Page 22 of New Year's Faye

I ducked my head. "Your turn."

"Why haven’t you dated since Alex?”

Oof.

I sucked in a breath, focussing on my plate to buy time. "I’ve been busy."

“Hmmm.”

"What?" I looked up at him. "What’s with the ‘hmmm’?"

He tilted his head, studying me. "I don’t know. Feels like there’s more to it than that."

I shrugged, deflecting. "Alright, my question. Was I really the one who suggested the wedding?"

He laughed, tipping his head back. "Oh, absolutely. You leaned over, grabbed my hand, and said something about ‘making memories’ or maybe it was ‘making a mess.’ Hard to tell with all the tequila."

I groaned. "Fantastic. Remind me to stay far, far away from spirits."

“My turn.” He tapped a finger against his lip. “Okay, what’s my best quality?"

I pretended to think it over, spearing the final bite of my omelette. "Definitely your ability to fix breakfast."

He snorted. "Glad I’m useful."

"But," I added, jabbing him with a toe. "You’re loyal. Fiercely loyal. Once you care about someone, you’re all in."

He looked away for a second, a rare flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "Your turn."

"Kids? See them in your future?”

He shrugged. “I’m undecided which I guess is a no. I’m of the opinion that unless you’re a hundred percent in, then you shouldn’t be bringing kids into the world.”

I winced. “I didn’t think before asking that question. Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I know what it’s like to grow up with a parent who didn’t want you—just thought they might once upon a time. And I know what it’s like to grow up with a parent who actually wants you.”

“Will,” I said, referring to Sam’s adopted dad.

“Yeah.” He reached behind him, lifting the coffee pot to top me up. “He’s a good guy. Having him for a dad cemented it for me. I won’t bring kids into the world unless I have zero doubts. The fact I’m undecided means I’m a no. And I don’t see that changing any time soon.”

I hesitated. “I don’t want kids. I mean, I love being Auntie Faye and will always be on call, but when I think about my life, I don’t envision kids for me.”

“What about a partner?”

I placed my empty plate to the side, wrapping my hands around my coffee mug and taking a sip before answering. “I hope so but I’m also happy alone. Another person needs to enhance my life, not improve it.”

“Oof, deep thoughts for this early in the morning.” Sam placed his mug in the sink. “Last question.”

I hesitated. "What do you think will happen after the tour? With… us."

He was quiet for a long time, his gaze fixed somewhere past my shoulder. Finally, he straightened, placing one hand on either side of the bench as he leaned into me.

Our gazes locked as he leaned in.

“After the tour, I hope we’ll?—”

"Sam! Faye!" Justice's voice boomed from upstairs. "Emergency band meeting!"

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