Page 81 of His Ringsend
“Aye, I will! Now, tell me, love, is our Eamon here taking good care ofyou? If not, you just let me know and I’ll set him straight.”
I roll my eyes again and pull Norah closer to me. As if I’d do anythingbuttake care of her.
Norah giggles and says, “He’s taking great care of me, Pat. Nothing to worry about there.”
Pat nods his head knowingly but says no more, as Norah is suddenly whisked away by Charlie and Layla, leaving me feeling bereft in her absence. She’s still in the same room as me, but I have the overwhelming urge to keep her tucked into my side all night. After witnessing her panic attack earlier and hearing the reason for it, I want her to feel safe.
He turns back to me, clapping a hand on my shoulder, and says, “She looks happier than I’ve ever seen her, that one. You must not be mucking things up too terribly, eh?”
I rub a hand over the back of my neck. “Ach, go on with you. Doing my best not to.”
“Whatever you’re doing, keep it up, boyo.”
“She’s amazing, Pat,” I tell him as I look towards where she’s chatting with her friends. I can’t take my eyes off of her. She’s laughing at something Layla said and my heart flip flops in my chest. “I love her.”
“‘Course you do,” he says. “It’s clear as day. Have you told her as much?”
I nod. “Aye. And by some miracle, she loves me too.”
When I don’t get a response from Pat, I tear my eyes away from my girl and look at him. His eyes are pooling with tears, and he’s grinning widely.
“What?” I demand.
“Ah, my boy. You’ve found your Ellie. Don’t let her go.”
“I don’t intend to,” Ivow.
Norah
I just finished telling Charlie and Layla about the phone call with Detective Morrow and, remarkably, didn’t fall apart again. Being surrounded by the most important people in my life bolstered my courage.
“Fourteen?” Charlie gasps in shock.
“That’s what he said,” I confirm. “It’s heartbreaking.”
“What are you going to do?” Layla asks.
“I’ll do whatever they need. If it helps other victims and gets him put in prison, then I have to, right?”
“You’re so brave, Norie. I hope you know we’ll be with you throughout the whole thing,” Charlie says, squeezing my hand.
“I know. I’d be lost without you both.”
I take a drink of my beer and glance around the pub. “I know Amelia’s working, but is Myra coming? Have any of you talked to her lately?”
Shrugging, Charlie says, “I asked her if she was coming out tonight, but she said she wasn’t feeling well. I think she needs to see a doctor. She’s been battling something for a while now.”
I don’t want to give away Myra’s secret, so I say, “She’s been working more than usual at the boutique, so maybe she’s just really tired.”
I glance at Layla to gauge her reaction, but she’s thoroughly distracted. Teagan just walked into the pub with Ro. I watch as he clasps hands with Pat and pulls him in for a quick hug. His eyes start wandering around the room, obviously looking for someone. When his gaze settles on Layla, his entire face lights up. He’s adorable.
“Alright, Lay. What’s the tea on Teag?” Charlie demands.
Her cheeks turn pink, and she looks away, tucking her dark hair behind her ears. “What are you talking about? We’re just friends.”
“For now…” I mutter, elbowing her in the ribs.
Eamon, Teagan, and Ro are making their way over to the table, drinks in hand. Teagan, to absolutely no one’s surprise, takes the seat next to Layla, slinging his arm over the back of her chair.
