“Alayah. Killian’s…friend.”
“I know who you are. My little brother used to talk about you all the time.”
“He did?”
“Girl, he had the biggest crush on you. I heard your name so much, I think he said it in his sleep.”
I blushed. Before I could respond, Ellie came running around the corner.
“I washed my hands, Mommy!” she said, raising her little hands for her mom to see. When she looked over and saw me, a big smile broke out on her face. “Ms. Alayah!”
She ran over to me with her arms out. I didn’t hesitate to scoop her up for a hug.
“Hi,” I said, smiling at her.
“Where have you been!”
“I had some family issues to take care of, Ellie.”
“Are they okay?”
I nodded. “Everything is okay now. Thank you for asking.”
“Mommy, this is Uncle Killian’s girlfriend,” she whispered loudly as she pointed at me. “The one with the freckers.”
Bridget laughed. “I know, baby.”
“We’re not—”
“Girl, if you aren’t, you will be. He told me you were here, and I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, so don’t be a stranger. Maybe we can get together for a drink sometime. Don’t worry, I have perfected the art of mocktails. It won’t get you drunk, but it still tastes good.”
I smiled. “That would be nice. Killian told me you live three houses down.”
“Yes.”
“Would you like to stay for dinner?”
“My dinner is in the crockpot. I just wanted to officially introduce myself to you. We can plan something for another day. You’re more than welcome to come to Sunday dinner with our family. Your little friend there has already told my parents you’re Killian’s girlfriend.”
“But she is, Mommy. I saw him kiss her.”
“It was a forehead kiss,” I explained.
“It was still a kiss,” Ellie said matter of factly.
I giggled. “I guess you’re right. “
“Uncle Killian told my mommy you live here now. Does that mean I get to come over and play with you?”
“I would love to play with you. You still owe me a movie date.”
“Yes! Mommy, doesn’t she look like Moana? Look at all her hair.” She fluffed the mass of curls on my head.
“You know what, you do,” Bridget agreed. “Anyway, I’m not gonna hold you up. We just wanted to say hi. Come on, Ellie. Daddy should be home.”
Ellie wrapped her little arms around my neck and squeezed. When she pulled away, she kissed my cheek.
“See you later, Ms. Alayah.”
