Page 88 of Nathan
“No, I’m not afraid of you.”
“Why not? Haven’t you read all the scary things they say about me? According to the media, I have anger issues and could snap at any minute.”
Raising her chin a little, Lucille declared, “I’ve done my research, and several witnesses have vouched for you.”
Jacob raised his hand and smiled. “She’s talking about me.”
“And others,” Lucille added. “Which is why I’m trying to see if there might be a different angle to this story.”
“Finally someone with a bit of sense. Who do you write for?” Brody asked.
“Brighton News.”
“Oh…” His excitement dampened. “I was hoping you would sayThe Sunor something.”
She held two fingers crossed in the air. “Maybe one day.” Giving me an almost apologetic smile and brushing back her bangs, she added. “Brighton Newsis usually more local, but our E-News has a national and international section, and we even have a few video interviews that have gone viral… or I should sayoneinterview, really.”
“The one you did with Serena,” I guessed.
“Yes.”
“How long have you been a journalist for?” Jacob asked and distracted Lucille while I rechecked my phone.
Serena: Don’t tell her.
Her answer felt like a knife to my heart. Serena didn’t want anyone to know about us. I wasn’t stupid. It was a bad sign.
“So, Nathan, what would you like the world to know about you?” Lucille asked while I turned off my screen.
“Ehm…” I thought about it for a long second. “I’d like the world to know that I’m not the villain in all this.”
“All right, and what’s the message to those who have the wrong idea about you?”
“I don’t know.” I held up a hand to stop Lucille. “Sorry, but can we stop with the questions? I’m here to have a good time with my lads, and I’m sure they’re bored by us being so serious.”
Lucille’s shoulders sank a little. “Can I at least get a photo with you?”
“No.”
“Ye can get a photo with me,” Jacob offered with a smile.
“That’s not going to help me with my article, is it?”
“Why don’t I buy ye a drink, and ye can tell me all about yer fine article?”
“I really should go. I need to write it tonight; I’m on a tight deadline.”
“Oh, are ye complaining about yer job?” Liam snickered. “Here in Ireland, we have a support group for that. It’s called everybody, and we meet at the pub.”
Lucille smiled. “Very funny.”
“That’s us Irish for ye. We love a good joke, but I should warn ye; we’re dangerous,” Jacob said with a solemn face.
Lucille didn’t look scared. “You’re dangerous?”
“Aye... We’ll make ye laugh and laugh and laugh, and then, boom, ye’re naked.”
We all laughed, and I could tell Lucille was relaxing now. “Thanks for the warning.”
