Page 21 of Kick Out of It

You saw nothing.

Yes, I did. No more unsending messages.

Do I have to wait for tonight to see you?

Have you no patience, Mr. O’Leary?

You know how I feel about you calling me that. How’s your arse feeling this morning? Do you need a reminder?

I bark out a laugh and Lettie jumps at the sound. “Christ, Nor!”

“Sorry!”

Another message comes in from Ronan before I can respond.

What are you doing later? Are you and Leo already unpacked?

Like you said, I saw you a couple of hours ago. When would I have had time?

I can stop by later and help?

That’s okay. I’m taking Leo to the park in a bit. He’s worried he needs to practise before playing next week.

I’ll do you one better.

Before I can ask what he meant, there’s a link for two visitor passes for a newly built posh gym that has everything from an olympic-sized swimming pool to an indoor pitch.

Let me know what time you’ll be there and I’ll meet you.

There is no point in arguing; I’ll give in and he fucking knows it. I can’t even tell him we will meet him after Leo and I have lunch, Ronan would likely invite himself along. Setting down my phone, I leave the message for later. Lettie doesn’t look up from hers, laughing, “You’re in so much trouble.”

Leoand I exit the taxi to a monstrosity of a building next to the Cork FC practice pitch. From far away, it appears as if it’s part of the club’s property, but from what I read online, it’s open to the public with membership. Leo and I are so distracted taking in the structure that we don’t notice Ronan jogging up to us until he’s a few feet away.

“Ronan!” Leo cheers, running the last of the short distance between us and hugging his hero. My first instinct is to stop it, unsure if Ronan wants to be hugged or not. My breath catches watching Ronan embrace him and ruffle his hair.

“I heard you need to practise for next week. Mind if I join you?” Ronan asks Leo, then his eyes finally meet mine. “If it’s alright with your mum.”

Do not cry. Do not cry. Do. Not. Cry.

“Of course,” I reply, stifling a sob. Quickly reining in my emotions, I pull my purse higher into my shoulder. “Well, you better get to it. Leo and I still have unpacking to do.” I meant it in jest, but the moment the words leave my mouth, I regret them.

“Unpacking? Why don’t I come by after? I’m sure you could use an extra hand. It’ll give Leo more time to practise.”

There it is.

“Oh, that’s all right, we don’t need he?—”

“Please, Mom?”

With a defeated sigh, I reluctantly nod and Ronan leads the way into the facility. It’s modern with minimal decor, mostly grey and white with black accents. There’s soft, tranquil music playing, and It feels more like a spa resort than a gym.

A woman wearing a black jumper and tan slacks at the small reception desk greets Ronan as we approach. “Mr. O’Leary, welcome back.”

“Julie, good to see you. How’s your Nana?”

“Much better thank you! Is it just the three of you today?” Ronan replies with a curt nod. “I’ve already prepared your visitor badges.” She hands them to him, then asks me, “Are you a seven and a half, eight? Or would you like extra room for the socks with an eight and a half?”

“I’m sorry, what?”

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