Page 15 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
Stevie
A Few Months Later
Liampaces.Again.
Bare feet on the scuffed dorm floor. Arms crossed. Fists flexing like there’s a ticking clock he can’t tune out.
I’m sitting cross-legged on Padraig’s unmade bed, trying to finish my anthropology reading. Padraig is sprawled sidewaysin his desk chair, one socked foot braced against the bedframe. He’s watching his brother with affection and amusement.
This scene has played out a million times since we started college. Every day is about the same. Padraig and I wake up and fuck. Get ready and go to class. Meet up with Liam for lunch then head back here to study or blow off studying. Liam’s usually prowling for a hookup by the time Padraig and I go to bed. Either way, we fuck until we pass out.
Repeat.
An idyllic freshman year, I won’t lie.
It’s exactly like it’s always been with the three of us—only better. We’re free. No parents. No rules. I’ve essentially moved into the boys’ dorm room here in Rogers Hall. Padraig even cleared out his dresser and closet for my clothes.
My actual roommate, Bailey, seems grateful to have our room to herself. She’s cool. Sharp and focused on her studies. Every so often she hangs out with the three of us and, fortunately, seems to be immune to Liam’s devastating charm.
She’s in the minority.
Halfway through our freshman year and Liam’s already achieving legendary fuck-boy status on campus. He oozes sexuality and has zero shame. He doesn’t hide the way he looks at anyone. Guys. Girls. Any combination thereof. It’s all on the table now.
College cracked something open in him and, for once, he’s not pretending. Not running. Not afraid of who he is.
It’s kind of beautiful, actually.
Suffice it to say, nothing happened on the music front last semester unless you count two half-assed jam sessions. It’s all gonna change though. Connor’s parting words when we drove off were prolific.
“Make it count.”
I don’t think Connor meant it as pressure but, on the other hand, he’s the one paying for all of this. Tuition. Food. Housing. Gas. Not to mention the brand new instruments the twins received as graduation presents.
His parting words kickstarted something. Suddenly, both of them are committed. Last year’s procrastination has been left behind in Seattle.
I’ll never say this out loud, but I can’t help but wonder whether it’stheirdream. Or, at least, Padraig’s dream.
Or, if it’s a debt.
Padraig loves his brothers so much I worry about him going with the flow. From how much he’s been loving his art classes, I’m pretty sure his passion lies elsewhere, but he can make his own decisions. I’m sure he’ll work it out in his own time.
“What’s the plan, Stevie?” Liam snaps, turning toward me. “You said this gig has a real setup. Mics? Amps? Or is it some guy with a set of bongos and a dream?”
Padraig shoots him a look. “Dar, fuckin’ chill for five seconds. She hasn’t had a chance to give us the details.”
“Meh. I’m used to his snarky ass.” I lift a shoulder. “To answer your question, it’s arealparty house with decent bands. If you guys want to get into the mix, we need to start showing up. Meet people. Mingle. Find a singer.”
“I’m out all the fucking time. I alreadyknowwhat’s out there.” Liam massages his temple. “Shite.”
“You’re exhausting.” I drag a highlighter through a passage in my textbook. “You’re gonna scare off every singer before you even hear them.”
Liam flops onto his back dramatically. “We wouldn’t have to find one ifsomeonejoined us.”
He doesn’t look at me, but the jab lands right between my ribs.
“Liam, for the last fucking time, I’mnotfront-woman material.” I bite my pen. “You need someone withwaymoreego. Someone who wants to live on the road. I don’t want that life.”
Padraig tosses a drumstick at Liam’s shin. “Stevie’s helping us get our shit together. We have to do our part.”
