The Irish Getaway: A Kennedy Boys Optional Short Novel (The Kennedy Boys)

by Siobhan Davis

  It’s completely irrational to see two grown men going at it like wild animals. To be fair, most punches hit the air rather than each other, but still. James growls at something Adam says before Kaden plants himself in between them, talking in a low tone of voice. The other boys stand around the edges, waiting to see how things pan out.

  “Why are they fighting?” I ask, slipping my ruined heels off and leaving them at the front door. Alex averts her eyes, looking everywhere but at me. “Please tell me,” I ask quietly.

  She lifts her head, and her face is full of compassion. “It’s only because he’s drunk.” I beseech her with my eyes. “Your father tried to kiss me, and James took offense.”

  My brain is frazzled, and I blink profusely as I stare at her with my mouth hanging open. “What?”

  She smooths a hand over her hair. “We’ve all had too much to drink. Everything was going great until your dad’s friends left. Because it was so late, he decided to wait around for Whitney, so that only left the three of us. James went to the bathroom, and your father and I were talking, and he leaned in to kiss me just as James stepped back into the room. He went ballistic, hauling Adam out here, and they started going at it.”

  The lump in my throat almost chokes me but not enough to dampen my curiosity. “Did you want to kiss my dad?” I eyeball her.

  She instantly shakes her head, grimacing a little. “No, sweetheart. Your father is a lovely man, but I don’t have those kinds of feelings for him. To be fair, I don’t think he has them for me either. Like I said, drink makes you act stupidly sometimes.”

  The men have stopped fighting now. Keven and Kaden are talking with James, while Ky and Kal talk to Adam. “What a total fuck-up,” I mutter.

  “We’ll fix everything tomorrow. Don’t worry, sweetheart. It’ll all be fine.” I think she’s trying to convince herself as much as me.

  Ky steps up to us. “Can you get Whitney, please? Kev is going to drive your dad and sister home.”

  “Okay.” Silently, I mouth “Stay with your mom.”

  I race up the stairs and burst into my room. Whitney is sitting on our bed with her knees tucked into her chest, staring straight ahead. Her hair is sopping wet, and she’s only wearing a bath towel. Kent is rummaging in my wardrobe. “You put her in the shower?” I ask, lifting a brow.

  “She smelled like puke, and she was filthy. I had no choice. Don’t worry, I kept my eyes on the ground.” I pin him with a disbelieving look. He curses. “You must think I’m a total douche if you assume I’d take advantage of a situation like this.” He doesn’t look happy at the thought.

  “It’s okay. I believe you, and thank you for looking after her. We need to get her downstairs. Can you make her a coffee and grab a bottle of water while I help her get dressed?”

  “Sure.” He takes a quick look at Whitney, pausing as if he wants to say something, before shaking his head and slipping out of the room.

  I pull a short black dress out of my wardrobe that’s a close enough match to the one she was wearing tonight. Hopefully, Adam won’t notice. I remove my hairdryer and walk to the bed. “Whitney, we need to hurry up. Dad is waiting for you.”

  “I don’t have the energy,” she mumbles.

  “Is it okay if I do it?”

  She shrugs, and I take that as my cue. I quickly blow dry her hair, thankful she cut it, and run a facial wipe over her face before helping her into the dress. I pull a pair of flip-flops out of my wardrobe and slip them on her feet. “Faye,” she whispers. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

  I stop what I’m doing, straightening up so I’m looking her in the eye. “You’re my sister. This is what sisters do.” My brow furrows. “I think.”

  “Oh.” She looks disappointed in my answer, and that disappoints me.

  I place soft hands on her shoulder. “Kent should never have taken you there tonight. I was extremely worried that something had happened to you. I would never have forgiven myself if you’d been hurt.” I bite the inside of my mouth. “I know we don’t know each other very well, but I’m really hoping we can rectify that. I’m not your enemy, Whitney. I just want to be your friend.” The vulnerable look on her face unravels me. The usual front Whitney presents is far easier to deal with. I’m out of my comfort zone with this Whitney, but I like it. I feel like I’m finally getting a glimpse at the girl who is my sister. Behind all the bravado, and the attention-seeking behavior, she’s drowning. “I’ve always wanted a sister,” I continue. “And I’d really like it if we could try to be that to one another.”

