Page 137 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
I step in. “Didn’t realize I was the subject of an interrogation.”
Isla swivels toward me. “I’m gathering intel. You always tell us to ask questions.”
“Questions, sure. Fishing for gossip? No.”
She grins. “So it’sgossip? Were you inlovewith Padraig?”
I meet her eyes. There’s no point pretending she hasn’t already pieced together most of it. “Yes. We were friends as kids and then dated throughout high school and college.”
Her eyes sharpen. “Like, before Dad?”
“Aye.” Padraig nudges the plate of apples toward her like it’s a barrier.
“Why’d you break up?” Isla sets her brush down.
“It’s a long story,” I say carefully. “Life took us in different directions.”
“Was it because of Dad?” she presses. “Did he steal you away?”
Padraig blanches, but manages to keep his composure. We don’t revisit this time in our lives often. It puts us in the uncomfortable category of “what if’s” instead of enjoying where we are now.
“No. Your dad came later. He was a big, important part of my life. None of this takes away from the love I had for him. People’s lives can have more than one chapter.” I hope my explanation honors Cooper but also respects Padraig and my relationship with him now.
She tilts her head. “So, were you fucking each other back then?”
Padraig nearly chokes on his water. “Jesus, Isla.”
“What? I’m not nine anymore. And it’s not like I don’t know about sex.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You’re right, you’re older now. But you will have a little respect for me and for Padraig. There’s a difference between asking about things politely and trying to get a reaction by being crass.”
God, teenagers. I swear.
Her eyes gleam. “You were fucking!”
Padraig shoots her a look. “Isla, lass. Some things are between your mum and me and are none of your business”
“It’s a yes.” She grins, victorious.
“Eat your apples.” He taps the table.
“I knew it.” She smirks at me. “They way you looked at him in the video like you wanted to—”
“Isla Mae.” My voice carries a warning, but I keep it gentle. “I’ll always be honest with you, but part of being honest is knowing when to keep out of things. We’re changing the subject.Immediately.”
She studies us both for a beat, then shrugs. “Fine. But if you two get married, I want to be a bridesmaid.”
Padraig blinks. “Bridesmaid?”
“Duh. It’s the least you can do for your favorite stepdaughter.” She pops another apple slice in her mouth like she hasn’t dropped a small grenade into the room.
Before either of us can respond, her phone pings. She glances down, then up again. “Emmy’s outside. We’re going to her place.” She grabs her hoodie and skips toward the gate. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
It shuts behind her and the yard falls quiet.
Padraig exhales, leaning back. “Holy fuck. We’ve got years of this ahead of us, don’t we?”
“At least a decade between the lot of them,” I deadpan.
