Page 17 of Since We're Here
“The one you rented. Look.” I flash her my mobile screen. “Noreen texted me this morning that I have a new renter—although she said you were a delight and I’m not yet convinced on that part.”
“No way.” She laughs so loudly that I let myself crack a smile.
No. No smiling at the tourist. No. I wipe the pleasant look off my face and let my resting arsehole face take back over.
“Well, Patrick McNulty, we are meant to be, I think.”
“Meant to be?” My eyes widen.
“Friends, obviously. Jesus, don’t freak out.”
“I wasn’t freaking out.”
“You were.” She presses an elbow onto the table and leans her head in her hand. “I’ll mostly stay out of your way, I promise. And we can, like, pretend last night never happened.” She rakes her eyes down my face and stares at my lips, eyes heating.
“Stop that,” I snap. “Please don’t talk about it ever again.”
She grins. “But I won’t stay out of this pub, because it’s delightful, just like Noreen said I am. The music was amazing, and I enjoyed that pint you poured me.”
I warm slightly to her. “The Slea Head Golden Amber? That’s my family’s brewery.”
“You didn’t say that last night!” She lifts her head from her palm.
“I know.” I shrug.
Maddie pauses for a beat. “Since I’m here—sincewe’rehere—do you want to get one together sometime? A Golden Amber? I could use a friend in this town.”
“No. Definitely not.”
“Just a friend.”
“I don’t have time for friends.”
“We don’t have to make out.”
“God, no.” If I was a nice, normal human being, I’d offer to take her around town. As a friend.
She sighs deeply. “Don’t hide your real feelings on my account.”
“I’m very busy. I don’t have time for fun.”
At least not with this hot ball of energy across the table from me. This off-limits woman.
Something tells me spending time with her would be the worst idea ever.
5
MADDIE
Tuesday, March 4
Boyfriend Disaster #2: Brent the Traitorous Waiter
Job Location & Length: Maya Mexicana, 3 months
My Age: 21
Brent was an age-appropriate server at the Mexican restaurant where I worked for just three months after fleeing Jonathan’s terrible sex. We laughed about mean customers and our annoying manager, our eyes would meet in the kitchen when we picked up food, and we’d whisper together during breaks about the other servers. He was so cute and a huge flirt, but he made me feel special.
