Page 38 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
“When did I say that?” I try to stay calm despite the oppressive weight of disappointing the twins again taking hold. “I remember telling you I didn’t have time to make the calls. My midterm presentation is all-consuming.”
Padraig sticks up for me, as always. “It’s okay, babe. We’ll figure it out.”
“Well…” Felicity shrugs, tossing her hair over one shoulder. “I don’t know why you’re even coming to band meetings anymore. Linus handles everything and Padraig covers for you. If you’re so busy, maybe you should step down.”
Resisting the urge to get bitchy, I patiently remind her, “I’ll do what I can but I don’t need to step down from a job I don’t have. I amnotFireball’s manager. Besides, I won’t be here for the tour anyway.”
The entire room goes silent. In my state of shock, I realize I’ve blurted out some news I’d intended on sharing with only Padraig. Now I’ve blindsided him, and the rest of the band.
Liam tilts his head. “Wait. What?”
“Shit. I didn’t mean to tell you guys this way.” I inhale, slow. “So…I heard back from César Ritz.”
A beat.
Then two.
Padraig’s brows knit together. “As in…the school in Switzerland? You said they wait-listed you.”
“Yeah.” I look over at him sheepishly. “It was a nearly impossible long-shot, but a spot opened up and I’m in.”
“For what?” Liam straightens like I’ve slapped him.
“An immersive internship for hospitality.” I bite my lip and look down. “I can’t say no. It’s too prestigious. I’ll be gone for about six months.”
Padraig flinches but maintains his composure in front of the others. “When?”
“Two weeks. The session runs through the end of the year. It’s the best program in Europe for hospitality leadership.” I gulp down my excitement because I know this is a lot to take in and my delivery has been atrocious.
Out of the corner of my eye I notice Felicity doesn’t even pretend to hide her smile. She’s not sad about me not being around. That much is clear.
Linus closes his iPad and meets my eyes. “Stevie. How incredible. A great opportunity, so it is.”
“Thanks,” I murmur, though I can feel the vibes in the room aren’t quite as supportive.
Liam doesn’t bother to hide his irritation. “Fuck me. Were you going to tell Padraig before the van pulled out?”
“That’s not fair. I got the email right before I got here.” I slouch down in my chair a bit.
Liam presses his knuckles to his forehead, exasperated. “Well, as much as I hate to admit it, Felicity has a point. You’re out, Stevie. No hard feelings, but Fireball needs stability.”
I don’t know what to say. He’s right. And, other than my bad timing, I’m excited to do something else. Adulting sucks sometimes.
“You don’t make the call for all of us, Dar,” Padraig mumbles despondently. “Stevie’s an important part of the band.”
Liam looks between us.
“No, they’re both right. You don’t need to stick up for me. All of you are committed to Fireball, but I have my own career to think about.” It comes sharper than I mean to, possibly because Padraig doesn’t seem to hear me whenever we talk about it. “Managing Fireball isn’t my dream. It doesn’t fill me up the way it does all of you.”
Hurt flashes in Padraig’s eyes, but he masks it quickly. “So you decided, then. Youaregoing?”
“Yes. I want this internship. As much as I love you guys, I don’t want to spend the summer in a van eating string cheese and gas station burritos, pretending it’s my passion.” I try to take the sting out with a little humor.
It doesn’t land.
Linus clears his throat gently. “Would you like me to take over officially?”
I turn to him, startled. “It’s not my call.”
