“Declan’s more than capable of doing a receptionist’s job. No offense, I’m not underestimating it, but he’s very organised and he’s pretty charming when he wants to be. He’ll make sure there aren’t any angry customers.”
Declan was blushing and fidgeting, but he took a breath and told his parents and the few other guests that he was thinking of applying. He was quizzed for a while and I slid my hand over to his knee underneath the table. It seemed to calm him, which made me glow with warmth and also long to slide my tentacles out and wind around his thigh. I couldn’t, though, because they’d be visible under my polo shirt even when I was sat down.
I almost missed the turn in the conversation but blinked myself back to focus when I heard Sonny mention my name.
“His cottage is already very accessible because Declan’s been managing perfectly well for the past few days. And if anyone knows how to arrange the adaptations he needs, it’s Erik. They can work it out between them, what Declan wants and how to make it happen.”
Declan blustered, “Erik hasn’t asked me to move in with him, Sonny.”
Oh. Was that it?
I turned to Declan and grinned. I knew already what his answer would be, because he’d slipped his hand under the table and was gripping mine hard, and my octopus wanted to wind round and round him to keep him warm and safe.
“Would you move in with me, Declan?”
“I-I don’t know— It’s very sudden.”
“Yes, it is,” I agreed.
I caught his gaze, holding it steady. For just that second, we were the only people in the room.
“I— Yes, then. I want to move in with you.”
Sonny gave a loud whoop and a couple of other people offered their congratulations, as though we’d announced we were getting married or something. Lilian looked torn between pride and worry. I wasn’t concerned. She’d learn soon enough that Declan was safe with me.
The rest of the dinner passed more pleasantly. People started talking about the new year and new resolutions, and I was much happier with that than with regrets of the past.
When everyone was stuffed full and Sonny had had two helpings of Christmas pudding – I had no idea where he put it – we all sat back, contented.
Declan’s dad, Tony, said, “Thank you for such a wonderful meal, Lilian.”
We all chimed in our thanks and Lilian brushed away our praise. I was starting to see where Declan got it from.
“It’s good to have all my family here. You’ll have to come over for Easter, Sonny.”
“I will, thanks Lilian.” He looked across the table to me and stage-whispered, “Lilian makes the best apple crumble and custard.”
“I thought you said she made the best Christmas pudding.”
He grinned and leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach. “And I was right.”
We were all moved to the living room and given yet more drinks. The TV was turned on and I asked, “The Great Escape?”
“That’s on later. The King’s speech will start soon.”
And, obviously, as is tradition, half the people in the room fell asleep before it began. I looked around for Sonny. I hadn’t seen him in a while and my octopus wanted to touch him, to reassure myself he was there. I longed to touch him properly, to be honest, but just holding him in my arms would do for now. I hadn’t liked not being in contact with him during dinner.
“Where’s Sonny?” I asked Declan. “Have you seen him?”
“No. I thought he was going to follow us in here.”
We looked round, but Sonny wasn’t there.
Together, we stood and prowled back through the dining room, also devoid of Sonny.
“Let me see if he’s gone to the bathroom.” I headed upstairs, and Declan went towards the kitchen.
Chapter 27
