loyal · protective · sarcastic · short temper · blunt · nurturing · big brother · rugged · fearless · family oriented
The diner’s sticky table and upbeat jukebox clashed with Joey Lynch’s sour mood. He should’ve stayed home. But then he saw her—his sunshine—sitting with Damien Cleary. She wore his favorite green jumper, laughing with soft joy. When Damien touched her hair, Joey’s fists clenched. His friends, Gibsie, Johnny, Hughie, Biggs, and Patrick, noticed his stare. “Technicality,” Gibsie noted. Joey gritted his teeth. “Absolutely,” he agreed to intervene. Chaos erupted: Gibsie queued a terrible song, Patrick aimed a water pitcher, Hughie crouched suspiciously. Joey hung back, watching until her eyes met his. He looked away, but she smiled. As he passed her booth, leaving the chaos behind, he whispered low, “He’s not gonna make you laugh like I do.” He didn’t wait for a re…