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TEXT CHAT

Brennan: You still alive?

Conor: I can feel how much you care all the way from across the ocean.

Brennan: You were supposed to check in with us.

Brennan: You didn’t.

Brennan: Remind me to smack you for that when you’re back.

Conor: Why the hell would I remind you to smack me?

Brennan: I’ll just set a reminder on my phone.

Conor: Having memory problems? It comes to us all, deartháir.

Brennan: Fuck off. Do you know how much shit I juggle on a daily basis?

Conor: Isn’t it easier now that Aidan’s back in full form?

Brennan: Sure, but there’s still a fuck ton to manage. Da, believe it or not, was a hard worker.

Conor: He worked long hours. Didn’t think he did much though.

Brennan: Me neither, but he did. Aidan’s picked up Da’s shit, but I’ve had to pick up Aidan’s.

Conor: If you’ve got a lot on your plate, get Declan involved.

Brennan: I have, but there’s still a lot going on right now. Plus, did Aidan tell you those fucking Valentinis called a Summit?

Conor: No. He didn’t tell me. When?

Brennan: He said their new Consigliere has been pestering him since Christmas.

Conor: Why’s he listening now?

Brennan: Dunno. It’s tomorrow.

Conor: Shit. So soon?

Brennan: Yup.

Conor: Your first time stepping up. How you feeling?

Brennan: You gonna make fun of me if I tell you?

Conor: Nah.

Brennan: I’m nervous.

Conor: Thought you would be.

Brennan: Why?

Conor: Da’s life’s work was to perpetuate the belief that nothing you did would ever be enough to make up for what went down with Ma.

Conor: It served him to keep you under his thumb. Gave you a great work ethic, of course, but it doesn’t help in situations like these.

Conor: He was wrong though, Bren. Not only do you have nothing to make up for, but you’re a better man than Da could ever be.

Brennan: What’s with you today?

Conor: Feeling introspective, I guess.

Brennan: Has that woman been running you ragged? Because you don’t fucking deserve it, Conor. Do you hear me?

Conor: I appreciate the big brother act, Bren, but it isn’t Star. You know what’s funny?

Brennan: What?

Conor: I bet you two’ll get along great when you meet.

Brennan: When, not if?

Conor: Definitely. I told you she’s the one.

Brennan: I didn’t know you were a romantic until recently.

Conor: I’m not. This isn’t about romance. This is about knowing.

Brennan: Yeah, right. That’ll be the day.

Brennan: But thanks, Con. You know, about Da…

Conor: I meant it.

Brennan: We gave him a lot of power over us.

Conor: We did. I think we’re only just breaking free of those shackles.

Brennan: You were cut up when he died.

Conor: I was.

Brennan: Aren’t you anymore?

Conor: I dunno what I am. A part of me is still reeling. But another part knows that we’re free now and I think we’ve been chained in place for long enough.

Brennan: I agree. It’s rough atm. So much going on. I’d still take this over having him second-guessing everything I fucking do.

Conor: Agreed.

Conor: How’s Ma?

Brennan: Loopy. Going on about ‘Our Lady’ not being happy about this and that. Thought she was fucking around at first, then Camille said she was talking to Our Lady’s picture in the kitchen when she was cooking.

Conor: Jesus.

Brennan: No, Mary. ;) I think she’s fine though. Talking to yourself is the only way to get some goddamn sense sometimes.

Brennan: She was pissed you weren’t at dinner on Sunday. Fuck knows what she’ll be like when you ain’t here this week either.

Conor: Paddy ate with you?

Brennan: Yeah.

Conor: How are they getting along?

Brennan: Are you matchmaking? Because that’s fucked up. Ain’t it illegal for a man to marry his brother’s widow?

Conor: Maybe if this were 1922 lol. But I’m not matchmaking.

Conor: I just think that Paddy got out from under Da’s thumb a long time ago. Ma’s been under it since she was a fucking teenager. If anyone could help her reacclimatize, it’s Paddy. Not Our Lady. Although, maybe she’d help. Lol.

Brennan: Fair point.

Conor: Plus, if she did fall for him, it wouldn’t be the end of the world, would it?

Brennan: I dunno.

Brennan: It’s weird around here without you, Kid. I’ll feel better when you’re back in the city.

Conor: Say it… You miss me. :P

Brennan: Fuck off.

Conor: And after I was so nice to you as well. Sheesh.

Brennan: Fine.

Brennan: I miss you. Fucker.

Conor: :P I won’t be away for long.

Brennan: I’ll hold you to that.

Conor: I’ll let ya.