Page 33 of Lucky Strike

“Quickly now, tell me what happened,” she whispers, shutting the door “And not just the muck in your hair. You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

I relay the day’s events, knowing how outlandish it all sounds. “But I know what I saw, what I felt. They kept showing up, and they were definitely looking at me! At us. I should tell Conlan, right?”

“I think so.” Nola cocks her head, a faint wrinkle between her brows. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“Is he home?”

“He is.”

“You don’t think I’m crazy, right?”

“No, love.” Her face softens, and she pats my shoulder. “Go on and wash up. Talk to Con. I’ll keep an eye on the wee one for a bit.”

“Thanks, Nola.” Giving her a grateful smile, I edge out of thepantry. “Liam, I’m going to take a quick shower, okay? I’ll be right back.”

After a much-needed shower, I head down the hall to Conlan’s office. I pause before knocking, wiping my hands on my shorts. I know he doesn’t like being bothered when he’s working, but this can’t be helped.

“Come in.” Taking a fortifying breath, I walk in and close the door behind me. Conlan stands before I can say a word. “What is it? Is Liam okay?”

“He’s fine.” I nod hastily. “We’refine. But something weird happened today at Boston Common.”

“What?”

“I kept seeing these two guys … I’m pretty sure we were being watched.”

“Ah.” He rounds his desk, sitting on the edge of it. “Probably because youwerebeing watched.”

“I …” Stunned, I shake my head. “Excuse me?”

“Terry and Mitch always keep an eye on you and Liam when you’re out. You just haven’t noticed them until now.”

The nervousness I usually feel around him suddenly gives way to irritation tinged with embarrassment. “And you didn’t think to tell me this?”

“I didn’t think it mattered.” He gazes back calmly. “They’re going to be there regardless of whether or not you know.”

“It does matter.” My voice wavers. This isn’t at all how I thought this conversation would go. “Do you have any idea how freaked out I was? I thought we were being stalked!”

“I apologize.” He lifts his chin. “But you can’t wander around Boston with my kid without protection, Bria. You have no idea how many fucked-up things could happen.”

“That’s not what I?—”

“It’s non-negotiable.”

I clench my jaw. “You’re not listening to me! If you want us to have bodyguards or whatever, fine!” Conlan’s eyes flash, the only indication he cares at all about what I’m saying.I need to get out of this office before I get myself fired. “I’m just asking you to let me know ahead of time soI’m not out there in a total panic thinking that ‘fucked-up things’ are already happening.”

Escaping to the hallway before he can respond, I quietly close the door with self-control I do not feel. Doesn’t he understand that I was terrified today? Not just for myself butbecauseI had Liam? Needing a minute to myself, I return to my room. God, I miss the old Conlan, the one I could confide in. We were so close once, a closeness that came from sharing not just our bodies but our thoughts and dreams and fears and wishes. Until he went to college in Belfast.

I sit on my bed, my breathing slowing. I’d known, in high school, that things with Conlan would end. He’d never lied to me. I’d lied to myself, though. I’d convinced myself that it wasn’t that deep, that I could handle it. But the pain of missing him, wishing he’d call and realizing he never would, caught me off guard.

By the time I saw him at my own graduation, we hadn’t spoken in years. Conlan was older, harder. He still teased Maeve and hugged his mother and even flirted with me, but it was meaningless. He had a whole other life abroad. A flat of his own. Friends.Girlfriends. Turns out that time apart, the lack of contact, was a mercy. He’d moved on, but so had I. I went to my dream school, got a degree, traveled more than I’d ever imagined, and worked for wonderful families. The years were kind to me.

But now Conlan and I are back in each other’s orbits and my scars are starting to feel like wounds that never quite healed. Being so close to him, especially this version of him, is testing me in ways I didn’t expect.

10.Lucky

8 years ago

Maeve glared at me, hands fisted at her sides. “I can’t believe this.”

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