Page 177 of Filthy Lies

Brennan:I’ll just set a reminder on my phone.

Conor:Having memory problems? It comes to us all, deartháir.

Brennan:Fuck off. Do you know how much shit I juggle on a daily basis?

Conor:Isn’t it easier now that Aidan’s back in full form?

Brennan:Sure, but there’s still a fuck ton to manage. Da, believe it or not, was a hard worker.

Conor:He worked long hours. Didn’t think he did much though.

Brennan:Me neither, but he did. Aidan’s picked up Da’s shit, but I’ve had to pick up Aidan’s.

Conor:If you’ve got a lot on your plate, get Declan involved.

Brennan:I have, but there’s still a lot going on right now. Plus, did Aidan tell you those fucking Valentinis called a Summit?

Conor:No. He didn’t tell me. When?

Brennan:He said their new Consigliere has been pestering him since Christmas.

Conor:Why’s he listening now?

Brennan:Dunno. It’s tomorrow.

Conor:Shit. So soon?

Brennan:Yup.

Conor:Your first time stepping up. How you feeling?

Brennan:You gonna make fun of me if I tell you?

Conor:Nah.

Brennan:I’m nervous.

Conor:Thought you would be.

Brennan:Why?

Conor:Da’s life’s work was to perpetuate the belief that nothing you did would ever be enough to make up for what went down with Ma.

Conor:It served him to keep you under his thumb. Gave you a great work ethic, of course, but it doesn’t help in situations like these.

Conor:He was wrong though, Bren. Not only do you have nothing to make up for, but you’re a better man than Da could ever be.

Brennan:What’s with you today?

Conor:Feeling introspective, I guess.

Brennan:Has that woman been running you ragged? Because you don’t fucking deserve it, Conor. Do you hear me?

Conor:I appreciate the big brother act, Bren, but it isn’t Star. You know what’s funny?

Brennan:What?

Conor:I bet you two’ll get along great when you meet.

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