Page 20 of Shattered Union

“About damn time,” I mutter with a grin.

She shakes her head. “I thought so too, but Freddie.” She twists her lips. “He apologised the next morning.”

Ouch. What a fecking eejit. Jesus Christ.

“I want to smack him upside the head sometimes.”

She nods. “Right. He told me I deserved better than him.”

Freddie is a bit of a loner. He and Stephen have that in common. Neither of their home lives were any good growing up and since Stephen was sort of adopted into our family, and Freddie was too. I know they both only agreed with it because of me. I wanted to make sure they had a place to lay low and have some food whenever they needed it. Mam ensured they both had keys to the house and were welcome at any time.

“What the hell? Why would he say that?”

She lifts one shoulder in a small shrug. “He’s been thieving again.”

I scoff. “I didn’t think he stopped.” At the age of twelve, Freddie learned the art of pick-pocketing. He can break into a home, steal their valuables, and be gone within the space of eight minutes. I’d know, I timed him that night. He also can break into most vaults and a time or two has done a bank robbery.

“He doesn’t want to tarnish my reputation,” she grumbles as she crosses her arms over her chest.

I laugh at that statement. “Someone ought to tell him I did that a long time ago.”

She chuckles at my words. “Ain’t that the truth. But I’m done, Callie. I’m so over the bullshit. The drama. I want someone to love me for me and neither Andrew nor Freddie can do that and I’m not hanging around for either of them.”

God, I hope she’s not waiting around for Andrew. I’d kick her scrawny arse if she even thinks about it.

“Tonight, we’re going out, we’re going to dance ourselves silly, get as drunk as we can until we’re stumbling around like fools and have to take our shoes off. Then you’re going to call your fella and hopefully, he’s nice enough to give the two of us a lift home.”

No wonder why she was crying. She’s been through a hell of a lot these past few weeks, hell the past few months, and she’s kept everything bottled up. She needs this night, needs me to be here and let loose with her. That’s something I’m more than happy to do.

I reach for my phone and send Denis a text asking him if he’ll pick me up from the bar when I’m done and give Ava a lift. If not, I’ll call my dad.

My phone buzzes, and I smile when I see his message.

“What did he say?” she asks, trying to see my phone screen.

“He’ll give us a lift home, so we don’t have to worry.”

“Excellent,” she breathes, her eyes bright with excitement. “Ready?” she asks, and I nod. I’m so bloody ready.

I read Denis’s text once more and smile.

Denis: Of course. Have fun baby, be safe and be smart.

I’m so in love with the man, it’s hard to think how quickly things between us have moved. I wouldn’t have it any other way though.

I link my arm through Ava’s as we leave my house. I lock up behind me. The taxi’s waiting for us at the curb.

I glance at my girl, who’s got a bright smile on her face. The tension seems to have left her body. I guess she just needed to let it all out. I hope she’ll be okay and tonight I’m going to make sure she forgets both bastards.

6

Denis

“Denny,” Granda greets me as I take a seat opposite him. “It’s been a while.”

It’s been about a month since I saw him last. Things have been chaotic. I’ve had to deal with Zoe’s tantrums more than ever. The woman’s not stupid; she knows she’s on the outs and she’s doing everything she can to get me onside.

“It has, how’s tricks?” I ask him as I reach for the bottle of beer that’s waiting for me. I take a sip from it. The coldness helps the beer ease down my throat. Fuck, but I needed that.

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