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“It’s ten a.m. we’re not open yet, Jackass.” He points a finger at me as he walks back behind the bar. “How’s the shoulder?” he asks, nodding to the strap draped across my chest.

“It’s fucked,” I admit. “I can hopefully ditch the cast and sling next week, and if all is good, I’ll start physical therapy.”

“Here?” His movements don’t stop but I know my friend.I catch his sly way of asking if I’ll be around for a while. No matter how long I’ve been gone, we’ve remained mates through the years, anddamnit feels good to be around him again.

“Yeah, mate. I’m home.”

“Cool.” He nods nonchalantly while sliding a pint across the mahogany top.

“I’ve got an appointment at old man Murphy’s in a few days.” His head pops up, and he fails miserably at hiding his smile. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“Something.”

“It’s just that old man Murphy doesn’t actually work there anymore. It’s still his practice but he had to hire someone new. The old man got too old.”

“And what? You don’t like the new guy?”

“Girl.”

“Excuse me?”

“The new girl.”

Ahh.“You fancy her?”

He casually shrugs his shoulders while drying off a glass. “I’m working on her.”

The kitchen door swings open, followed by a tall brunette carrying a crate of glasses. It’s been years since I last saw her in person, but I recognize her instantly.

“You remember my cousin, Ava?” Liam asks.

“Of course. Ava, looking good.” I tip my head to her.

“Likewise, KB.”

“I hadn’t heard you were back in town.”

“Funny, I could say the same about you.” She smiles, setting the crate on a shelf below the bar.

“Touche.” I want to ask if she’s back by choice but I don’t want to answer any more questions about myself so I give herthe same respect. “So what is an international supermodel doing slumming it here, with your cousin?” I ask instead. “Surely, there are better job opportunities for someone like you.”

Liam whips a dirty towel at my chest. “Fuck off. We’re full-staffed now, mate.” I raise my eyebrows, twisting around on my stool. “I told you, we’re closed. But come the weekend, I’ve got to flash the lights on them.”

“Not the lights.” I hold my hand up in defense.

“You joke butThe Saloonis the place to be Thursday through Saturday. The tourists come all week but the locals really fill the place up on the weekend.”

“Nice to see you’ve upgraded from‘Liam’s place’.” I laugh, taking a drink of my water.

“Well, after a few too many people getting confused and showing up at my house, I decided to change it.”

“Plus he was sleeping with the girl that works at the office supply store,” Ava adds, and I smile that at least one thing hasn’t changed. It is a bit of a cold reminder though, that while Liam hitting on every woman that crosses his path hasn’t changed, the list of things that have feels endless. “But to answer your question, it was just time for me to come home.” She shrugs her shoulder while continuing to dry off a glass. “Kind of like you.”Except it wasn’t my choice.I fight the urge to curl my lips, and instead, I nod and lift my glass to her.

When I left Stoney Meadow, I felt like I was the only one doing anything. I didn’t feel better than anyone because I knew most people didn’t want to leave, but I did. Liam and I met when he gave me the hardest tackle I had ever encountered at nine years old. We played rugby together for the next ten years alongside our other mate, Dax. But while it wasn’t a question of whether I would get out of here and go pro,neither of them had the same desire. At the time, I thought they were crazy, but now that I’m back and have nothing to show for it while Liam owns a bar and Dax owns the town gym, I wonder if they’re the ones who had it right all along. My two best friends, my family, and everyone else in this town seem to not only be building a life for themselves and living, but actually thriving.

I chug the rest of my drink in one large gulp and sit it on the bar a little harsher than I intended. “Alright, well, I’ve got to get going. Got to try and get some sleep before I’m up all night.” Liam cocks a brow at me. “I got put on night shift duty up at the main house.”