Page 59 of One Chance to Stay
“Check your texts.”
His face remained neutral. No upturned lip. No softening in his eyes. Seamus avoided giving me an indication of what I might find, and yet, his presence said everything I needed. I fished out my phone, surprised by the dozen text messages.
“Oh. I shut off the ringer.”
Seamus: Thank you.
Seamus: Still dancing?
Seamus: Stay there.
Seamus: I’m coming.
Seamus: Truck stuck.
Seamus: Walking.
He sat down. What brought him back to the reception? Even as I asked, the intensity in his eyes left me blushing. As always, his actions left me feeling as if I were the luckiest man. He watched me like I did cake as I snuck one more slice.
“Your texting skills are— You’re quite the conversationalist. If only I could get you chatting as much in person. ”
He let out a sigh. I needed to check my nervous energy and speak with purpose.
“I’m glad you came back.”
The rush of his return settled. I questioned every gesture. Hug? No. That didn’t seem fitting. Hand on a knee? Hmm. Would it be too much amongst the remaining folks? Did I toss him on the table and straddle him while waving politely to his daughter? Instead, we sat close, but not touching, an awkwardness building.
The song changed. I had been born with two left feet and not an ounce of rhythm. Even if I made a fool of myself, I wanted to ask Seamus to dance. Instead of acting, I sat still, letting an imaginary version of us move onto the floor. I needed somebody to give me a swift kick in the pants. I needed?—
A fairy gay mother.
“Good sir.” I glanced up to see Mabel giving a slight curtsey. “I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure. Would you do me the honor?”
To my surprise, Seamus stood, giving a slight bow. My eyes only widened as he took her hand, following her to the dance floor. Had it been as simple as asking? I kicked myself.
“Good sir.” I spun in my chair to see Harvey with his hand out. “How about it?”
A fairy gay mother and… Harvey. If Seamus could muster some bravery and put himself out there, I could do the same. I hopped to my feet, and Harvey took my hand, pulling me along. Firefly might be filled with weirdness, but it sucked me in.
“Who leads?”
Harvey pulled my arm, jerking me against his chest. He placed my hand on his shoulder and held up the other hand. The sly grin made me chuckle.
“Age before beauty.”
“You have me on both.”
“Keep sweet talking and maybe I’ll let you cop a feel.”
While my toes stepped on Harvey’s feet, Megan and Grace joined us, swaying as if they were at a middle school dance. While I had a perfectly handsome suitor in front of me, I couldn’t stop stealing glances at Seamus and Mabel. He spun her under his arm, and she moved as if she predicted his moves.
“It’s okay if you have eyes for another man.”
“What? Huh?”
“I thought we had something special.” Harvey threw a hand against his forehead. “You were supposed to be my forever love.”
“You’re too much man for me.”