  She gulps and a lone tear drips down her face as Kent knocks on the door. “Give us a minute,” I call out. I brush her tear away with my thumb. “I’m always available if you want to talk, about anything or nothing.”

  “All the people I let in leave me,” she whispers, and a part of my heart breaks.

  “I have some experience of that.”

  She nods slowly. “Thank you. For coming after me. For getting me out of there.”

  I smile. “I’d do it again to keep you safe. I’m glad nothing happened.”

  “Can I come in yet?” Kent grumbles from the corridor, and we share a smile.

  “You like him?” I ask.

  She shrugs. “I guess so.”

  I let Kent in and he keeps his arm around Whitney’s shoulder while she takes timid sips of her coffee. Ky appears in the doorframe. “We need to move things along before round two kicks off downstairs.”

  “I’m ready.” Whitney hands me her mug, looking more composed and a lot more sober than when she arrived. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the house.”

  I nod. She starts to walk away, but I pull her into a quick hug. “See you tomorrow.”

  Her cheeks redden as Kent guides her out of the room.

  Ky strips off his muddy shirt, tossing it on the floor. “What a night.”

  I shimmy out of my dress, yawning. “You’re telling me. Why can’t we ever seem to go out without some bloody drama occurring?”

  He snorts. “Forget it, babe. That’s never going to happen. Drama is our middle name.”

  We all sleep in the following morning, and I’m grateful that we have limited time before we have to leave for my grandparents’ house. The stress hovering over everyone like a dark cloud is claustrophobic. Kaden and Keven seem to have retreated to their earlier position, and they’re not talking again. Alex is giving a sheepish-looking James her best stink-eyed look, and both of them are clearly nursing hangovers from hell. The rest of us are tiptoeing around the elephant in the room.

  Until Kal saunters into the kitchen.

  Kal can always be counted on to say what needs to be said.

  Yawning, he drags a hand through his hair which is currently sticking up in all directions. He yanks the fridge door open, removing the juice. Chugging from the carton, he turns around, stalling as he surveys all the glum expressions. “Don’t stop the party on my account,” he drawls. He tosses the empty juice carton in the bin before sauntering to the table.

  “So, I’m curious.” He slings an arm around Alex’s shoulder. “Did Adam try to slip you the tongue, or was it more of a peck on the lips?”

  Alex shakes her head, as coffee sprays from my uncle’s mouth. “Stop it, Kalvin,” she pleads. “You’re only going to make things worse.”

  A serious expression washes over his face. “That’s where you’re wrong, Mom. Not discussing things, and keeping secrets, almost killed us in the past. Pretending it didn’t happen won’t make it go away.”

  “This is for your mother and me to resolve,” James says, standing up. “But I appreciate the sentiment, son.”

  Ky and I exchange surprised expressions. “You’re wrong,” I add. “This involves my dad too, and it’s more than just what happened last night.” Ky squeezes my thigh under the table in a show of support. “I hate the thought I’ll have
to keep both sides of my family separate, which is the reality if you guys don’t sort stuff out.”

  James clears his throat. “You’re right, and I’ll fix this.” He looks at Alex. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you last night. It’s the just the thought of you with any other man…”

  He doesn’t need to finish the sentence. We all get it. I cock my head to the side, gesturing at my cousins. We need to give them privacy to discuss it. Discreetly, we exit the kitchen one by one.

  Ky is using the SatNav to guide him on the drive to my grandparents’ house while I bounce in my seat, awash with nerves. “Babe. It’s going to be fine. They’ll love you.”

  I give him a frail smile. “I was already nervous about today, but after last night, I’m a million times more nervous.” I didn’t get to talk to my dad, and I’m wondering how awkward things are going to be between us. I’m also half-expecting a lecture on not following through on my promise to look after Whitney. Is it wrong that I’m hoping my dad was too drunk and too ashamed to notice the state of his other daughter?

