Page 71 of One Chance to Stay
“Evelyn is going to kiss you,” he said. “She puts on a brave face, but she’s nervous. This is the first event Valhalla has sponsored.”
“Evelyn gave me some solid advice. I owe her.”
“And partnering with Julie.” Abraham gave a nod. “That’ll benefit them both. It’s one of the reasons I love Firefly.”
Seamus sat silent while we talked. Every time I glanced in his direction, I counted down, ensuring I didn’t stare. The number of rules we had yet to discuss continued stacking. Abraham knew more than he let on, but I had no idea how Seamus wanted to handle it. I wish I could nonchalantly text him.
Speaking of… “I need to ask.” I leaned forward, scooting to the edge of the couch. “What is with Firefly and the group texts?”
Abraham laughed. “Wait until they add you to the ‘What I made for dinner’ group or the ‘Look what I knitted’ group. Don’t get me started on the ‘Maine Memes’ thread. I’m pretty sure Walter started most of them. Once he has your number, good luck getting rid of us.”
Seamus scoffed. “Nobody has time for that foolishness.”
Abraham reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. The mischievous smirk under his beard said he had a devious plan. With a couple flicks of his finger, my phone dinged. The scowl on Seamus’s face said he felt the vibration as well. Before I could open my screen, the phone continued dinging in rapid succession.
Abraham: Hey, ladies! Seamus and Patrick are interested in joining the Guild.
Gladys: Oh! Welcome! Ladies, behave!
Gloria: Are they single?
Edith: About damned time.
Ada: Seamus? As inBeatriceSeamus?
Gladys: Ada! We don’t speak her name!
Violet: Welcome, boys. Careful around Gloria. She’s handsy.
Gloria: Truth.
The messages continued pouring in. Seamus’s head turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he scowled at Abraham. “I know where you live.”
Abraham jumped to his feet. “Yes, you do. So don’t be a stranger.” He set the coffee on the end table. “Let’s not wait a decade to do this again. For now, I need to head home. The grandson is going to teach me how to set my new coffee maker.”
He shot me a wink as he walked by. Seamus didn’t say a word as his friend grabbed his coat from the hook, threw it on, and headed out the door.
“I’m glad to see you’re like this with everybody.”
“Like what?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at his oblivious nature. We’d talk about it. But not from across the room. I looked at him and then glanced at the spot next to me. When he raised an eyebrow, I patted the empty cushion.
Aloof, but adorable. “Get your ass over here.”
“Could have just said it.”
“I’ve heard Abraham’s side of the story.” Seamus got up, walking across the room. Every time we got together, I noticed the step forward, the eye contact, and the more frequent smiles. I hoped it meant he was getting more comfortable with me and with himself.
“Now tell me, how did Beatricereallyget away?”
His eyes widened.
“It wasn’t an accident, was it?”
He set the coffee down as I turned, ready for a story. His hand rested on my leg, high enough to be a distraction but low enough my cock didn’t respond.
I settled in, ready to trade stories with Seamus as he found his voice. The growling and frequent scoffs weren’t going away. I didn’t want them to. They were part of him. But if he wanted to step outside his shell, I’d be ready to listen.
