Page 27 of Quiet Longing

“Are you telling me my cousins grew up with a room just for toys?” I asked, incredulous.

“Yep, must’ve been nice,” Rhys said, almost wistfully.

“Now, I’m pissed my mom never brought me to visit when I was younger. I would’ve gone crazy for a playroom.”

“Well, I’ll take you up on theFalloutmarathon this weekend if you want. I’m not working.”

“Me neither, but what about Aidan’s birthday party?”

Rhys shrugged. “We can do both.”

“So, you don’t agree with Derek that Nuala and I are far too innocent and pure for Aidan’s wild partying ways?”

“Hey, even I’m too innocent and pure for that,” Rhys said, chuckling. “But a party’s a party, and I’m sure Nuala wouldn’t want to miss it. Plus, I doubt she’d go without you.”

“I guess I better start brushing up on my self-defence moves to fight off all those boozed up, horny guys Derek mentioned,” I joked, and something passed over Rhys’ features, something that made my face feel warm.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe. I mean … you and Nuala. I’ll look out for you both.”

I blinked, my heart giving a quick thud at the protectiveness in his words. It created a low sizzle, a handful of butterflies coming to life in my belly.

I nudged Rhys’ arm, just like he’d nudged mine a few minutes ago. I liked the contact, the feel of his skin on mine, even if only briefly. “Thanks. That’s very kind of you.”

Rhys’ smile was soft, a little self-conscious, too. “It’s no trouble.”

We resumed working, the earlier tension and silence dissipated entirely. Those butterflies were still there, though, and I worried the effect Rhys had on me might be a problem because I was barely even looking forward to Aidan’s party. I was mostly excited to hang out with Rhys and play my favourite video game together with him.

It was official. I had a crush, and there didn’t seem to be any immediate cure.

7.

Charli

As soon as we arrived at Aidan’s house, which was even bigger and fancier than my cousins’, I thought to myself,Shit, maybe Derek was right.

The place was packed with teenagers. I was pretty sure I even spotted a few people in their early twenties, college-looking types. Alcohol was everywhere. I’d had a glass of wine or two on special occasions, plus a few drinks with Gwyn and Lydia at graduation, but nothing like this.

I wore jeans and a low cut, dark purple top. My hair was down and styled in loose waves thanks to Nuala. I thought I looked good, but I had nothing on some of the girls here. I mean,wow. Nuala fit right in with her long, pale hair and light blue summer dress. We stood close together near the door, taking it all in.

“Have you been to one of these parties before?”

Nuala shook her head. “Aidan only throws them once a year on his birthday. This is the first time I’ve been old enough to attend.”

“I’m not sure if either of us is old enough for this,” I said, and she giggled.

“Oh, please tell me you’re not starting to side with Derek.”

I grinned even though Iwasleaning more towards his end of the argument now that we were here. I’d never admit it. “No way. Let’s go find the others.”

Nuala linked her arm with mine, and we started to make our way through the house. We’d just reached the kitchen, which was huge, with the highest ceilings I’d ever seen in a residentialproperty. Again, it was full of strangers, but then a familiar face appeared.

“Theo,” Nuala exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a hug. He seemed a little taken off guard by it, a hint of colour rising in his cheeks as he patted her forearm.

Did Theo like Nuala? The hug didn’t last very long, and when Nuala pulled back, I could tell that she had no clue of Theo’s possible feelings.

“Uh, hey, we were wondering when you two were going to show up,” he said, clearing his throat.

“Let me guess, Derek sent you to search for us.”

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