I don’t let go right away. Neither does she.
“So, twins from Fireball.” She finally lets go and mops herbrow with a towel. “I saw you in Belfast a few weeks ago. I live in Dublin.”
“An American in Dublin.” I shoot her my most devastating grin.
She steps closer. Not shy. Not full of herself either.
Grounded. Composed.
“You’re better live than in videos.” She winks.
“Same to you.”
This senselessness makes Avonna laugh. Her energy crackles. She’s the kind of woman who draws people in whether they want it or not. There’s something behind her eyes too. History. Weight.
“You sticking around for our set?” I ask like a schoolboy.
She quirks a brow. “Wasn’t planning on it. You inviting me?”
“Aye.” I lean in slightly. “Wouldn’t be polite not to.”
Her gaze doesn’t drop. “Then I accept.”
We’re flirting. I know it. She knows it. I like the way it feels. Easy. Unrushed.
“Your voice…” I start, but the words falter. She waits. I try again. “It knocked me flat. Like you’ve bled through every lyric.”
“Well, sometimes I have.”
“You’re incredible.” I mean it. “The raw stuff’s what lasts. Polish washes off.”
Her lips part, and I think she’s about to say something else. Keep the conversation going. I want her to.
Then I feel it. The back of my neck goes rigid.
Awareness.
A ripple in the air you only get when someone from your past steps into your present.
Linus.
He walks up from behind us and stands next to her.
He hasn’t changed. Not really. Obviously, a little older. Full beard. His eyes are the same. So is the way he stands. The tilt of his head, like he’s been watching me for years. Same unreadable gaze. His body is leaner now, more refined. Sun-kissed skin under a black shirt fitted like it was tailored to his bones. He looks sharp. Calm.
“Liam.” His voice cuts like a memory.
My mouth goes dry. Padraig immediately takes a half step back, giving me space. His eyes flick between us like he knows how monumental this moment is.
I can’t speak.
Linus doesn’t either. Not right away.
Avonna’s gaze bounces between us.
“Linus.” She touches his arm.
Neither of us moves.
