Page 23 of For One Night

As I type my last sentence, a tingle rushes over my body. Over the last four years, every doubt that could plague me has. I’ve fought hard to get here, and I can honestly say, I’m proud of myself.

I release a long-awaited sigh, stretching my arms above my head. “Take that, muthafuckaaa!!!” I spin in my seat as a loud bang at the door startles me.

“Hell yes!!” Lachlan crashes through the door, knocking me and the chair over.

I throw my arms over my head, hoping to take cover from the onslaught. “You … son of a bitch.” The minute I think the worst is over, I’m hit harder.

“One with the elbow drop!” He falls on top of us, his elbow digging into my thigh.

“Arghhhh!” I clutch my leg, punching him in the head. “Fucker!”

Lachlan lands a couple of blows to my ribs. “Stop being a puss.”

“What’s the problem?” One laughs as he and Lachlan continue their assault.

“You two…” I elbow Lachlan in the ribs and punch One in the lower back. “Asshats!” As they wither with pain, I scramble from under them. Leaping to my feet, I motion for them. “Now, bring it, you little shits!”

Lachlan scurries to his feet. “Oh, it’s on! You dickless crabbit!”

“Yeah, what he said!” One jumps up, running at me. He buries his shoulder in my gut, tackling me and knocking the breath out of me.

Lachlan’s mouth hangs. “Aye, I think you’ve killed the wee nyaff.”

“Yeah, what he said!” One high fives my brother. “U.S.A. U.S.A.”

I drag in a long, deep breath and begin to cough. “Eat shit.” I flip him off as I get to my knees.

“Pretty sure I kicked your ass.” He flexes.

Lachlan backhands him in the bread basket, and One doubles over with a gasp. “You can’t kill my baby brother, man.”

“You’re three minutes older than me!”

Lachlan lifts his shoulders then drops them dramatically. “Still older.”

“I’m older than either of you, and I say … party. Party. PARTY!” One offers his hand, waiting for me to take it.

“You seriously think I’m going to fall for that?”

Lachlan pulls himself up, chuckling. “Dude, you’re going to draw back a nub.”

“Pft! He can’t handle all of this.” One poses, flashing his muscles again.

As I stand, I fist my pillow and swing it as hard as I can, hitting him in the face. “One down!” I yell as he crashes on the bed.

“Alright, that’s enough.” Lachlan claps his hands. “We have a party to plan.”

“What party?” Robin asks from the door.

I cut my eyes at Lachlan. “It’s in the early stages but we”—he motions between all of us—“want to celebrate graduation.”

“Yeah, something small.”

“Ish.” One grins.

Robin crosses her arms. “I thought we were planning our trip to Scotland tomorrow?”

“We can do that and work on the party after.”