“The one.” I glance at Linus.
Liam exhales, disbelieving. “Wow. Not on my bingo cardtoday.”
“Oh,” he says. “Fuck.”
Avonna’s brow furrows. “What now?”
“Our mom’s are best friends, I didn’t realize she would be here today” He rubs the back of his neck.
The room feels smaller suddenly. Louder. The familiar chaos cushions the edges.
Liam huffs a short, stunned laugh. “Jesus. Padraig didn’t mention any of this?”
“Padraig doesn’t mention anything lately until it’s already happenin’,” I remind him.
Avonna doesn’t speak. She’s watching closely, reading the moment instead of reacting to it. She doesn’t know Stevie. Only knows the history through what Liam and I have told her about.
Liam straightens when Stevie finally turns to see the three of us. Her face changes instantly. Surprise. Recognition. Something softer underneath.
She crosses to us. “Linus, God. It’s been a long time.”
“Too long.” I offer my hand, and she pulls me into a hug instead. Her scent is all memory. Summer nights and wafts of lilac.
She turns to Liam, who’s unreadable. “Hi, old friend.”
“Hey, Stevie.” He rakes a hand through his hair. “This is Avonna Parilla. Avonna, Stevie Hayes.”
Avonna’s smile is immediate. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard…” she glances at me, then Liam, “so much about you.”
Stevie grins. “Same here. Sounds like you’ve got your hands full with these two.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Avonna chuckles.
They exchange a short hug. Brief, natural. When they step back, there’s an unspoken understanding between them.
Padraig motions for Stevie to join him from across the room. The minute she’s out of earshot, Liam mutters, “Deja fucking vu. No wonder he was bein’ a little bitch about going on tour.”
“Do you think they’re together?” Avonna stares after them, eyebrows raised.
I glance between them both. “Dunno. You saw it, right? The way he looked at her?”
“Aye,” Liam scoffs. “The man dragged me for being secretive. Meanwhile he’s probably fuckin’ his ex and keepin’ it on the down low?”
I lean against the wall, still processing. “He probably thought we’d all flip.”
“I’m not flippin’.” Avonna smooths her hand over Liam’s back. “I think it’s kind of sweet.”
Liam gives her a look. “Sweet? It’s going to make this tour even more of a circus.”
“Everything with this band is a circus,” I remind him.
Dinner is loud. Comforting. A flurry of half-eaten rolls, toddlers begging for dessert, and familial chaos. Evenings at the McGloughlins are often bittersweet for me because of the situation with my own family. I miss them.
Next to me, Liam leans into Avonna’s side, stealing a bite of mashed potatoes from her plate. Across from us, Padraig pretends to follow the conversation Seamus and Connor are having about the upcoming football season. Cillian’s telling Brennan some long-winded story, half-yelled over the kids all making dramatic sound effects and giggling like lunatics.
I can’t keep track of it all. Don’t need to.
When Maureen stands and grabs a bunch of dishes, Avonna nudges me under the table.
