CHAPTER 1: PATRICK

_PRESENT DAY_

_ SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY PREGAME MADNESS _

Tally's bustles with a craze of activity as we prepared for the weekend ahead. Decorations hang from the ceiling, banners display ‘Buffalo Bucks' in red and blue along the walls, and the scent of savory pub food drifts through the air. Lili brought special hot sauce for the chicken wings and deemed them a must-have item for every football game tomorrow. If Lili declares we need it, I make it happen. September is just the start to what she considers to be a good time with American football. I call it hogwash. At least we still enjoy a good game of Rugby together.

Lili has kept me on my toes these past seventeen years and I would'ne have it any other way. She's been there every step of the way; helping me through the confusing phases of my life, unsure of who I was or that I liked men. I cannae thank her enough for comforting me through the struggles and repercussions my father left me with. Lili has her own tragic past, in yet, we've made it through hell and back – here we stand, mighty warriors. Together. This event though, this is going to test my patience and she knows it.

[Patrick] "Are ye mad, woman!? This event is going to turn to utter shite! Why did I agree to this?" I shout to her from behind the bar while Whole Lotta Love plays over the pub speakers. Classic Rock during the day, while indie bands and solo artists fill the space at night. There is no place I'd rather be than here at my pub. Lili is unperturbed as she finishes assembling the massive balloon arch.

[Lili Confident] "It'll be fine, just ye wait." Lili's cheeks glow from inflating a bunch of the balloons. "There will be Shark's security team here to help with crowd control, and Zander said there will be members of the Bucks mafia, too. Yer just too stubborn."

[Patrick unconvinced] "I'll believe it when I see it." I scowl at her and add. "What ye call stubborn, I call strong-will."

[Lili] "That's total pish." Her laughter is infectious and I cannae help joining her.

Lili married her other half, Alexander, a month ago, and while only knowing one another for a short while, they are meant to be. When ye know they are the one, why wait? The change brought on by having Zander in her life has made her spirit brighter. They are two halves of the same whole. A perfect fit that will stand the test of time. It's captivating how well they silently communicate. It holds promise for my future. Maybe one day I will have that type of connection with someone.

I informed Zander I would'ne take it lightly if he ever hurt my mate. I'm still a bit salty with him for how he went about his proposal. The wanker should'a told me sooner so I had more time to talk to Lili about it, make sure this decision was the right one. I suppose it worked itself out in the end and I should let it go. Nope. For now, he's still a wanker. I'm kidding. The lad is kinda growing on me.

I kept busy behind the bar, arranging bottles of beer and spirits, ensuring everything was in its place. I'm itching to toss bottles back and forth with Lili later, and as soon as I mention it, I will get to experience the excitement in her eyes. It's absolutely stunning.

Lili sighs as she takes a seat on a bar stool, the red and blue balloons she inflated decorate the thresholds and archways perfectly. Her sketchbook is open to a page with a list of things to do before the doors open. We have everything crossed off except for the projector and the screen, which Zander should be dropping off within the hour. Her next sigh she revealed she's creating a plan in her head.

[Lili] "Ye ken, Patrick, I've been thinking'."

[Patrick] "That's never a good sign." She's quick to toss the bar rag at my face.

[Lili] " Fuck off . I'm tryin' to have a moment with ye." She straightens and closes her sketchbook. That book is always open. She is serious about whatever she has to say. I lean against the bar and lend her my undivided attention. "After this weekend, allow me to handle things here for a week or two. Tis time ye take a holiday." I toss my head back in a laugh.

[Patrick] "That's hogwash. Nae chance of that happenin'. I cannae ask that of ye."

[Lili] "Ye dinnae ask. I'm offering – better yet, I'm demanding ye take a holiday." She leans in, her voice lowering even though we're the only ones here. "I'll be in the city for a while learning the details of my mum's legalities and mental stability, and my little sister is confused in what is happening and needs me." She places a hand on my forearm and brandishes me with her puppy-dog eyes. "It be nice to have this place to keep me grounded in the chaos." I grumble at the mention of her wicked witch of a mother.