  Ky veers into a short driveway filled with gravel, parking the car in front of a large cream-colored bungalow. The front garden is pretty and colorful and clearly lovingly maintained. The bungalow is an older type of property, but the wide windows look modern, and it seems freshly painted. I wipe my clammy palms down the front of my knee-length white cotton summer dress, opening the door before I can chicken out. Ky rounds the front of the car, pulling me to him. “You’ve got this, babe, and I have your back.” He pecks my lips briefly, and some of my unease lifts. “And you look gorgeous. If anything, you’ll dazzle them with your good looks.”

  I palm my forehead, smiling despite my nerves. “Oh, God help us if you’re borrowing cheesy one-liners from Kent now.”

  He kisses the tip of my nose. “I don’t care. I made you smile and think about something else for a minute.”

  I lean up and kiss him on the lips. “Thanks for coming with me.” I take his hand, and we walk toward the front door. Flower boxes adorn each windowsill, and two large hanging baskets decorate either side of the door. They swish in the gentle breeze, and a delicate floral scent wafts through the air. A huge copper pot is packed full of luscious blooms, and I can already tell at least one of my grandparents is into gardening.

  The door swings open before I’ve had time to knock. My dad is framed in the doorway, an anxious expression on his face. “Hi, sweetheart. Can I have a word before I introduce you?”

  “Sure.” I shuffle uncomfortably on my feet.

  Ky hangs back, but Adam shakes his head. “I’d like you to hear this too, Kyler.”

  Ky lines up behind me, and I rest against his warm body.

  Adam looks embarrassed as he speaks. “I’m very sorry about last night. I’m totally ashamed of my behavior. I’d like to blame it on too much whiskey, but that’s only partly the reason. I think you know things have been fraught with me and your uncle, and it was only a matter of time before it blew up, but I want you to know that I’m going to fix things. The last thing I want is any tension or awkward feelings because I know how much that would upset you.”

  “Thank you. I would really love it if you two could find some way of getting on. The past is in the past, and we need to move forward.”

  He nods, before turning his attention on Ky. “I want you to know I have the utmost respect for your mother. She’s a fine lady, and I was way out of line last night. I intend on apologizing to her as soon as I see her. In fact”—his gaze dances between us—“if it’s okay with you both, my parents would like to invite the rest of your family over here for dinner later. I told them I would ask you first.”

  I glance at Ky, and he shrugs, letting me know it’s my decision. “I’d like that. If you’re sure it’s wise?” Perhaps some distance is needed for everyone to cool down.

  “I’d rather not let things fester. Best to tackle this head on, if Alex and James are in agreement. I can ring them or—”

  “It’s okay. I’ll call my mom,” Ky agrees, removing his phone from his pocket. He steps back a little to make the call.

  “I am truly sorry, Faye. Trying to kiss your aunt and fighting with your uncle is something that shouldn’t have happened.”

  “It’s okay… Dad. Forget it.” Please drop it. This is right up there on the never-want-to- think-about-this-type-of-gross-stuff-ever-again scale of awkwardness. I just want to be done with this conversation before it scars me for life.

  “They’ll be here about six.” Ky takes my hand.

  “Perfect.” My dad loops his arm in mine, and together we step into the house.

  My knees are knocking and my heart is thundering in my chest as we walk toward the back of the house. Everyone is waiting outside, apparently. Peals of laughter ring out as we step through a large, comfortable country-style kitchen onto a wide gray-stone patio. I cling to Ky’s hand, urging him not to let go. “Breathe, baby,” he whispers, sending me a reassuring smile.

  A slim blonde-haired woman with a bright smile steps forward to greet us. She is wearing white three-quarter-length trousers and a purple tank top under a flimsy white cardigan. Open-toed sandals adorn her tiny feet. Her nails are painted a vibrant purple. My lip trembles as she gets nearer. A tall distinguished man with salt and pepper hair is playing football with the twins at the side of the large garden. He’s obviously my grandfather. Lifting his head up, he smiles. Tousling my brothers’ hair, he ambles toward us with an easy gait.

