falling for 13 || Johnny Kavanagh

Are You Being Serious?

G R A C E

I found Joey in the living room, sprawled out on the couch with the TV blaring some random sports highlights. His feet were kicked up on the coffee table, and he was halfway through a bowl of cereal, staring at the screen like nothing in the world mattered. Typical Joey. Typical for when our parents weren't home, Shannon was at Claire's house, and our younger brothers were with Nanny Murphy.

I hovered in the doorway for a second, my stomach doing that stupid fluttery thing it did whenever I was nervous. Why was I even nervous? It was Joey, for Christ's sake. Still, I knew I had to get it over with. Taking a deep breath, I walked in and stood in front of the TV. "Joey, can I talk to you for a second?"

He let out an exaggerated sigh, tossing the remote to the side as he sat up. "You're blocking the TV, Grace."

"I need to tell you something," I said, feeling my heart pick up speed.

Joey raised an eyebrow at me, now looking more interested. "Okay... What is it?"

I took a deep breath, forcing the words out before I could backtrack. "I've got a boyfriend."

For a second, there was silence. Then, to my complete frustration, Joey burst out laughing. "You?" he said, his grin wide. "You've got a boyfriend?"

I scowled, crossing my arms. "Yes, me."

Joey leaned back, still grinning. "Alright, alright, who's the lucky fella?"

I hesitated for just a second before saying it. "Cian Starkey."

That wiped the grin off his face.

"Wait, Starkey?" He stared at me like I'd just told him I was dating a murderer. "As in Cian Starkey from my hurling team?"

I nodded, arms folded against my chest.

Joey shook his head, looking bewildered. "You're serious? Starkey?"

"Yeah..." I replied, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. "Is that a problem?"

Joey blinked a few times, still trying to process the information. Then he let out a low whistle. "That's mad. Starkey's... he's alright, I guess. But I didn't think you'd go for a lad like him."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, feeling a little defensive now.

He shrugged. "I dunno. Just didn't think he was your type. Plus, how would you feel if I went out with one of your mates?"

I snorted. "You wouldn't. You've always said Tommen girls are too posh for you."

Joey grinned at that, his earlier surprise melting away into amusement. "Fair point. But still—Starkey of all people?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, Starkey. Can you stop being weird about it now?"

He held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Just... don't expect me to go on double-date with him or anything."

I laughed, shaking my head as I turned to leave. Joey might act like an idiot sometimes, but at least he wasn't making a big deal about it. And that was enough.