Page 30 of Destined Lovers

“I figured we may need this now.” She holds up the drink and passes it to me.

“Sláinte,” we both say in unison and clink our glasses together.

I still feel uneasy. I’m saddened by her parents’ death. More than that she felt like she needed to hide and become someone else.

“I see that look, and I know you need time to process this. I know how that inquisitive brain of yours works.” She laughs and taps me on top of my head. “For now, let’s enjoy this time because who knows how much time we have together.”

I go to open my mouth, and she puts her finger on my lips.

“Shh, no questions or comments. Let’s just… be.” This girl. She’s killing me here, and she must be crazy if she thinks I’m going anywhere. I’m not dumb to think we’re just going to be best mates again like it was yesterday.

Although, a small part of me feels like we could. I mean, look at what happened on the couch before. We clearly still feel close to each other.

I also know that as much as I hate it, thingsaredifferent, and ten years changes people.

So, I’ll try not to ask questions as she wantsfor now. But I’m storing them all away for some time soon.

I look around the room, taking in where she lives again. I’m glad she feels like she has a safe haven with Agnes. Which reminds me…

“Where did Agnes go? Doesn’t she live up here?”

“Oh, shite! She’s going to kill me.” Nora jumps up in a hurry, then abruptly stops in her tracks.

“I know I told you Nora was my name in private, but it’s okay to say it in front of Agnes. Everyone else in town knows me as Riley.” She shrugs, then turns back toward the hallway and heads down a staircase yelling, ‘I’m sorry.’ Presumably to Agnes, whom she forgot was there.

She’ll learn quickly. There’s no fecking way I’m ever calling her Riley.

I’d rather never say her name again than call her anything other than Nora or Pip.

While waiting for her to come back upstairs, I get up to explore some more of her art. She’s developed her skill over the years, but it looks like she still loves her oils and watercolor.

I’m glad she never gave it up. She’s exceptionally talented and has created a unique style that’s still true to her.

I snoop some more through the house to find any other pieces of her life up here that can clue me in on what else is going on with her.

I know it’s Agnes’s space, but it seems like they’re close enough that she may know more than what Nora isn’t telling me. I find nothing, however.

When I turn around, Nora stands there, eyeing me suspiciously. Not forgetting her manners, she introduces me to Agnes. I’m shocked to find an elderly lady standing in front of me. I hadn’t realized she would be so old. Not that it’s a bad thing, I just wasn’t expecting it.

I don’t have a second longer to think about it because her arms are around me, embracing me in a warm hug.

“Declan,” she whispers.

“Aye, that’s me.” I smile down at her. She’s a quarter of my size, and I’m afraid my arms will crush her in half.

“It’s so nice to meet you finally. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you,” she says again, giving me another squeeze, then steps back next to Nora.

She’s heard of me? I raise my eyes to Nora, and her cheeks pink in embarrassment.

So, my Pip really didn’t forget me.

“I hope only good things,” I kid, and her eyes twinkle in response before she says,

“Only the best.” Turning her head to smile warmly at Nora.

I watch the interaction between these two and wonder how they met and became so close.

I am aching to know, but I dare not ask, afraid the wrath of my Pip will ruin the moment.

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