Page 39 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
“Just a thought.” He shrugs, casual but not careless. He addresses the others. “She’s done so much for youse but if she’ll be gone for so long… Look. I know logistics. I’m happy to do it.”
In an instant the vibes shift.
Probably from the weight of how things are changing, settling in.
Padraig stares at the floor. Felicity simmers. Liam nods slowly.
Not the ideal way to start a new job, but at least the band’s in good hands.
An hour later after handing off everything to Linus, I close the bedroom door behind me, Padraig plunks down on the edge of the bed, elbows braced to his knees, phone in one hand, the other runs through his hair in slow drags.
He doesn’t say anything right away. Neither do I.
After a quick trip to the bathroom, I peel off my clothes and climb into bed. The silence between us is loud.
“I’m so confused. You downplayed this thing,” he accuses.
“No.” I turn to face him. “Itwasa long shot. I was afraid to hope too hard.”
He looks up then. Eyes sharp. “Really?”
I don’t answer.
Padraig pushes to his feet. “You haven’t mentioned it in weeks. How could you tell me like that? In front of everyone? This doesn’t only affect the band, it affectsus.”
“I’m sorry. Really.” I sit back against my pillow. “I was put on the spot out there and it slipped out.”
“You couldn’t tell me first? Privately?” He knots his eyebrows together.
I take a breath. “Obviously, I didn’t mean for it to happen in front of the others.”
“Are you sure?” He laughs under his breath. “Were you worried how I’d react, Stevie? I’m pissed. I thought we were in this together.”
“You know we’re in this together.” I attempt to persuade him.
He paces a few steps, then turns back. “Do I?”
“Don’t do that.” I shake my head.
“Don’t do what?” His voice rises, not loud, but tight. “Don’t be upset you’re bailing on me?”
“I’m not bailing on you. I’m bailing on managing the band.” I wince at the implication.
He steps closer. “It’s the same thing.”
“No. This is called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Something that makes sense formyfuture. I didn’t think I’d get in, Padraig.” I throw my hands in the air, frustrated. “I’ve supported you unconditionally for fucking years and for once I want to do something for me. Maybe extend me the same courtesy?”
The hurt flickers across his face too fast to catch fully, but it’s there. A bruise blooming beneath the surface.
He nods, slow. “Is that why you let Linus take over booking the tour?”
“Yes.”
Silence again. Jagged.
Padraig scrubs the stubble on his chin. “You could have gone later, though? Next semester?”
“Possibly,” I say carefully. “But I don’t want to. The timing on this makes sense for my big picture.”
