No, I’m pretty sure she didn’t buy his crap either and she ended it with him. Now he’s feeling alone and wants to bring me back into the fold so his battered ego can be soothed.
Now I’m regretting the fact I even engaged in conversation with him. Because the more he texted, the more grandiose his plans seemed to be. It was now making me feel uneasy, and I stopped responding as of yesterday.
Glancing at my phone now, I see he's sent another one.
I believe that you and I are meant to be together. Please don't let my mistake cause both of us to be unhappy.
Yeah...not going to respond to that one either. It's my hope that he'll get tired and eventually leave me alone.
"Hey, Ren. You got two hungry customers here. Shake a leg."
I glance up, looking for Cady, because it’s her voice calling out to me. She's standing at the end of the bar, wearing a pale yellow sundress with strappy sandals. And standing right next to her is none other than Cillian. Their arms are linked together.
My mouth goes dry at the sight of him and I hate the fact that my pulse is thrumming rapidly. How can just looking at him cause my body to physically react like that?
"What are you doing here?" My voice comes out gritty, as if someone scrubbed my throat with sandpaper.
Cady shoots me a cheerful grin. "Cillian invited me out to dinner. He suggested we come here... so, here we are. Can we sit in your section?"
I just nod at her and wave her over to a table, muttering I would be with them in a second. I can't help but notice that Cillian guides Cady over to a table, keeping his hand on her lower back. He pulls out the chair for her, and they both sit down.
Did I miss something? When did Cady become interested in Cillian? Because if she is, then I feel horrid for kissing him. I would never have stepped in on her territory if I knew that. What's even worse is that Cillian could so easily move on. But really, it's what he did five years ago when he couldn't have what he wanted. Why should it be any different now?
Stiffening my spine and putting a smile on my face that I hope didn't reflect the insincerity I was feeling, I walk over to their table. Their heads are bent close together and they're laughing.
"What do you two want to drink tonight? We have Guinness on special for four Euro."
They break apart at my words and Cady flashes me a grin. "Hey, Renner. Cillian has invited us to go with him to see this really great band playing this weekend at O'Shea's. Won't that be fun?"
I try to return her smile, but I know it's lame. "I'm sorry. I can't... gotta work."
"No, you don't. I already asked Da if you could switch shifts so you could go and he said that was fine."
I sneak a quick glance at Cillian, who is now leaning back in his chair and watching me intently. I look back to Cady. "I don't think so. It's really not my thing."
"What do you mean it's not your thing? You love going to listen to music." Her eyes narrow at me, as if she's daring me to contradict her.
"I'm sorry. I'm just not feeling into it. But you two will have a great time, I'm sure. Now, what do you want to drink?"
Cady stands up from the table so abruptly, it startles me. She tells Cillian, "We'll be back in just a second."
She grabs my arm and hauls me off. I flick a backward glance at Cillian, who has a smackable smirk on his face.
Cady drags me to the back storeroom, which is always empty since we stock the coolers twice a day. Shutting the door behind us, she turns to me and glares. "What's up with you?"
"What do you mean?" I pick at my nails in a display of casual disinterest.
"I mean, why the brush off? You love going out, you love me, and you love music. Why would you say no?"
Sighing, I lean back against the door. "I don't want to be a third wheel with you and Cillian. And it wouldn't hurt to tell your cousin you have an interest in him. Since when do you hide things from me?" My words come out a little more forceful than I meant, but part of me is already sad that this fling with Cillian is most assuredly over.
Cady stares at me for maybe five seconds, then she throws her head back, clutches her stomach, and starts laughing like a maniac. She even doubles over, she's laughing so hard and when she straightens back up, she has tears running out of her eyes.
"What's so funny?" I demand.
"You thought I had an interest in Cillian?" She's still snickering and I almost pinch her in the arm to get her to stop.
"Well, don't you?"
"God, no! He's like an older brother to me. That's super gross."
"But you said he invited you to dinner. And you looked pretty chummy with him."
Cady takes a step forward and pops me on the forehead.
"Ow," I grumble.
"You're an eejit, Renner. Why wouldn't I accept his dinner invitation? He's my friend. And... we're affectionate. Always have been. But again, he's like a brother."
"Oh," is all I can say, and I make busy with looking at my tennis shoes, embarrassed at my reaction.
"So, you'll come with us Saturday night?"
I look up at her, and her eyes are shining with excitement. "Are you sure Cillian really wants me there?"
"Absolutely. In fact, he invited you specifically. Well, he invited you, me, and Teagan, but he specifically mentioned your name."
I hesitate for just a moment, wondering if this is really a good idea. I mean... it could be awkward with Cillian, and I'm a little afraid to be around him. I have no clue what his feelings or intentions are, and it makes me nervous wondering.