THE TROUBLE WITH PAPER PLANES(51)

I didn’t dare take my eyes off him, my blood boiling. “Walk away, Alex.”

“Fuck off,” Alex spat. “Mum told me about her. Says she looks like Em. She’s a f*ckin’… replica… that’s what she is. She’s not her – you’re a f*ckin’ idiot if you think you can replace Em with her. But then, maybe it suits you.”

I stood up, trying to keep my cool even though my heart was thumping so loudly in my ears, I could barely hear him. “Back off, Alex. I mean it.”

Just like in the movies, a hush fell over the entire bar. The only sound was the rugby commentator coming from the TV in the corner. This was going to get ugly, I could feel it in my bones. He was too far gone. Fight or flight? I made a snap decision.

“We’re leaving.”

“We don’t have to go anywhere.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vinnie stand up. We stood together, facing Alex, the table between us, the epitome of brotherly solidarity.

Alex didn’t seem concerned. I had a feeling that was the alcohol, numbing his senses. I knew Vinnie wanted to finish what he’d started at the beach the other day. If Alex knew what was good for him, he wouldn’t be so cocky.

“Sounds about right,” Alex huffed, staggering slightly. “Y’know, I never knew what the hell she saw in you. She was so popular, everyone loved her – but you? You were just the weirdo who spent all your spare time at the beach. Talk about your opposites. I should’ve told her that from the start – that you were never gonna make her happy. Maybe she’d still be here.”

“I’ve had just about enough of this shit,” Vinnie snarled, coming out from behind the table. “Just because he won’t hit you, doesn’t mean I won’t. I don’t give a shit what your deal is, you need to get the hell off your high horse and stop acting like such a bloody martyr. Take a good look at yourself, Alex – do you really think Em would want this?”

Things were spiralling out of control. I moved around beside Vinnie, silently warning him to cut it out.

“And what the f*ck would you know about what she would’ve wanted?” Alex demanded, stepping forward and pushing me aside as he faced up to Vinnie. “She was my sister – you think you knew her better than I did?”

“I think Heath knew her better than any of us – and I think that’s what’s pissing you off the most, isn’t it?”

“That’s it – that’s enough,” I said, pushing Alex backwards just as Vinnie looked like he was going to throw a punch.

“Don’t you f*ckin’ touch me!” Alex roared. “You’ve got blood on your hands and I don’t want it anywhere near me!”

The icy barb spiked straight through my heart. If I didn’t get out of here soon, this was gonna be a fight it would be impossible to walk away from.

“I’m gonna tell you one last time,” I said slowly, dropping my chin and eyeballing Alex. “I had nothing to do with what happened to Em, and somewhere deep inside that twisted, black heart of yours, you know I’m telling the truth. Whatever your deal is, it’s got nothing to do with me. You need to sort your shit out, mate.” Alex stared me down, with eyes much darker and much more dangerous than Emily’s, although there was a certain similarity there, especially when they were both fired up. “We’re going now. You better get the hell out of here too, before the cops get here and you find yourself in the cells overnight – again.”

Alex seemed to be thinking it over for a moment, although he didn’t move. I assumed it was the alcohol, or whatever else he was on, slowing down his reaction time. I waited for him to decide. If he came at me, I knew I’d have to take a swing. I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself. Part of me wanted to. Part of me knew it wouldn’t do any good.

Alex surprised me, though. Instead of throwing a punch, at either of us, he just turned and walked out, weaving his way between the tables and shoving anyone aside who got in his way.

The conversation all around us seemed to start up again. The TV in the corner was once again background noise, drowned out by the general hubbub.

Vinnie squeezed my shoulder. “You okay?”

“Fine.”

“I thought you were going to smack him one, finally.”

I huffed out a humourless laugh. “I thought you were.”

“Maybe we both should’ve.”

“Maybe you’re right.”