Lili's maw put her through hell for years, now she's in a lavish loony bin being catered to. The woman is pure maddie – she isn'e right in the head. Guinevere can rot there fer all I care. Given all the shite she's put us through; I never want to see her again. Such an evil woman.

If anyone deserves a holiday it's Lili, however, she's made up her mind and will tease me daily until I submit to her. [Acceptance] That pang in my chest told me I could use a few days away, visit the beautiful hills of Scotland, breathe the crisp clean air, and love Betty and Wilma, the highland coos on my uncle's farm.

I look around the pub, the memories rushing back to a few years ago when I stumbled upon this place – a neglected gem in the heart of London's art district in need of a good polishing. With a wee bit of hard work and Lili's devoted partnership, we turned it into a thriving pub and music venue and is a place tourists flock to now.

[Patrick Sincerity] "Ye've been a godsend, Lili. I would'ne have made this place what it is without ye." Her lips spread in a wicked smile.

[Lili] "Well, someone has to keep that temper of yers in check." She squeezed my arm, her features softening. "Please consider it. Can ye do that fer me?"

[Patrick sighs] "I suppose I can. [Sarcastic] Only fer ye, though."

[Lili witty] "Ye know how to make a lass feel special."

We share a chuckle as Zander and his Marine mate Shark arrive with a big box containing the projector screen. The anticipation of the weekend's events is building and I'm thrilled Lili is home to experience it with me. The moment is like we're back in time as kids; music blasting, laughter flowing, just existing, not a care in the world.

[Shark Exuberant] "It's long and heavy, just the way I like it!" Shark yells his intended innuendo as he and Zander stop near the bar. "Let's get this baby put together! Watching football on a movie screen is going to be epic !" Shark is always like this. I'm learning it's best to ignore his quirks. At the way Zander is glaring daggers, he doesn't seem so happy with Shark at the moment.

[Zander, unimpressed] "You are such a traitor. [Bitter] Saying you're a Vipers fan in the house of the Bucks Mafia. Really, Shark? How fuckin' dare you ."

[Shark, hesitant laughter] "Hey, I was just kidding about that. I'm totally rooting for the Bucks! I swear!" Shark shifts on his feet. "Now, this fucker is heavy. Let's get a move on. [Suggestive] I've got a hot date back at my flat with Avery and Miles, and a couple of vibrating rubber duckies."

[Zander] "Oh, here we go. [dull] No one wants to hear about your sex toy fascination."

[Shark amused] "C'mon Corporal, don't dis the duckie . You're just jealous you don't have one. [Teasing] Don't worry though, I'll share the link with your wife. She'll know exactly what to do with it."

[Lili] "Ooh. Yes, please. I love a good play time." Zander's tone is full of warning toward his wife.

[Zander growly] " Siren , do not encourage him." That doesn't stop Shark whatsoever.

[Shark witty] "It works the best if you use it just under his balls-

[Zander shocked] "Young! Don't give my wife any ideas!"

The pub erupts in laughter as Zander's face reddens with anger and most certainly embarrassment. Lili winks at Shark who grins excitedly.

[Shark] "Better yet. I have an extra unopened duckie back at the flat. Think of it as my second wedding gift for the two of you. Oh, the memories you'll make ."

[Zander balks] "What the hell is happening right now?" Zander turns to his wife with questioning eyes. He'd rather see this conversation come to an end. I second that.

[Lili assertive] "Ah, love. The mistress expects you to play later." She leans in and whispers something in Zander's ear then set a kiss to his cheek before backing away. His lips pull into a half smirk and gaze turns lust filled.

[Zander] "I love it when you take charge, siren." Zander utters, sending his wife hungry eyes.

Holy shite! I did not expect that to come from Lili. I never knew she delved into kink. I learn something new about my mate each time I see her – Now if my office is locked later, I know why.

Shark dinnae chance anything and took to watching his back the rest of the day knowing Zander would return the jab at some point. This day is turning out to be quite an enjoyable one. So far.

