Chapter 30
Ichange my shirt three bloody times before leaving the house.
First one’s too casual. The second makes me look like I’m trying too hard. Third is just a plain dark T-shirt that sits right enough on me that I can pretend I didn’t stand there overthinking it like an eejit.
I absolutely did.
I stare at myself a moment longer, drag a hand through my hair, then grab my keys before I decide to change my shirt again.
Meeting a woman’s sisters shouldn’t make me nervous.
And yet here we are.
I get there early.
I lean against my truck in the parking lot, hands shoved into my pockets, watching the entrance while pretending I’m not checking every set of headlights that turns in. The casino lights flash against the pavement, music spilling out every time the doors open, people laughing, having a good time.
My stomach twists when I spot her truck.
The second it parks, I push off the door and head over. She steps out, and I’m done for. Hair loose, smile soft, and I already know this night’s going to be trouble for me.
“Hey, lass,” I say, a smile already pulling at my mouth.
She smiles back, warm and small, and I lean down to press a quick kiss against her cheek.
Her sisters climb out behind her, full of energy straight away.
Right. This is happening.
“Finn,” May says, gesturing between us. “These are my sisters. April and June.”
“Nice to finally meet ye,” I say, offering my hand and hoping I don’t sound half as nervous as I feel.
April grins, amused and far too observant for my comfort. June’s smile is easy, curious, and within seconds, they’re talking as if we’ve known each other longer than two minutes.
That helps.
We walk toward the entrance together, and I keep the conversation going, asking questions, throwing in jokes, trying to look relaxed while still making a decent impression. The sisters laugh easily, and I feel myself relax.
May walks beside me quieter than the other two, listening more than talking, that calm steadiness of hers pulling my attention every few seconds.
Inside, the casino hits us all at once, lights flashing, music loud, people everywhere. We find the birthday party, and May leads us over.
“Happy birthday,” I tell her. “Sorry for crashing the party.”
Cassie laughs. “Are you kidding? Thanks for being here.”
Easy enough.
People start talking, drinks are ordered, and May and her sisters slide right into introductions and easy conversation.
I offer to grab drinks and head toward the bar, weaving through crowds while mentally giving myself credit for surviving the introductions without making a complete fool of myself.
Minutes later, with a tray full of drinks balanced in my hands, I spot the table from across the floor.
And that’s when I see him.
Standing next to May, looking down at her, all soft and pleased with himself, while she looks at him with something that twists in my gut.
Ah, feck.