“You’re American?” Mary, the other sister, looked at Rafe like he was a scienceexhibit.
“Born andraised.”
“That’s so cool!” Mary and Olivia said. Rafe shrugged with fake modesty. He loved having this instantcache.
“We can’t stay,” Eamonn said. “Just here to borrow mum’s car for themorning.”
“We’re going to Stonehenge,” Rafesaid.
Olivia and Mary seemed as excited by that as their brother did. Rafe supposed it was like someone wanting to go to the Washington Monument. He did that years ago, and it was just a lot of waiting to go up a small elevator and stare out on more monuments for a fewminutes.
“Let me save you some time. It’s rocks,” Oliviasaid.
“Like brother, like sister.” Rafe smiled atEamonn.
“It’s going to be interesting and educational,” Eamonnsaid.
“Two of your favorite things,” Mary said. “We were just about to eatbreakfast.”
“Stay for breakfast,” Olivia pleaded with herbrother.
“Mum’s making eggs,” Marysaid.
“We want to get going and take advantage of the nice weather,” Eamonn said. There was not a cloud in the sky, and with the sun out, the temperature had the perfect fall crisp. This was a day not to be wasted. Rafe imagined Stonehenge would bepacked.
“We can eat in the backyard,” Marysaid.
“It’s just rocks. They’re not going anywhere.” Olivia crossed her arms, underlining herargument.
Eamonn looked back at Rafe for his opinion. Breakfast al fresco actually sounded nice, and he was getting a kick out of this sibling dynamic. Rafe gave him a thumbs-up. The girlscheered.
“It’s going to be a quick breakfast,” Eamonnsaid.
“Our mum makes really good eggs and bacon,” Mary said toRafe.
“We can’t wait to hear all about Eamonn’s new boyfriend!” Oliviaexclaimed.
“Boyfriend?” Eamonn’s mom came to the door. She kissed her son on thecheek.
Eamonn’s cheek went from zero to blush central in seconds. “What? Uh,no.”
“No, I’m not—we’re not boyfriends.” Rafe found himself stammering,too.
“We’re flatmates atStroude.”
“I’m hisflatmate.”
His mom nodded, but she didn’t seem convinced. The sisters burst outgiggling.
“I’m Anna, his mum.” She shook Rafe’shand.
“Rafe.”
“Nice to meet you, Eamonn’sflatmate,” Olivia said. She and Mary traded knowinglooks.
“Right. Listen up.” Eamonn held up his hands. “I have two tickle monsters here, and I know how to use them.” He blew at them like gun barrels. The girls screamed and ran inside. Eamonn put his hands back down. “Works like acharm.”
* * *
