turn, Max. We’ll see who’s laughing then.”
Liam nods, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “Yep, because your mother will be ready with all those color swatches, flowers, and cake samples before a girl agrees to go out on a first date with you.”
I fake a violent shiver. “Fat chance.” I drain the rest of my drink and slam the empty glass down with unnecessary force. “This train is running express to Bachelor Town. No stops for rings or joint checking accounts.”
Liam shakes his head, an amused grin spreading across his face. “Keep telling yourself that, bud. Sooner or later, the right girl’s gonna derail those grand plans of yours.”
I signal the bartender for another round, my throat suddenly dry. The idea of settling down, of being tied to one person forever? It’s about as appealing as a root canal. Who wants to give up their freedom, their independence?
Not this guy.
Once I tried to go steady, but it wasn’t worth the hassle. She ended up running away with her coach, or was it a co-worker? I don’t remember much about my situation with Angela . . . or was it Angelina? She wasn’t exactly my girlfriend, but we were together for some time. It was long ago, and I swear I wouldn’t repeat that mistake—ever.
I’ve seen too many of my friends trade in their lifestyles for . . . what? Matching towels and a house in the ‘burbs? It’s like they’ve been body-snatched, replaced by some alternate-universe version of themselves. A version that thinks couples’ yoga on aSaturday morning is an acceptable substitute for nursing a hangover and watching college football.
Personally, I’ll stick to my life, my whiskey, and the revolving door of one-night stands. It’s worked out pretty well for me so far.
I raise my fresh drink in a mock toast, ignoring the tiny voice in the back of my mind wondering if I’m missing out on something. “To the death of your social lives, boys. It’s been a good run.”
Ethan rolls his eyes, but there’s no heat behind it. His expression softens, and he leans forward, elbows on the table. “Mock all you want, Max, but loving someone—having that person who sees the best and worst of you and chooses you every single day—is amazing.”
“Hear, hear,” Liam lifts his glass in a toast, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “To the dreamers and the fools. May we all find our person, or at least have fun trying.” He clinks his glass against Ethan’s.
I scoff, taking a swig of my whiskey. The burn in my throat matches the defensive fire in my chest. “I’m not built for the whole ’til death do us part’ thing, but I’ll have fun trying.” I pause, glancing at the blonde walking by our table. “Lots of fun.”
Caleb, who’s been quietly nursing his beer, pipes up. His eyes are distant, haunted. “I agree, getting married sucks.”
We all go silent because his marriage is like the big gorilla in the room. Though, we don’t know his story well enough—married young to the girl he met at eighteen, only for it all to fall apart. Sometimeswhen he’s drunk, he talks about how he feels sorry she left. Other times, he hints that maybe it was him who had pushed her away. He’s never shared the full truth, but the weight of it hangs heavy in the air whenever it comes up. I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to love than either of us has figured out yet.
“The great thing about having a little sister getting married is that we don’t need to worry about finding ‘the one’ and being happy.” Jacob, my younger brother, shoots me a knowing look, his lips quirked in a half-smile. “Mom’s getting her wedding and someday, she’ll get the grandkids.”
“Exactly,” I agree, perhaps a bit too quickly.
“Great, I’m going to have to drag my wife’s spinster brothers around for the rest of their natural lives,” Liam jokes, rolling his eyes dramatically.
“We’ll be happy old maids and ask you to take us to all the places,” Jacob threatens him.
“You jest, but it’s true. You have to invite them everywhere—because they’re alone.” Ethan presses his lips and sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly.
“What, are you in charge of Cleo now?” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
