Page 24 of Kick Out of It

I swipe away and show Nora my empty evening tomorrow. I click the small plus sign, add ‘Dinner with Leo and Nora,’ and turn my phone again. “Well, now I’m all booked. Sorry, I saw a message from my sister about my nephew, mind if I shoot off a quick reply?”

“Of course not, go ahead.”

When is their practice?

Two nights a week at 4.

As long as it doesn’t conflict I can help.

I can cover when you have matches. There’s practice tomorrow, can you make it?

It’s a commitment, but I can’t let my nephew’s team struggle. Our dad would never forgive me.

Sure, I’ll be there.

I love you!

I love you, too.

“Bridget said she needs me to help my nephew, Gavin, tomorrow at four. So, how does six sound for dinner?”

“As long as it isn’t cabbage,” Nora jests, eyes twinkling. “Are you sure you don’t want me to bring something? Or we can have takeaway?”

Before I can answer, the front door opens, and the three of us turn to the sound. It’s followed by a woman’s voice calling into the flat, “That has to be the worst date I’ve been on in ages!” She continues rambling about her date as she drops her handbag onto the couch. Without looking at any of us, she helps herself to a bottle of white wine in the refrigerator. “Oh, you already have red open.” She puts it back, takes out a wine glass from the cupboard, and asks Nora, “Do you think that footballer friend of yours could set me up with someone while I’m here?”

“You can ask him yourself,” Nora chuckles.

“And say what?” She pours the wine and mocks, “I’m here for a week to help my sister get settled. Have a friend who wants no strings attached?I think that’s better coming from—” She pivots and shrieks, “Bloody hell! Where did you come from?”

“Lettie, this is Ronan. Ronan, this is my sister, Lettie.”

“I know who he is,” Lettie groans. “Hi, Ronan. Pleasure to finally meet you. Thanks again for the match yesterday. Leo and I had an amazing time.”

“Of course. Would you like to come to my next one?”

Leo gasps and tugs on Nora’s hand. “Can we?”

“But, sorry, I don’t think I can arrange a date for you with one of my mates.” I huff a laugh. “When you leave, I’d be the one left explaining why my girlfriend’s sister broke their heart.”

“Girlfriend?” Lettie folds her arms over her chest and raises an eyebrow.

Fuck.

“Yes, well, Nora and I are friends… and she’s a girl.” I hate lying, and it’s written all over Nora’s face that she also hates it. I take a deep breath and tell Leo, “I’m sorry, mate, I promised your mum I wouldn’t lie to my family or hers, and I just did. I like your mum, more than as a friend.”

“I knew it,” Lettie laughs, reaching for her wine as Nora chews on her lips. I should have asked her before, but I don’t want to lie to her son about my intentions.

Leo frowns and asks, “So, you guys are dating?”

“Not exactly. Ronan and I are indeed just friends, but”—her eyes meet mine—“I do like him as more than a friend.” My heart skips a beat at her admission. “It’s complicated and new. With reporting on his football club, we’re… The truth is, I don’t know. We’ve only been here a couple of days, and?—”

“Why are you being weird about this?” Leo chides, matching his aunt’s cocked eyebrow and crossed arms.

Nora laughs, little lines forming at the corner of her eyes. “We are, aren’t we?”

“Not that anyone cares, but I’d still like to go to the match.” Lettie sits at the table with us and adds, “Even if you refuse to set me up with one of your mates.”

“Will you come to one of mine, too?” Leo excitedly asks Lettie.

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