Page 38 of Steadfast

“Bingo,” I muttered, shutting the box again.

“Jesus Christ,” Richie barked, swinging me around to face him. “This is fucking ridiculous. Slow down.”

“No,” I responded instantly.

“You’ll go to jail, Aoife.”

“No, she won’t,” Cian said, carrying two small coolers into the kitchen. He set them on the counter. “Mom was just talkingto Aunt Ashley earlier, confirming that Aoife was planning on driving us out there for my birthday.”

“Jesus, you’re smart,” I said in disbelief, pulling away from Richie. “Start getting ice from the freezer.”

“That never happened,” Richie ground out, glaring at both of us.

“You weren’t here,” Cian said with a shrug. “I was. Plus, I’m sure there are phone records to prove it.”

We quickly packed the coolers and stood staring at everything on the kitchen table.

“I took out the cake stuff, but the rest of it should last us until we get there,” Cian said, glancing at me. “Fewer stops.”

“Yeah.”

Richie just stood there scowling.

“We need to get packed.” I gestured toward the unopened bag on the table. “Open it.”

Cian’s lips tipped into a small grin as he poured the new clothes out of the bag.

“Try them on before you pack them,” I said hoarsely as he held the jeans up to his waist. “Make sure they fit.”

“They’ll fit.”

“Try them on anyway.”

He looked back at me. “Thanks, sis.”

“You’re welcome.” I braced my hand against the table, suddenly exhausted. “Sorry your birthday turned into a fucking nightmare.”

Cian just shook his head. “What are we going to tell them?”

“I’ll tell Saoirse so she knows what to pack,” I replied softly. “We can tell Ro and Ash once we’re on the road.”

“Good call.”

“Go pack,” I ordered.

As soon as Cian had disappeared up the stairs, I turned to Richie. I didn’t think I’d ever seen him so angry.

“Try to understand,” I murmured.

“What happens if they show up to tell you about the accident, and you’re packing the car?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. “Or you get pulled over?”

“Her purse is on the coffee table,” I replied, swallowing tightly. “They won’t know who to notify for a while.”

“Then why don’t you wait?” he exploded. “You have time, right? Call your aunt and—”

“I don’t have her number,” I cut in. “Only Mom had it. I have an address. That’s it. We’re just hoping she’ll even let us stay! We haven’t even seen her since my dad’s funeral.”

“Tell me you see how insane this is,” he said.

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