Page 117 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
“When I saw you at Molly Moon’s,” she glances up at me through her lashes, “I noticed the paintings on the wall with the placard—‘P. O’Malley.’” Her lips curve. “I knew it was you. Using your ma’s maiden name.”
I can’t help but let a small laugh slip out. “Guess I underestimated how easy it’d be for you to connect the dots.”
“You forget how well I know you.” Her tone isn’t teasing. It’s warm, threaded with something softer. “Once I realized it was you, I thought…wow. This is Padraig. Every brushstroke, every shadow.”
I rest my forearms on the table. “God, it took everything I had to bring them in.”
“Is that how tonight happened?” Stevie leans forward.
I take a bite of chocolate chip cookie. “Pretty much. Caden recognized me but wanted me in the show. Couldn’t say no.”
“How’s Liam?” She takes another sip, eyes on me. “How’s the band?”
I let out a slow breath. “We finished recording with Connor and Tyson Rainier of LTZ. The album’s being mastered now. Liam’s good. Linus is back managing us. He’s got his head deep in planning what’s next. We’ll see where it goes.”
Her expression shutters a bit. Understanding, but also inquisitive. “And you? Are you touring most of the time?”
“Jeez.” I sigh. “It’s complicated. You were right, you know. Music was always Liam’s dream more than mine. I’ve stayed for him. But with Rafferty and this—” I motion toward nothing in particular, meaning the show, the paintings, all of it. “This feels like me in a way music never did. Sometimes I wish…”
I decide not to say it. Probably not appropriate. Or wanted.
She sets her mug down, tracing the rim with her finger. “You always had both in you. I told you over and over, recall?”
“Yeah,” I acknowledge, thinking about how I was remembering her support when the doors opened tonight. Wondering if tonight is some sort of sign. “I didn’t believe in myself. Thought the band was the only way forward.”
Stevie reaches over and grips my wrist briefly. “I’m glad you figured it out.”
“It was Rafferty.” I glance at where she made contact. “He had a rough start. Mara wasn’t well. He was so small and helpless. I started painting again to keep from unraveling. It anchored me.”
She’s quiet for a moment. “How is he?”
“Strong. Determined. Loves music already, God help us.” A smile tugs at my mouth. “Mara’s with him tonight. She’s the reason I can even be here.”
Her gaze softens. “Are things good with her?”
There’s no edge to the question. No fishing. It seems like curiosity, which would naturally come from knowing my life is tied to someone else’s.
“We’re okay,” I say carefully, because I’m not ready to talk about how my son came into this world with her yet. “Not together. Coparenting. She’s staying at Liam’s until we can find a permanent solution.”
“Sounds like you’re doing okay.” She leans back, studying me. “You look lighter.”
“Feels like it.” I meet her eyes. “So, what about you? I’m sorry I didn’t reach out when Cooper—I didn’t think…”
I let the words trail away. Ma told me not to call, but Ishouldhave. Given her my support.
“It doesn’t matter.” Her smile turns wistful. “Honestly, with my injuries and the kids, it’s all a blur.”
“I followed what I could,” I admit. “Didn’t want to intrude. You lost the love of your life. The father of your kids.”
Her gaze flickers up, something warm slipping past her guard. “I loved Cooper and I’ll always be grateful for the life we built. He was a good man. An excellent father.” She pauses, meeting my eyes. “You know as well as I do, love can look different, and some loves never really go away.”
We both go quiet.
“How did you know to come tonight?” I decide to move away from a topic neither of us might be ready for.
“Well, it’s a roundabout story. I stopped working after Jude was born and we moved to Seattle.” Her fingers curl around her mug. “I wanted to be with the kids full-time while they were little. Then after Cooper…uh, I needed some time to figure it all out. I’ve decided to ease back in to event planning. I’ve started my own thing so I can work around their lives instead of the other way around.” She makes a rolling motion with her hand. “Fast forward to yesterday, and I happened to meet with Caden when they were installing your exhibit. When I saw your work, I couldn’tnotcome. The kids are having a sleepover at Mom’s tonight.”
“Why?” The word slips out before I can stop it.
