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He shifted on his feet, peering over his shoulder before stepping closer.
“And your needs have to be met on a random weeknight?”
If I didn’t know better, I’d think he knew about my little plan. I glared, bringing my hand up to rub my jaw.
He took the opportunity to press me further.
“Where is Haley tonight?”
Hearing her name was a quick rush of adrenaline. Why was he asking about her?
“Why would you assume I’d know?”
He stepped nearer, his eyes narrowing in concern.
“I thought she was nannying for you or something? She was over there yesterday, and tonight she wasn’t home.”
Oh. Right.
“No idea. Maybe she’s getting out too?”
“Look, we haven’t really talked since you two made this deal or whatever it is. Just remember she’s twenty years old, Liam.”
He stared at me, as if he already knew what I had done to his little sister. Even if it wasn’t much, it was enough.
I stared back. Why was he insinuating something was happening?
“Why are you telling me this?”
He stepped back, looking behind him before heaving a sigh.
“Just making sure we’re on the same page, that’s all. And reminding you she’s only ten years older than Maddy.”
Shame splintered inside my chest like brittle wood. I hated that he’d just gone there. I knew he was right. The age should deter me; it should be the largest reason I ignore the fact that Haley was out with Jeffery. She pulled away this afternoon. She left.
Why the fuck was I trying to chase this?
Lowering my head, I gave up and sunk to the bench in his entryway.
“We’re clear on Haley. There’s nothing there to worry about, I promise you. I just need to clear my head over some of the investor stuff. Get my mind off it.”
Colson took a seat next to me, leaning forward on his elbows.
“Okay, then try and have fun. Just be here for their school routine in the morning.”
I nodded my agreement. After kissing the girls goodnight, I left feeling like my heart had been flooded with something thick and slippery.
My plan originally was to show up and mess with Haley, get her attention, and have her leave with me. But maybe Colson was right…maybe I needed to focus on someone my own age.
Unfortunately, there weren’t a lot of places to go to pick up dates, so I’d be going to McGrady’s after all, but I’d be there for myself. Maybe I’d find someone, and it would get Haley out of my system.
* * *
McGrady’s was livelyfor a weeknight. There were couples dancing and a trivia game going on in the corner where Earl served curly fries and chicken tenders. Then there were all the people gathered around the screen, watching football. It was madness. I walked to the counter, squeezing in between a few people and raised my hand to get Tanya’s attention.
“Hey! Haven’t seen you in a while.” She said, swaying her hips on her way over.
I smiled but wasn’t in the mood for her to flirt.
