Page 21 of Last Call (Open Tab #5)

“It’s a car. A yellow Mustang like the one she had when she met my dad.”

“Let me guess. You told your dad about it.”

“Yeah. He just said he was glad I was having fun,” Evan said. “Then he said he had to go.”

Fallon wanted to scream. “Maybe he didn’t know what else to say,” she offered, hoping the words sounded less empty out loud than they did in her head.

Evan nodded, but his mouth pressed into a thin line. “Sometimes I think he doesn’t want to hear about my life.”

Fallon sighed. The truth was that she could relate.

Dean never liked listening to Fallon talk about her relationship with Olivia.

He would make a joke, change the subject, or remain silent.

Listening to Evan reignited her frustration with Dean.

He always needed to win, and for Dean, everything in life boiled down to competing.

He had been unfaithful to Beth, prioritizing his relationship with Liv and the girls over their marriage and time with Evan, then acted wounded when Beth and Evan moved on with their lives.

It was selfish. She needed to find something to ease Evan’s hurt and frustration.

“ I think it’s hard for your dad, knowing he’s missing out on spending time with you,” Fallon offered.

“Or he’s pissed. He’s like this kid at school I know, Bryan Humphrey. He dumped Mia Stearns and then got all pissed when I asked her to the end of year dance.”

Fallon smirked. It seemed she had missed out on more than one eventful twist in her nephew’s life. A dance? Did that count as a date? She shook off the question.

“See? You think so, too. Dad is mad about us liking Pete.”

“If your father is mad about anything or at anyone, it’s himself,” Fallon said. “If anything, he’s jealous. Don’t let him bring you down. I know you miss him. He misses you. But he can also be annoyingly stubborn.”

“Fallon?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think they might? Mom and Pete, I mean? Do you think they might—you know, get together?”

Fallon grinned. “I don’t know,” she replied.

“So what you want to say is, don’t get my hopes up. That’s what Grandma would say.”

“I’ve always thought that was her worst advice,” Fallon said.

Evan’s eyes popped wide.

“What? I do. You have to be able to hope for the things you want,” Fallon said, her gaze drifting to the bar where Andi and Riley were giggling.

“Just remember that sometimes what you think will make you happiest turns out to be different from what you expected,” she said. “Now, tell me about this Mia.”

Riley startled when her phone buzzed. She took a deep breath. “It’s Beth,” she said, answering the call.

Silence instantly replaced laughter and chatter. Fallon looked over at the bar. I hope it’s good news.

“Hi,” Riley said.

“You can breathe,” Beth said. “Marge is headed to recovery. Dale is strutting around like a peacock. Peter James Madigan weighed in at seven pounds, three ounces.”

Riley exhaled, a brilliant smile curling her lips. “Hold on,” she said. “I’m going to put you on speaker. Go ahead.”

“Marge and the baby are both doing fine. Peter James arrived at 8:29. Marge is on her way to recovery.”

A collective sigh of relief was quickly followed by a round of shouted congratulations.

Riley put the phone back to her ear and stepped away from the bar. “They’re a little excited,” she explained.

“Who is the they ?” Beth asked, giggling. “The whole town?”

“Close,” Riley said. “We decided we’d wait for your call at Murphy’s.”

“How many people are sleeping at your house?”

“Besides your kids?” Riley quipped.

“Pete and I can pick them up.”

“No,” Riley said. “I know it’s been a stressful night for him. You two should spend some time alone.”

“Riley.”

“You can pick the kids up whenever you want. Somehow, I think it might be good for you to have tonight with Pete.”

“He’s worried about Evan.”

Riley’s eyes drifted to the booth where Evan and Fallon were sitting. Evan was laughing. “I think Evan is okay. He’s been eating nachos with Fallon. I can have him call you,” Riley suggested.

“No. I’ll have Pete call Fallon’s phone when he comes back. He went to get Dale a coffee. Are you sure you don’t mind the kids spending the night?”

“Are you trying to avoid a night alone with your boyfriend?”

Beth chuckled.

“Not denying it, huh?” Riley teased.

“I hadn’t thought about it that way.”

“Maybe you should.”

“Maybe so,” Beth said. “Thanks, Riley.”

“No worries. Listen, I can drop Evan off at school. Fallon can pick him up after she meets with Jerry. He’s checking on the progress at the house.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“It’s not an issue. Owen loves going to any school. He told me the other day he’s big enough to take the bus.”

“Oh, boy.”

“I know,” Riley said. “Being around the kids is good for him. Why don’t you and Pete join us for dinner tomorrow? I’ll stop by Charlie’s after I take Evan to school. Take the day off from kiddos—other than the new baby, of course.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sure, I’m sure.”

“That would be amazing,” Beth said. “Pete will probably protest, but I know he could use a break. Tonight was stressful.”

“I can’t even imagine. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks again, Riley.”

“Anytime,” Riley said, reclaiming her barstool.

“So,” Billie began. “Beth went with Pete to the hospital, huh?”

“Don’t start,” Andi warned her gently.

“I’m not starting anything. I’m just observing,” Billie said.

Andi rolled her eyes. “Mm-hm. Stop observing your beer and finish it.”

“Why do you want Billie to finish her beer?” Carol asked. “Is it getting too warm in here?”

Andi shrugged. Billie flushed a lovely shade of pink.

“You are so easy,” Carol told Billie.

Fallon appeared behind Riley. “Who’s easy ?”

“Apparently, Billie,” Riley replied.

Fallon looked at Billie. “You do look like you’re a little warm,” Fallon teased.

Riley and Becky laughed.

“On that note,” Andi said, draining the last bit of her margarita. “Come on, Easy Rider.”

Billie grumbled. “Do you have to encourage them?” she muttered as she slid off the stool.

Andi smiled and held out her hand. “I’d rather encourage you ,” she said.

The flush to Billie’s cheeks deepened.

“Goodnight,” Andi said, leading Billie away.

“Take it slow, Easy Rider ,” Fallon called out.

“We always do,” Andi called back as she led Billie through the door.

“Riley?” Becky asked.

“Yes?”

“Do you think Dave and I could sleep at your house tonight?” Becky asked.

Laughter filled the pub.

Owen looked up at Dave, puzzled.

“I don’t know, buddy,” Dave said. “They’re all a little crazy.”

Owen giggled.

“Hey, Dave!” Carol called out. “Looks like you’re having a sleepover at Riley and Fallon’s!”

“We’re sleeping at Fallon’s?” he asked.

Owen started spinning in circles. “Sleepover!” he exclaimed.

Riley shook her head. We really need that bigger house.