Page 101 of Twist of Fate
But, for some reason, the women wanted “girl time,” so now, while they are all busy hysterically laughing over something, Niall, Damien, and Rian (because the lad invites himself to everything) are awkwardly staring at each other.
It’s like a contest to see who cracks first.
My bet is on Rian.
“So, Damien,” Rian finally says, as if he just can’t help himself. I chuckle to myself. Fucking knew it. He may be a nerd, but he’s a chatty bloke. “Your girlfriend’s a ride. Does she have any hot friends?” I said he was chatty. I never claimed he was any good at it.
To Damien’s credit, he takes it all in stride. It probably helps that Rian isn’t checking out the hot girlfriend in question, who is currently seated at the table next to us. “She grew up here,” he replies. “So, yeah. She has a decent number of friends.”
Niall jerks his head, looking shocked. “What the hell? How many times have we gone out, and you’ve never mentioned any hot friends to me?”
He shrugs. “You never asked.”
“I’m hurt, Damien. Genuinely hurt. I thought we were pals.”
“These are single friends, right?” Rian asks, acting completely oblivious to Niall’s plight.
“And by single, you mean uncomplicated?” I add. Rian has been hitting the pavement hard since he came back from Seattle. I don’t know if he’s just enjoying his freedom or simply nursing a broken heart. Either way, he’s been busy.
He nods with enthusiasm. “Yes, please. I can’t do commitment right now.” He fakes a shiver, which causes the men to laugh. “Been there, done that. Got the T-shirt.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if he did, honestly. While we’re all dressed to the nines, he’s wearing his standard graphic tee (under a suit jacket, ’cause he’s classy) that says “Stud” on it with an actual photo of a baked potato underneath.
“Not sure how Erin would feel about me pimping out her friends, but I’ll give it a shot. Got a résumé? Anything I can say to build you up? Are you a rugby player like your mate here?”
He laughs. “Do you see me?” He motions to himself. While he’s tall and fit, his body is lean and muscular, whereas mine is bulky and broad. “No, I like to run but avoid any sports that might damage the moneymaker.” He points to his head. I roll my eyes. “I’m really fucking smart.”
“Don’t forget humble,” I joke.
“What do you do?” Niall asks. At first, I think he’s sizing him up, but he genuinely seems interested. When Rian answers, his eyes widen.
“That’s impressive.” And it is, especially since I know he’s significantly downplaying his job.
What he actually does is much grander but also very hush-hush. Even I’m not entirely sure what he does, but whatever it involves, he has developed an impressive set of skills in the process.
Which reminds me. I need him to look into something for me…
My gaze drifts back to the other table. Ash seems to be in the midst of a story, as her hands dance through the air, bringing her words to life while everyone laughs.
“So, you and Aisling…”
My head snaps back, and I find three pairs of eyes staring at me. Damien and Niall wear that look that I can only imagine a big brother would have when his little sister goes on her first date.
Rian just looks like…Rian. Utterly amused.
“Are you about to ask me my intentions?” I muse, expecting them both to break. They don’t.
“She said you knew each other before?” Niall asks, taking a sip of his beer.
“We did.”
“And you had no idea she was moving here? Or that she was coming to work for O’Connell?”
Ah, I see. “You think I had something to do with hiring her?”
Damien looks at Niall, and they both shrug. Rian is still silently watching the whole exchange, not bothering to offer anything in my favor.
Arsehole.
