Page 79 of A Hard Fit

Rory’s face fell. “Birthdays are a really big deal in my family. If you weren’t there…”

Fuck.“I’m just not used to celebrating every holiday and milestone with so many people.”

“I know, but…” Rory’s eyes turned up to max power. “Maybe you can get used to it?”

Fuuuuck.

Rory must have been able to sense Finn’s resolve weakening. “So you’ll go?” they said hopefully.

Be a grownup, Finn. Be there for Rory.“I’ll go.”

“You’re the best,” Rory murmured, snuggling under Finn’s chin.

“No, you are,” Finn replied.

He held Rory close and they danced.

* * * *

When they got back to their table, the server dropped off another round of drinks.

Finn studied Rory in the dim bar lighting as they lifted the flute to their lips. They were perhaps the most beautiful human alive—gentle, elfin features, eyes bottomless pools, plump lips, piercings shining around the curve of their delicate ears. Finn’s heart fizzed like it was overflowing with champagne bubbles. “You want to get out of here?” he asked.

Rory checked the time and laughed. “It’s only eleven! We’ll miss the countdown. We’re supposed to go up to the roof to see the fireworks at midnight.”

Finn lifted Rory’s hand to his lips and kissed their knuckles. “Yeah, but here’s the thing—we can make our own fireworks at midnight.”

The color rose in Rory’s cheeks. “Then get me the fuck out of here, Finn Owens.”

It was easy to get a cab, because what kind of idiot left downtown at eleven on New Year’s Eve? They held hands and played footsie in the backseat like teenagers. Then when they got home, they reenacted their first night together, slamming the door behind them and tearing off their clothes on the way to the bedroom. It turned out the buckles on Rory’s kilt were only decorative.

And the fireworks that exploded behind Finn’s eyes were a thousand times better than the pathetic bursts of color popping over the city.

* * * *

They slept late on New Year’s Day, then Finn brought coffee back to bed for Rory. He was just wiggling back under the covers to join the warm Rory bubble when his phone buzzed. His stomach curdled at his sister’s name on the screen. But there was no message, only a picture. It was Cali and Bryson, smiling and displaying their Lego creations. Cali held a sign that said ‘Thank you, Uncle Finn.’

His heart hurt.

You’re welcome,he typed.Hope you had a good Christmas.

“Aw, look at them!” Rory said, examining the picture. “So cute! How old are they?”

“Bryson is seven, I think, and Cali must be ten.” A thought popped into Finn’s head. He turned it over for a moment, then shared it with Rory. “You know what my resolution should be? Maybe I should try to see them.”

Rory’s eyes shone. “I think that’s a great idea, Finn. They would be so happy to see you again, I’m sure.”

Finn nodded, pulling Rory against his chest. “Okay. I’ll…I’ll think about it.” They sipped their coffee in silence for a moment. “You want to go for a walk?” Finn asked once he had drained his mug. “Work on that resolution of yours?”

Rory shook their head. “Not at the moment. It’s awfully snowy out there.”

Finn wanted to laugh, then Rory’s mouth was on his, and there was no more talking…at least not about the weather.

* * * *

Back at work after the holiday and headed for a much-needed coffee refill, Finn popped his head into Rory’s office. “Did you see the email from Markos?” he asked. “Sorry, the seven emails?”

“Sure did.” Rory paused their typing and turned to face Finn. “Did he seem a little…”

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