The three of them then walked out of the kitchen, and Alec continued boasting.
“All I’m saying is little brother has skills that he obviously picked up from me. His girl called out to God more times than I could count. He was in control of that puss—”
“Finish that sentence, you slapper, and I will end you!” Bronagh snarled as she descended the stairs with Nico and Branna in tow.
Alec made the motion of sealing his lips, though I doubt he was finished teasing her and Nico about their special night. I wanted to tell him to leave her alone, but I was still shocked and felt out of place over Kane pulling a fast one on me and treating me like I was doing something wrong by being Bronagh’s friend.
Damien stepped away from me without a word when Bronagh came to my side and grabbed my hand. I smiled at her and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Are you ready?”
I exhaled a deep breath as we walked out of her house and into the night.
As ready as I’ll ever be.
“I should have stayed at home.” Bronagh yawned and stretched. “I’m knackered.”
Two hours ago, I would have jumped at the chance to chill in her room and watch a film, but now that I was tipsy and feeling the music in the club, I wasn’t letting Bronagh get comfortable enough just in case she did fall asleep and had to be taken home.
“Have a drink and loosen up,” I suggested, tipping my vodka and Coke in her direction. “This is fun!”
Bronagh shot me a look that would silence many people, but not me.
“We have school in the mornin’, so I’m passin’ on havin’ a drink,” she said with a raised brow. “You should just stop altogether. Otherwise, you’re goin’ to be dyin’ with a hangover when you wake up.”
I didn’t want to be reminded of school or anything outside of having adult fun. This was my very first time being in a club and drinking alcohol. I wasn’t eighteen yet, so I was convinced I wasn’t going to gain entry to the club, but Branna knew one of the bouncers. I think she called him ‘Skull’, but I hoped I had heard wrong.
Once inside the club, and the drinks started flowing, I began to relax, and I wanted Bronagh to relax too. We would be finished with school in mere months, and I knew both Bronagh and I would do well on our Leaving Certificate exams, so we didn’t have to worry about them. The chances of me frequently letting loose like this in the future were slim to none when I started college to pursue my passion of art, so I wanted to enjoy it.
“Thanks, Ma.” I blew her a kiss. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Bitch!” she stated, making me laugh and her grin.
I glanced to my left and saw Branna on Ryder’s lap. They were so completely wrapped up in each other that they didn’t notice anyone around them. Alec, Damien, and Nico were off somewhere in the club, and Kane was still seated next to Bronagh. We hadn’t spoken since he apologised to me upon entering the club, and I was happy enough to leave it at that for the night. He looked just as done with the club scene as Bronagh was, and he obviously hated being surrounded by so many people, but I refused to let his chilled demeanour rub off on me or Bronagh.
“Let’s dance,” I shouted at my friend. “Right now.”
I laughed because I practically felt her sigh even though I couldn’t hear it.
“Don’t even think about sayin’ no, Bronagh,” I warned. “As new friends, we have to bond, and dancin’ helps with that, so c’mon.”
My friend groaned, and I feared she wasn’t going to budge, so I used the only weapon in my arsenal. My eyes. My da had always told me that my eyes would be the death of him because they were big, brown, and as dangerous as a puppy’s. I gave Bronagh my best pleading look, and before she even verbally agreed to dance with me, I saw her cave, so I held my hand out to her.
“Okay,” she grouched and grabbed my hand. “Let’s dance.”
Game, set, match.
I cheered in victory, and Bronagh playfully rolled her eyes.
“We will be back later,” I said to the table.
Bronagh looked back at Kane, Branna and Ryder when they gave us their attention.
“By later,” she said, “she hopefully means after the next song.”
I burst into laughter, earning a big smile from Bronagh.
“Fat chance of that.” I devilishly smiled. “Now, c’mon; I love this song!”
I couldn’t tell what song was playing, but I knew the beat, and that was enough to get me excited. I danced with Bronagh until my thighs and calves burned from overuse. My feet, that were not used to high heels in any shape or form felt like they were on fire. I was certain I had earned a few blisters too, but I knew if I took my heels off, I’d never put them back on again, so I forced it from my mind. I laughed until my throat hurt, and I tossed back drinks like it was no one’s business. I wanted to tell Bronagh how much fun I was having, but I felt a hand grasping my forearm, and it distracted me. The person who had hold of me led me to the middle of the dancing crowd.