Page 62 of Vodka And Virtue

”He’s in the wind. But they’ll catch him sooner or later. He’s running scared and bound to fuck up eventually. They already made a positive ID on him from the security footage of the parking lot.”

I patted his forearm. “They’ll get him. In the meantime, I’ll be glad to watch over the sports bar in your absence.”

“You’ll probably be tending bar most of the time. And watch out for that damn Maguire boy, Murphy. He’s capable of anything. You have no idea what he’ll do to get a free drink.”

“Does he not have the money to buy his own alcohol?”

Graham snorted, glancing at his nephew, and they both laughed. “It has nothing to do with their money. Murphy just likes to cause mischief for the hell of it. He gets off on making trouble. I don’t know how his boyfriend puts up with it. If it were me, I’d ring his pretty little neck. He’s a good kid, though. Just keep an eye on him.”

I remembered meeting Murphy and his boyfriend, Hudson, at the nursing home Carlisle dragged me to. I definitely got the feeling he was more than a handful. Tending bar at Limericks was going to be much more entertaining than being at the lounge. But I would miss being near Carlisle all night, watching him as he worked.

20

CARLISLE

I draggeda strip of masking tape over the flaps of the cardboard box, securing the bottom, and handed it to Carson. He set it on the countertop and began taking his favorite mugs from the kitchen cabinet, wrapping each one carefully in newspaper before placing it in the box.

“Aww, you're taking the days of the week mugs? I love those,” I complained.

“Sorry. I just really wanted to bring something with me from home to Ryan’s. Nothing I have really fits with his decor, and I still feel a little out of place there sometimes, like I’m gonna get his couch dirty if I sit on it or something.”

I cocked my head, giving him a look. “Carson, that’s ridiculous. I know for a fact Ryan doesn’t try to make you feel that way.”

“I know. It’s all in my head. I’m sure I’ll settle in after a while. I just thought by taking these mugs with me, I could start my day every morning with something familiar, something that’s mine.”

“You’re not having second thoughts about moving in with him, are you?”

“Not even one,” he confirmed, grinning. “Do you want me to leave you the Monday mug to celebrate your favorite day of the week?”

“No, thanks,” I declined, shaking my head. “It’s only my favorite day because it’s my day off. That alone is enough to put a smile on my face.”

Gordy shuffled into the kitchen, his slippers scraping loudly over the tile floor. “Morning, losers. It’s too early for this moving shit.”

Carson smiled nostalgically, his eyes misting slightly. “This will be my last morning hearing you call me a loser.”

Gordy chuffed, going straight for the coffee maker. “Just pick up the phone. I can call you a loser anytime you need to hear it.”

Carson slipped his arms around Gordy’s waist, hugging him from behind. “You gonna miss me, Gordy?”

Gordy shrugged him off. “Get off me and go pack your damn mugs.” He turned and leaned against the counter, taking a sip of his hot coffee. “The sooner I get rid of the two of you, the sooner I can have this place to myself.”

“You talk a big, tough game, Gordy, but I know you’re going to miss us,” I said.

He snorted loudly. “Who wouldn’t miss you, Carly? Your brother, however…not so much. I’m gonna have the kitchen to myself, the TV to myself, and nothing but blessed silence. It’s going to be beautiful.”

Carson rolled his eyes. “Whatever. And don’t think just because we’re leaving that we aren’t still meeting up on Monday nights at uncle G’s place. It’s our thing. A game of pool, hot wings, and beer. I better see you there, Gordy.” He pointed at him.

I only filled two boxes. One with family pictures of my mother and Carson and I when we were little. Pictures of Gordy and my uncle and aunt celebrating holidays with us. The other box held my collectible shot glasses, a stack of bar and restaurant magazines and catalogs, and the trinkets that decorated my bedroom.

A bitter, sweet nostalgia washed over me. I felt a little sad about leaving so many memories behind. At the same time, I felt excited about starting a new chapter of my life with Rory. Beyond excited. I harbored no doubts that I was making the right decision to move in with him. But sometimes, even doing the right thing felt difficult.

“You know I’m happy for you, right?” I held the door for him as he carried his boxes to his car.

“I know. I don’t doubt that for a second. It’s hard to say goodbye and let go of the only thing you’ve ever known.”

He placed the box in the backseat and shut the door, reaching for me. My arms went around his shoulders, and he pulled me into his chest, squeezing tight.

“I love you, Carly. Like a brother.”

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