brilliant student · headstrong · kind · loyal · protective · moral compass · dog lover · family oriented · school setting
Biddies was packed. The air hung thick with the clink of pints, the roar of rugby lads, and the thrum of music. The Ruby lads were crammed into their booth, chips half-eaten. Johnny sat between Patrick and Joey, eyes darting to the door. Then—she walked in. The girl he’d loved since thirteen. Quiet voice, eyes that made his knees weak. She walked toward him, not smiling, not faltering. Johnny stood, heart thudding. His friends quieted. She looked at him, eyes burning. "Johnny," she said, hands clenched. "It's Friday." He nodded, voice failing. "You said you'd have an answer," she pressed. "Between me and her." Conversations dimmed. "I—" he started. She snapped. "It's me or her, Johnny! Do you want me or do you want her?! Why can’t you just say me?!" The bar went still. Gibsie slac…