Page 17 of Knot that Simple

I smiled. “Abacaxi.”

He tried to say it twice before I nodded in approval.

“Perfect, angel. Just say it, and I’ll save you.”

With Oisin by my side, I let myself relax. We were ushered to a pub right in the middle of the town, the three flanking me, Tadgh still holding Alice high in his arms. I was glad he was careful with her, but my girl was a people person. Her smile was blinding, waving to everyone as if she was the queen.

We got into the pub, Oisin holding me as we made our way under the low light. Just behind us, a couple of women arrived with heavy trays in their hands and placed them over the bar.

Carvings of meat, roasted potatoes, vegetables—it was a feast. People started coming in, heading straight to the bar and grabbing pints. Plates appeared out of nowhere, and suddenly, everyone was getting served.

“Abacaxi?” Oisin asked in my ear.

I didn't expect a party, but to be fair, I never even had a birthday party. It was crazy to think someone went through all this trouble because of us.

I shook my head and let Oisin lead me to a table right at the front. Tadgh tailed us with Alice and dropped her on the chair beside me.

“Okay?” I mouthed to her.

She nodded excitedly. “I’m hungry.”

I smiled, taking one of her braids I left loose between my fingers and tugging it affectionately. “Great, cause there’s a lot of food here.”

Someone called for Oisin, and he turned from us. They chatted in animated voices, and I was glad no one tried to include me in that conversation. I needed a minute to breathe. Tadgh took Alice by her hand and, together, they went to check the food. I took a huge breath, trying to calm my nerves down.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

I blinked as Lorcan of all people sat in front of me, his brows closed in a frown. Why was he always frowning?

I nodded automatically.

He tsked. “I know it’s awfully kind of them, but you still can say no. You’re allowed to be tired and want a rest.”

I shook my head, even though he guessed my feelings so well. “They went through so much trouble. It’ll be too rude. I can hold on for a little while.”

Those piercing blue eyes pinned me in place before he sighed and rubbed his temple. “That’s why I worry about you. You’re too polite.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Thank you?”

“You’re too much of a good girl. I want you to just do what you want. I don’t want you do what makes other people comfortable.”

I said nothing. He barely spoke to me, he only knew me for a day and yet, he dug right into my soul once again.

Yeah, kids who grew up with messed up parents tended to be the good ones, unable to make a mess themselves. My mother was the child of our relationship, unreliable and flaky. She needed attention all the time, and me? I prepared my own breakfast and knew which neighbor’s door to knock on if I got too hungry.

I didn’t like to be difficult. I never in my life said exactly what I wanted. I could always endure a little longer, hold a smile for a few minutes more. It wasn’t good for me. I knew that. I didn’t need Lorcan to point out that I was damaged goods. Now wasn't the time to start changing decades of trauma. I could smile a little longer.

Lorcan was yet again annoyed at me, but he didn’t leave my table until Tadgh and Alice were back with food. I thanked him and dug in, relieved I had something to do.

As we ate, the three of them hovered, forming an overprotective barrier. If anyone found it rude, I didn't hear a word.

“Do you like the food?” I asked Alice.

“I love potatoes,” she replied, stuffing her mouth with another one.

I chuckled. She did love potatoes.

Once we were done, I stacked our plates to the side, a habit I picked up as a waitress and never quit, before standing on my feet. Lorcan and Tadgh were also away, and I had to socialize too, but I had no idea where to start.

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