Page 102 of Marley

I don’t know who moved first, me or Maca, but before we were even halfway to the dance floor, George had grabbed Dan by the hair and Ash had thrown a punch that caught him on the right side of his jaw.

I almost jumped through the air as I saw him raise his arm to hit either George or Ash. Luckily, Bailey got there and grabbed it, twisting it behind his back.

I swung as soon as I was within shot and my fist connected with his jaw. And as much as it hurt, it felt so fucking good so I did it again, and again. The only noise I could hear was my own blood rushing through my ears. The only sensation was my fists burning as the skin split when it connected with his teeth and the stubble on his chin. I didn’t even see his face in front of me, just the way he pulled my sister out of the way and his hands on Ashley’s arse.

I’m grabbed under the arms and hauled backwards. When I finally focused, my dad and Len were on either side of me, holding an arm each. Ash stood a few feet away, Bailey at her side as she sobbed. I tried to shrug off my dad and brother and reach out to her, but she stepped back, recoiling almost, and shook her head no.

“Stay away from me. Just stay away from my life.” She screamed before turning and leaving. I’m held in place, going nowhere until fuckhead was thrown out.

I go into the toilet with Len and wash the blood from my hands, whilst apologising continuously.

“Marls, chill. He had it coming. He’d already abused the bar staff and threatened to knock Uncle Ted out. You put your hands on a woman, then you have to expect comebacks. He’s just lucky that you jumped in before Bailey got a chance to. He almost ripped his arm from his socket as it is.”

I was shaking badly and I had nowhere to channel the adrenalin.

“I need a drink.” I told Len.

“You and me both, brother, you and me both.”

Once we’re back at the bar, I found out that George and Maca had taken Ashley home. The venue was only around the corner from her flat, but I was worried ‘Soon To Be Dead Dan’ might follow her home.

I knocked back a double scotch, and then another before I spotted Georgia barrelling across the room towards me.

“What the fuck has gone on between you two?” She was right in my face as she asked.

“Georgia.” Maca warns when he finally catches up.

“Why, what’s she said?” I asked, getting a sense of déjà vu. I’m sure I’ve asked that question before, or is the single malt fogging my brain?

I catch Maca shaking his head over George’s shoulder to let me know she’s just digging. Ash hadn’t told her anything.

“It’s what she didn’t say, Marls. She’s so upset and angry with you and I don’t understand why. Ash don’t get that way over blokes. She never lets anyone close enough, so what’s gone on?”

Now I wanted to cry again. First Maca, and now my sister, setting me off like I’m on my period.

“You all right?” Genuine concern was in her voice as she reached forward and kissed my knuckles. I pulled her in and gave her a cuddle.

“I think I’m in love with your mate, Porge.” I confessed.

She stared up at me, looking a little confused.

“Wh-You mean Ash? You’re in love with Ashley?”

I nodded and smiled at her. She burst into tears and turned and looked at Maca. “My brothers love my two best friends. You love me, and we’re all gonna be a family.”

I kiss the top of her head.

“How much she have to drink?” I asked Maca.

“A lot.” He replied.

By the end of the night, I’ve had a bollocking from my mum before impressing her on the dance floor with my waltz. I’d gotten kisses, cuddles, and propositions from women aged between fifteen and rigor mortis. I’d had a slow dance with my sister and my new sister-in-law, the most beautiful bride I’d ever, at that point in my life, seen.

I’d taught a bunch of seven and eight-year-old cousins how to moonwalk. I’d told my dad, brothers, and Maca that I loved them at least a dozen times, and I’d drank far, far too much whiskey, bourbon, and champagne. I’d done everything except sing to my girl.

Despite being warned not to by just about everyone, I left the wedding and walked/staggered around the corner to Ashley’s flat and leaned on the buzzer until she answered.

“Fuck off, Marley.”