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I choked out a laugh. Little Alpha had moves.
“Of course, I’m attracted to your girl,” Podge shot back. “As is every other lad in our school.” “Yeah.” I nodded to myself. “I’m pissed.”
“And I would say ‘nice legs,’ but that would be doing the rest of you a serious disservice.”
“Nice everything, Molloy.”
“Thanks, stud.” “Anytime, queen.” “You’re still in trouble.” “Aren’t I always?”
“Was it a good hug?” She sighed wistfully and clutched her chest. “It was the best hug I’ve ever had.”
“So, the Dub gives good hugs, yeah?” “Yes.”
He’s a good person. I mean he’s a really, really good person. Excellent, in fact. I can tell. And I like him, Joe. I like him so much it’s hard to breathe when he’s near me. But I just… And he won’t… And I don’t… Oh god, help me!”
Joey: Stop being a bitch. Aoife: I will, as soon as you stop being an asshole!
“I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered, snatching my hand up in his. “I’m never leaving you, Molloy.”
You can’t write things like that. Why not? Because I’m trying to be pissed at you. So? You’re always pissed at me, and I’m always loving you. Okay, now you’re just being smooth.
“And your head? Where’s your head at, Joe?” “Same place as it’s always been,” I replied. “With you.”
“And I know being loved is a foreign concept to you, but it doesn’t come with strings or conditions. It’s unconditional, Joe.”
“Fine. I don’t plan on fucking around on you because I don’t want anyone else. Because I don’t see anyone else.”
“You’re worth believing in, Joe. You are so incredibly worth it all.”
“Are you with me?” He nodded slowly. “I’m with you, Molloy.”
“I’ve loved your daughter for six years,” Joey finally broke his silence by saying. “I can easily love her for another eighteen.”
“There were no stipulations spoken when you made your promises,” I argued. “Now come here and blow me.” “That’s my line.” “It won’t ever be again if you don’t do this for me.”
“Jesus fucking Christ.” Rolling his eyes, Joey sank down on the edge of my bed and pulled my feet onto his lap. “You have made an eejit out of me.”
“Hey, Joe?” “Hmm?” “Are you going to still want me when I’m the size of a whale?” “Molloy.” He chuckled under his breath. “For fuck’s sake.”
“You are the vainest girl I’ve ever met.” “It’s not vanity when it’s true,”
“But I’m hooked on this.” “My mind?” I asked, tone incredulous. “Bullshit.” “It’s true,” he coaxed. “Nobody else can fuck with my head quite like you can, and that has nothing to do with your body, Molloy.”
“But whatever way it goes, I’ve got your back.” “And I’ve got yours.” “Then we’ll be okay,” he replied with a small nod. “Yeah?” I asked softly, watching him closely. His green eyes burned with sincerity when he whispered, “Yeah.”
In a weird way, I felt like Rose from Titanic, when all of the other girls were drowning, but Jack kept her afloat.
I felt better just being in his presence. That’s the kind of person he was.
“You don’t need to convince me, Joe.” I leaned in and pressed my lips to his before whispering, “I’ve been sold on you since I was twelve years old.”
“Are you going to marry her?” “If that’s what she wants.” “What do you want?” “Her.”
It wasn’t that she was overly optimistic; she just happened to possess enough crazy to complement mine. We just fit together like bacon and cabbage. Or vodka and Coke.
“Hey, stud.” “Hey, queen.” His voice was raspy and torn. “Nice legs.” I choked out a sob. “Nice everything.”
“Your nose is pancaked again.” “Hmm.” He grunted out a breath. “What’s new.” “I think it’s sexy.” Sniffling, I lifted his hand to my mouth and kissed all of his torn knuckles. “You’ve got the roughed-up bad boy look down to a T.”
“I know you mean well, but this is a family matter.” “Don’t fucking speak to her like that, asshole.” Joey was quick to jump to my defense. “She is my family.”
“Joey,” Marie sobbed. “I’m your mother.” “And she’s the mother of my kid. So, don’t even think about pulling that card,” he sneered. “Because she wins. Every damn time.”
“Then you’re going to ruin his life.” “Then at least he’ll be ruined with love and not pain.”
Aoife: I still love you.
“We are okay,” I tried to reassure him. “But we need you.” “Nobody needs me.” “That’s not true,” I argued, heart disintegrating in my chest. “Come back to me.”
“Good job, stud.” “Don’t go, queen.” “I won’t.” “Stay with me.” “Always.”
“He’s always saving me,” she whispered, releasing her hold on me. “I wish I could do the same for him.”
“Remember this moment,” she added quietly. “Remember what I looked like the day you broke my heart.”
“I love you.” Panicking when she didn’t respond, I reached for her again. “Aoife—did ya hear me?” “Yeah, and you love that shit you inject into your veins more.”
“Just hold onto me, Molloy.” “Okay,” was all I could say in response, while my heart well and truly split down the center. “I’ll be with you, Joe.”
“Hey, stud.” “Hey, queen.” “Nice shirt.” “Nice legs.”
“Rule number one, you boundary-absent, morally lacking, conniving bitch: If you put hands on another girl’s fella, make damn sure you know how to throw a punch!”
If I had a packet of Rolos right now, I’d give you my last one.
Don’t worry, Peter Pan. I’ll be your Wendy.
“Just put your arms around me and hold me like you’re not going to see me for another three months,”
“Don’t be here.” He leaned in and kissed me hard. “Be somewhere better.” “I don’t take orders from you,” I breathed, lips moving against his. “You should know that by now.” “Because you’re crazy stupid.”
“Now, you get your sexy ass better and come home to me. Because I’m going to need you healthy, okay?”
“I’ve loved you since then.” Another kiss. “From the first time I laid eyes on you, sitting on the wall with your blond hair blowing around your face.” His tongue snaked out, teasing mine. “I just didn’t know it then.”
“Joe?” “Yeah, baby, it’s me.”
“Hey, stud.” “How’s my queen?” “Missing you,”
