“That was just my favorite part.But, no, I’m not toying with you.I did go home with her—once.Well before I met you.And, as for having access to my flat, her father is my landlord.She stole the key and let herself in.She was passed out drunk on St.Patrick’s Day when I got home from our date.Christ, I had to sit in the fucking car park of McBride’s for a half hour to let my windows clear and get some blood flow back to my brain.I was too exhausted to try to take her home, so I covered her up—on the sofa—and locked my bedroom door.
“And the other night?I don’t know what that was.I’ve told her it can’t happen again.Told her I’m not interested.At all.”He takes the final step into my space, my back against the side of the car.“And, if you’d like, I’ll call my mum.Right now, so we can settle the name thing.”He slides his phone out of his pocket, taps at the screen, and holds it between us.
“What are you doing?”
The screen lights up with a video of a woman who can only be Finn’s mother.They have the same dark-red curls, same cheekbones.The same mischievous grin.
“Mum, I need you to settle something for me.”
“Of course, hon.Is that Addie with you?Hello, dear.”
I try to blink away the fact that his mom knows who I am, but it’s useless.
As I say, “Hello,”Finn talks over me and says, “It’s Adelaide, Mum.Anyway, what’s my name?My full name.”
He winks at me.That fucking wink kills me.
“Finn Francis Michael O’Meara.Have you hit your head and can’t remember?”She winks the same damn wink.
“So, Finn’s not short for anything?”His left eyebrow is creeping higher up on his forehead as he waits for her answer.
“Of course not,” Mrs.O’Meara scoffs.“What else can I help you with?”
“That’s it, Mum.Thank you.I’ll talk to you again at our regular time on Sunday, yeah?”
They blow kisses at each other and end the chat with a quick, “I love you.”
“So, Adelaide, I am just Finn.And I never encouraged Marlee’s behavior, and I hope to never encounter her again outside of McBride’s.I’d be fine with never seeing her there again either.And I’d really like for us to pick up where we were so rudely interrupted.”He tilts my face to meet his gaze.
He stares at my mouth as I chew at my bottom lip.I briefly look away before he draws my attention back to him, swiping his thumb over my poor, abused flesh.
I quickly rise up onto my toes, delivering a sweet kiss.“It’s Addie.”
23
“I don’t want to make waves, but you could definitely float my boat.”
“I am feeling a bit wet.”
Finn
Ifollow Addie back to her flat, sliding my car into a spot right next to hers.Jumping out, I grab her bags—all of them—from her car and sling them over my shoulder.I will proudly sport the big floral tote that Connie brought to get all the small gifts home in.
“You know, Eric is going to need attention before…” She trails off, and God love her, I hope she means…what I hope she means.
“I’ll tend to your wiener while you put your prezzies away.”I steal a kiss and snatch his new leash out of the bag.
“Oh, and I don’t know what’s up with him, but he’s been liking the Chinese place lately.He pees on the wall about halfway down the alley.”
The dog and I share a look; he’s a bit sheepish, but I’m nothing short of proud.
I scoop him up and run him down the stairs, outside and straight to the alley he seems to favor now.Of course, the little prick wants to take his time.Sniffing around, rooting under trash, generally drawing out the conclusion of his business.
“Be a good lad and go.Just get there, man.”
But no…he’s in and out of boxes, not even quick-like.He slowly drags his long snout along the top of each box as he slides back out, sometimes only to rush right back in and do it all over again, snuffling and panting as he goes.
Finally, when I’m about out of my mind, I swear, I hear him sigh.Having found what he was looking for, whatever that might be, he trots over to the wall and takes a long-drawn-out piss.
