Page 36 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
“Nice to meet you.” His Irish accent is smooth and clipped.
Stevie’s eyes widen. “Wait. Are you in Professor Madigan’s event planning class? I think I worked with you on site maps during lab.”
“Aye.” He nods once, measured. “That’d be me.”
I look at Liam, who shrugs like this isn’t a huge deal, which we both know it is.
Before Stevie and I can say more, the front door creaks open and Felicity enters, thick braid tossed over one shoulder. She’s holding a single iced coffee and her backpack. When she sees Liam and Linus side by side, her whole body goes still.
She looks them up and down before abruptly fucking off toward her bedroom.
Stevie holds up her hand. “Felicity. Hang on. Can you stay for a sec?”
Felicity stops but doesn’t look back.
I take a step closer as Stevie wraps her arms around herself. She’s strong enough to handle this, but I want to be close if she needs me.
“I owe all of you an apology.” My girl looks down at the floor and back up again. “I completely spaced responding to the confirmation email for that big Eugene headlining festival gig. I tried to sort it out, but they gave the slot to someone else.”
“Are you fucking serious?” Liam winces. “We lost a two thousand dollar guarantee. The band needed the money for the studio.”
“I know. I’m truly sorry.” Stevie doesn’t break eye contact with my brother.
He shakes his head. “This sucks. You said you had it covered.”
“I thought I did.” She fusses with her hair. “I really fucked up.”
Liam exhales through his teeth. “So. Not. Cool.”
“Hold up, Dar. Stevie’s been running point on every single thing for this band for years.” I take her hand. “She won’t take money, she does it because she loves us. And, she’s been instrumental in getting us here. She made a mistake. Give her a fucking break and don’t make her feel worse than she already does.”
“I’m not trying to be a dick,” Liam gripes. “I’m rightfully disappointed.”
“I’ll do my best to get you back on the roster.” Stevie looks like she’s about to cry. “Padraig’s right. I love you guys. I love what you’re building.”
“We need to free you up.” I turn to her. “Last night you told me you’re drowning. You never promised to be our permanent manager. We can split up the duties and take some of it on.”
Linus sets down his mug and wipes his hands on his jeans. “I could maybe help.”
Everyone turns to look at Liam’s lover.
“I’ve worked with an indie label in Dublin. Admin. Logistics. Helped book band tours. All of it.” He shrugs. “I’d be happy to jump in.”
Felicity turns and narrows her eyes at him, but says nothing. Stevie looks utterly relieved.
Liam tilts his head. “Seriously?”
“Aye.” Linus meets Stevie’s gaze. “I can assist you for a bit. Doesn’t have to be permanent. That’d be up to you.”
The offer hangs in the air like a lifeline.
It sounds good.Toogood.
Linus seems competent. Has qualifications. Maybe he’s the one person who could help Stevie wrangle our chaos. Did the universe drop the perfect partner for Liam into our lives?
Or, on the other hand, is it wise to allow one of Liam’s random hookups to help manage the band? The idea seems…
Worrisome.
