Page 27 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
I stare out the window as we approach Spokane. City lights blur like static against the glass.
“She doesn’t take me from you,” I retort. “She fills something else.”
“No, you fillher. Ten times a day. It’s all you think about.” Liam rolls his eyes.
“Don’t be a dick. She’s one of your best friends. She’s the woman I love. I won’t continue this conversation if you disrespect my relationship.” I swallow hard, unable to process his harsh words.
“Fer fuck’s sake. I didn’t mean it as a shot. I’m not pissed. I’m realistic.” Liam folds his arms across his chest and I know he’s telling the truth. He’s worried. Thinks I’m slipping away.
“I promise, you’ve got me.”
“Not all of you.” He sucks his lips over his teeth. “I’m not tryin’ to get up in your grill, Dar. But, don’t you think you’re too serious? I heard you and her whispering about fucking marriage. You’re twenty, for God’s sake.”
“Not for a few years,Jesus,” I protest.
He turns, eyes sharp, hurting. “Don’t feckin’ lie to me or yourself.”
I don’t. I can’t. The lie wouldn’t land anyway. The truth is, I’d put a ring on her finger tomorrow if I thought she’d say yes andhe knows it. I’m trying to be two things at once. His twin and bandmate. Her forever man.
Liam turns back to the road. Flicks on the headlights. “Would you choose her if she gave you an ultimatum? I deserve to know.”
“I don’t want to choose,’ I answer honestly.
He nods once, hollow as if to say, you already have.
“Fireball is my priority.You’remy priority.” I wish I could punch the shit out of this situation. Crack it open and rearrange it.
His fingers drum the wheel. “Well, I guess we’ll see.”
The neon sign blinks ahead.
The Big Dipper.Spokane’s premier live music club.
Liam slows the truck. Pulls up to the curb like it’s no big deal even though we both know this night means something. It’s supposed to be the start of something for the both of us. If we’re gonna add a new voice to the band, I guess it makes sense he wants to know where my head is at before we go forward.
He stretches, arms behind his head. “Look, don’t sweat it. I’m not trying to put pressure on you. All I’m saying is I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks. It hasn’t been just us since you started fucking her in high school.”
“Dar—”
“What?” He shrugs. “You’re tied to her like a feckin’ balloon.”
I reach for the handle. “I’m hopelessly in love with her.”
“I know.” He winces like the idea of love is a curse. “Don’t get me wrong, I love her too—you don’t get what being tied down means for us.”
“I’m gonna call bullshit. You make her out to be some ball and chain. She’s all-in on Fireball. Hell, she came up with the concept,” I remind him and slump back against the seat.
This conversation has obviously been brewing for a while, but I’m not backing down. Stevie is nonnegotiable.
“What the fuck do you mean? We’ve got a name, a couple good songs, and no singer. We’ve been dicking around for months while you guys play house in our dorm room.” Liam slams his palm against the steering wheel.
“We’re here now.” I remain calm. It’s the only way when Liam gets agitated.
He doesn’t stop. “You think you can tour with a wife?”
“She’s not my wife.”
“Not yet.”
