“It’s Adelaide.”
He slings his backpack over his shoulder and walks backward out of the room, waving as he goes.
* * *
“He’s a cutie, isn’t he?”
“And did you hear him with that accent?”
“And manners.With his,Yes, ma’am, it might just make an old lady swoon a little.”
Not one of them is bothered by the shade I’m throwing their way.I pack up my computer and straighten the chairs, making my way to the door.My jaw is tight, and my head is down.I don’t want to engage.I feel like they all turned on me a little.
A warm hand settles on my arm, startling me out of my thoughts.“Adelaide, you should give him a chance,” Louise says softly.
I can’t help but roll my eyes again at the idea of going out with Finn.
“Louise, he’s just…” Sighing, I try to think of what I want to tell her.That he’s a cheesy flirt?That the rumors I’ve heard are that he’s a man-whore and more likely to have a flavor of the day as opposed to being the gentleman he’s led them all to believe he is?And why do I care?I have Eric; he’s all I need.
Louise wraps her arms around me and pulls me in tight.Maybe it’s time for me to move back home.I miss my family, especially my grandma.
Squeezing her back and stuffing down my tears, I bark out an ugly laugh when she pats my back and says, “If nothing else, honey, get laid.You’ll feel better.”
6
“Your pants would look great on my bedroom floor.”
“You can buy the same pair at Target for twenty dollars.”
Finn
Ishould have probably gone back to my flat after that exchange with the fiery little thing, but I’m too keyed up.Instead, I stop in at McBride’s for a pint and some food.
“You’re done then?I’m away, home to Lis.”Aidan claps a heavy hand down on my shoulder and plants a bar rag in the middle of my chest.
“Fuck’s sake, you said you’d work for me tonight.I’m just in for a?—”
“Sorry, Finn.Lis is home.She got done early and needs me.”
“Christ, I can’t catch a break anywhere today.”I stow my ruck under the bar and grab a glass for my pint, mumbling, “Just wanted to get my setup done, check out some GIFs, and take care of myself.”
“What are you on about?”Aidan asks.“I thought you had your class today, yeah?”
I set the glass down to let the thick black beer settle and lean my ass against the bar.“I did.Didn’t go to plan though.”
Aidan huffs a laugh at me.“Turn out the instructor was a man?”
I hang my head and roll my shoulders.The last thing I want to do is let on that I’m hung up on—haunted by—his web designer.Aidan’s such a protective arse; he’d probably never have her meet him here again if he knew.What if they’re done meeting up?What if his work with her is finished?
“Finn, you all right?Need to talk something out?”He steps back up to the bar, concern written across his face.
“I’m fine,” I mutter.“Just gonna drop some chips in the fryer before you leave, yeah?Give me a minute.”
In the kitchen, I take a few moments to cool off in the walk-in freezer and try to collect myself.I should have just gone straight home.Addie has me off-balance and aching for her at the same time.
When I can’t avoid it any longer, I grab a fresh bag of chips and drop a healthy—or rather, an unhealthy—portion into the fryer.I busy myself, cleaning the already-spotless kitchen while I wait for my food to cook.Aidan will be fine for a few extra minutes.And Lis won’t be that upset with me for keeping him.
“You about done back here?”Aidan pops his head through the door, eyebrows raised, pupils dancing.“Lis is waiting for me in?—”
