Page 127 of Twist of Fate
For now, I can be Finn Larkin.
The time it takes to get to the hotel feels entirely too short. But I think Ash and I could spend another week strolling the streets of Dublin and still not run out of things to talk about.
By the time we get into the lobby, we’re both solemn. The upbeat attitude from our walk is gone, and Ash is fighting back tears.
“Hey.” I pull her into an empty hallway where the business center is. At this hour, it’s a ghost town. “This isn’t over, remember?”
“Promise?”
I lightly kiss her and brush away the tears that have fallen. “I promise, mo chroí.”
“Mo chroí? What does that mean?”
“Look it up when you get to your room,” I say, smiling softly.
She doesn’t provide any witty comeback. “I’m so glad I met you.”
“Even the second time?” I tease, attempting to lighten the mood.
“You were a little surly at first.”
“Only because I knew you were off-limits.”
Footsteps echo in the hallway as an employee walks by, juggling an armful of tablecloths. His eyes dart to us and then straight ahead as he attempts to pretend he’s not interrupting something incredibly personal.
We wait until he’s gone before either of us speaks again. “Call me?” I say awkwardly. “When you get to the airport. Or text me when you get home?”
She nods. “I’ll do both.”
“Good.” She appears nervous again, so I offer reassurance. “We’ll figure it all out, Ash. I meant what I said. This isn’t over.”
She wraps her arms around my neck, and I pull her into a tight hug. We stay like that, just holding each other for what feels like forever until, finally, she pulls back, her eyes rimmed with red. “I better let you go,” I say, knowing she’s having a hard time letting go. “You’ve got an early flight.”
I kiss her one last time, savoring the feel of her lips. I try to memorize the feel of her body, the taste of her tongue, and the sweet sounds she makes.
Eventually, we have to say goodbye, and when we do, it feels like I’m being ripped apart.
“Tá mo chroí istigh ionat,” I whisper in her ear before I walk away.
My heart is hers, and I know this is only the beginning.
I barely make it fifty feet out of the lobby before my whole world comes crashing down around me.
Powering up my phone, I go to text Ash to remind her to send me that photo. I find at least a dozen missed phone calls from my mother and a text that makes my blood run cold.
Mam
Your father had a stroke today. Please call me. We need you.
* * *
Aisling
Here is the photo I promised. It’s only been five minutes since I saw you, and I already miss you. Is that pathetic? Don’t answer that.
You know that was a joke, right? Lol. I didn’t mean that literally!
We’re at the airport now. Mom just bought me the biggest cup of coffee she could find. Not sure how to take that. Oh, and I’ve got my backpack full of chocolate. See attached photo. Don’t judge me.