As the evening of pre-game day wound down, the pub continued to buzz with excitement from those who took to helping with the set up. Close friends trickle in for a closed-door happy hour before the doors were set to open tomorrow. Everyone's laughter blends with the sounds of clinking glasses and spirited banter, and I find it brought out a lighter side of me. My temper can get the best of me if things don't go as planned and so far, I have to say things are running fairly smooth.

Lili is behind the bar with me, drink mixing and chatting with the patrons. During a lull, she notices I've been rather quiet this evening and decides to act on it.

[Lili] "Tell me, Patrick. When was the last time ye had a wee bit of fun?" I finish replenishing the undercarriage of pint glasses. There is only one type of fun she's referring to.

[Patrick] "Fun? What's that?" She might think I'm taking the piss. I have'ne had a day of fun in a long while. My time is devoted to me pub; she knows that. She shot me a mischievous grin, eyes gleaming with playful intent.

[Lili] "Ye need to find yerself a lad. Someone to keep things exciting ."

[Patrick scoffs] "Aye. Like I've got time fer that." Now that my mate has found love she think it's my turn.

[Lili] "Ahh, ya never know. Maybe one of these Americans lads tomorrow will sweep ye off yer feet."

Even though I brush off her suggestion, she clearly knows it's been a while since I'd been with a man. The thought of a fling with an American, having an enjoyable time in my bed, it sounds enticing, and long overdue. I'm not quick enough in my reply before she's continuing her statement.

[Lili] "Come off it, Patrick. Ye've been overworkin' yerself without so much as a day off. Ye need a man to give you a good roll in the sheets now and again. Helps maintain this insanity we call life."

[Patrick] "We're gettin' philosophical now, are we?" I tease.

[Lili] "Damn right we are." She confirms, not leaving well enough alone.

I shake my head trying to dismiss her words, yet my mind played it like a reel. I have to shut this down before it goes too far.

[Patrick] "Yer just as bad as Gran, assuming I need someone. I'm fine being single." Gran is Lili's grandmother; someone I've grown close to after moving to London. Her advice and knowledge of music helped form a bond I dinnae expect and will cherish always. Now the sweet lass is retired, travelling in her spare time. When she returns from her adventures she tells me all about the single men she's met. Gran is one sassy lass, and I love her fer it. Lili grins, eyes twinkling with determination.

[Lili] "Gran isn't here, however, she taught me well. It's my turn to tell ya how it is." She refills a pint and gives it to the patron before continuing. "I have a feelin' about tomorrow. He will be here, I'm sure of it." I scoff, not believing her predictions.

[Patrick] "I'm not a believer in that mystical nonsense, ya ken." I turn a quizzical eye on her. "How many bevvys have ye had? Ye've done lost yer heid." Lili chuckles and tosses a bar rag at me.

[Lili] "Fuck off! Yer talking pish! Ye damn well ken I'm sober." Her tone softens and body relaxes. "Just ye wait, mate. Luck is on yer side." She wiggles and dances where she stands and tries her best at making me dance with her.

[Patrick] "Like hell I'm dancing."

[Lili coaxing] "Awe, c'mon, mate. Live a little."

I shake my head and plant my feet firmly to the floor as she tugs at my arm in protest. She huffs a breath then sticks her tongue out teasingly which has me chuckling.

Ever since my mate found her man Zander earlier this year, she has transformed into the wild, carefree Lili I remember as kids. It's a spectacular sight to see.

[Patrick Chuckling] "I am lacking confidence, but let's see how lucky I am, I guess." Lili smacks the bar top.

[Lili] "Aye! That's the spirit!" She clasps my shoulder and grins big. "I'll be right here all day as your wing woman, scoping out potential lads to feed your appetite."

[Patrick groaning] " Oh, here we go ." Lili giggles before shuffling to the kitchen to check on the cooker. What do I do now? I dinnae think I have a choice in the matter. Bloody hell.

As the pub empties with the last of the patrons bidding a farewell til tomorrow, I find myself recalling Lili's words. I could'ne shake the lingering hope that perhaps she might be right. Finding myself a quick fling with no strings sounds better with each passing hour.

I wonder if there is a man out there who could make this Scotsman's heart beat a little faster.

Only one way to find out.