  Adam gently tucks me into his side, and I reluctantly let go of Ky’s hand. “Mum.” Adam beams as the woman stops in front of us. “This is Faye.” His adoring gaze brings color to my cheeks. “Faye, this is your grandmother.”

  I clear my throat. “Hi. It’s very nice to meet you, Grandmother.” I’m embarrassed that my voice comes out stiff and nervous sounding.

  “Call me Eileen, darling. Or Nanna like the other grandkids. Whatever you feel most comfortable with.”

  “Okay,” I squeak, and I’m actually cringing at my own behavior.

  She takes my hand in hers as my grandfather steps up. “You’re every bit as lovely as Adam told us you were. We’ve been on a countdown to this day from the moment he told us about you. Especially after our last phone call, haven’t we, darling?” She turns to her husband, smiling expansively.

  He chuckles. “She’s driven all of us demented waiting for this day.” He leans in, kissing my cheek, and my skin heats up. He chuckles again. “Don’t be nervous. We don’t bite.” He winks, and the beginnings of a smile lift the corners of my mouth.

  My grandmother slaps him playfully on the arm. “Richard. Cut that out. Let the girl settle in before you subject her to your personal brand of humor.” She smiles at me. “He has a limited repertoire, so don’t expect much and you won’t be too disappointed.”

  Adam groans. “Enough of the comedy act, please.”

  “And who is this handsome young man?” Eileen asks, extending her hand to Ky.

  “This is my boyfriend.”

  “I’m Kyler Kennedy, ma’am.” He takes her hand, placing a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.

  “Oh, my.” She fans her face with her hand. “Oh, to be young and in love again.” Her eyes twinkle as she grins at me. “If you ever grow tired of him, be sure to let me know. I’ve always wanted to be one of those cougars.”

  “Jesus, Mum!” Adam’s cheeks redden, and it’s funny to see him embarrassed over his mother’s behavior.

  Ky is struggling to contain his mirth, and I grin at him. For the first time, I start to relax. I lean into him. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Eileen, but he’s a keeper.”

  “Well, darn. There go all my sexy plans.”

  Adam splutters, and my grandfather laughs, and I can’t contain my grin any longer. My grandparents are not at all what I was expecting. They are much younger in appearance and outlook
than I imagined, which shouldn’t really be that surprising as Dad already told me they were only in their sixties, having raised their family at a young age.

  “I hope you’re hungry,” Richard says. “Eileen cooked enough food for an army.” He offers me his arm, and I loop mine in his. “We are going to eat outside if that’s okay?”

  “Sounds great. And don’t worry about any food going to waste. Once my cousins arrive, they will demolish everything in sight.”

  He chuckles again. “We can’t wait to meet them.”

  We spend a pleasant afternoon outside with my grandparents, chatting, eating, drinking, and laughing. The twins play football until they’re ready to collapse. Whitney has been uncharacteristically quiet, picking at her food, and sighing every so often. Adam sends concerned glances her way all afternoon, and it’s obvious he’s still worried about her. He hasn’t said anything about what we got up to last night, so I think we got away with it.

  Richard, or Granddad as he’s insisting I call him, stokes up the barbecue about an hour before the Kennedys are due to arrive. I help my grandmother clear the table and reset it. We chat about everything and anything as we load dishes into the dishwasher. It’s as if they’ve been a part of my life forever, and I can’t believe I was so apprehensive about meeting them. They’re two of the loveliest people I’ve ever met. When I spot Whitney lurking in the corridor, I excuse myself and go to talk to her.

  “How’s the head?” I joke.

  She rewards me with a sour face, and I wonder if all the progress we made last night has already been brushed aside.

  “Fine. I can handle my drink, you know.” She pouts, thrusting her hip out in an argumentative stance.

  “Wasn’t implying you couldn’t. Did Dad say anything to you?”

  “Nope. Not that I was expecting him to. I might as well be invisible.”