Page 98 of River
On Saturday morning, we enjoyed a round of morning sex in the shower before eating breakfast. The wedding was at an old country estate an hour outside of Dublin, so Maximum came to pick us up and give us a ride. It was good to see him again, and it warmed my heart when he got out of the car and came to hug me.
“If it isn’t the great Viking on Irish soil.”
“Good to see you, Max.”
He was my height, and smiling from ear to ear when he held on to my shoulder and looked into my eyes. “You don’t know how happy I was when River said that she’d finally come to her senses and realized that you’re the man she loves.”
My eyes widened a bit because she hadn’t spoken the L word to me.
“Maximum, can you open?” River had walked to the trunk of the car, holding her weekend bag in her hands. Everyone was invited to stay overnight at the estate, which served as a conference and wedding venue.
“Oh, allow me.” Maximum moved fast to take his sister’s bag while I carried my own.
Soon we were on our way in his car with Maximum expertly weaving in and out of traffic.
“Tell me about that farm where you work. River said that you’re learning how to speak to animals.”
“Yes. From Fleur Linden.”
“Forgive me for sounding obtuse, but animals don’t speak, so what do you mean when you say that you speak to them?”
“It’s not speaking per se as much as it’s a telepathic communication.”
“You’re learning telepathy?”
“Yes.”
“Does it work with humans too?”
“I haven't mastered it with animals yet, so my guess is no, but I can ask Fleur for you.”
River jumped in. “Fleur is an extraordinary person. You’d like her. She’s so grounded she might as well be a tree.”
Maximum was looking straight ahead but with a smile on his face. “I’d love to meet her, but I hope she’s not easily offended because she might not like the questions in my head.”
“Don’t be rude if you meet her,” River said.
I gave Maximum a sideways glance. “Fleur is used to skeptics. Your questions won’t scare her. You should come to one of our open house events, we have them every three months. Everyone is welcome.”
“When is the next one?”
“February eleventh. I remember because it’s on my birthday.”
“I might have a rugby game that day, but if not, I’ll come to see the place and the magic you people do.”
“I’d love to see you play a game. River says you’re good.”
“I’m all right.”
“They call him the Mammoth because he’s so freaking strong,” River said with pride.
“Really?”
Maximum laughed. “I’m offended by your surprise.”
“No, it’s just that you don’t look like one of those strong linebacker types, if you get what I mean.”
“Looks can be deceiving, but I’m not saying I’m stronger than a linebacker in American football. Rugby is a very different game.”
“I wouldn’t know since I’ve never seen a game.”
Maximum lit up. “Then you have several things to look forward to. Let’s start with a real Irish wedding. It’s going to be the best fun you’ve had in years.”
