Page 153 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“I am, on both counts, I assure you, Jaine. And I’m sorry. You do know that, don’t you?”

“I know, and I also know you did what you did for Irish, unlike your big brother.”

“My da’s threatening to meet you, by the way.”

“Is he now? And why is that? Is it to measure me up for some concrete shoes?”

I snicker. “No, not at all. I think he’s just curious. He wants to know what all the fuss is about. Will you meet with him? And will you actually turn up this time?”

She chuckles. “So, Eoin told you about that, did he?”

“He did. During a very rare heart-to-heart moment. He’s only told me, though. No one else.”

“Heart-to-heart moment? You need to have one to be able to partake, surely. He doesn’t. And if he did, it would be filled with adoration for his big, conceited self.”

“He’s not that bad.”

“Let’s agree to disagree on that. What Eoin has coming his way is deserved, and it’s not a topic that’s up for either discussion or negotiation.”

“Jaine.”

“Leave it, Dylan. He may be your brother, but he’s an asshole. What he did, he didn’t do for Irish. What he did, he did for his own selfish reasons. The rest of us were just collateral. A means to him fulfilling his own self-centered end. For that, he’ll be made to pay.”

There’s a pause. She’s waiting to see if I argue back or defend him. I do neither. I know better. But I can’t say it doesn’t worry me; Jaine’s not the vengeful type, but she really is gunning for Eoin. He’s pushed her too far. I love my brother, but she’s right. He’s brought a lot of this on himself.

“I’ll meet with your da when I return to Manhattan. In fact, I’ll meet with you all. There’s something I need to do. Something I need to say. And it needs to be done face to face.”

“So, is it safe for me to tell my da you’ll meet with us, then?”

“It is.”

There’s a pause. Jaine and I agreed we wouldn’t discuss her business partner and everything that went on between me and her. Same as we agreed not to talk about Paddy or their situation. It’s just easier that way. But I need some answers.

“How’s Jessie keeping?”

There’s a pause.

“She’s okay.” She sounds cagey.

“Can I ask a question?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“Is she involved with Tyler Grayson?”

She exhales slowly. Is she going to tell me something I don’t want to hear? Is she going to answer that question at all?

“They have a past, but things didn’t end well for them as you know. I’m not sure Jessie’s in the headspace right now to consider going back for seconds.”

“So, they’re not seeing each other?”

“I’m not saying that because I don’t know for sure. But if they are, it will be slow burn.”

“Can I ask another question, Jaine?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“Is Jessie in love with me?”

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