Page 137 of Since We're Here
“Next question?”
“When did you first leave the States?”
She tilts her head. “I visited Stella in London once a few years ago. That’s it, though. I’d like to travel more now that I’m living here.”
“We can make that happen.”
“How about you? When did you start your international travels?”
“Mam and Dad took us to Paris when I was five. But I’ve traveled pretty much everywhere in Europe, and a handful of other places as well.”
“Show off.” Maddie rolls her eyes.
I lean forward to kiss her. “Hey, come with me. I have to show you something.”
“What? Another gift?”
“Don’t be greedy.”
The side of her mouth turns up, and she lets me drag her through the crowded bar, past my sister serving drinks, and toward our dark hallway, the one that leads to the pub office, restrooms, stairs to the basement storage, and the locked door to the flat.
“Oh, are we going to have fun in the office again?”
I grin, remembering laying her out on the desk. “Not quite.”
“Aw, shame.”
“Another time, although Saoirse might have something to say about us defiling her office.” I stop in the dark hallway and press my back against the wall, pulling her against me.
“Hey, tourist.” Even in the dim light, I see her smiling, her eyes sparking.
She wraps her arms around my waist. I layer mine on top of hers.
“Hey, hot bartender.”
“When we first met in this hallway, you told me you were getting over someone and needed a kiss to help you forget him.”
“Did I say that? Pretty forward of me.”
“It was. I’m so glad you took that chance.”
“Me too.”
“Have you done it? Forgotten him?”
She laughs. “I don’t even remember his name.”
“Good.”
And I kiss her.
EPILOGUE
MADDIE
Saturday, June 7
(six weeks later)
