CALLUM
I know why she’s hiding from me. I feel the same; scared fucking shitless that we might actually have something here. But if she won’t take my calls or reply to my messages, how can I even attempt to tell her how I feel. She’s stirs something unnervingly deep in me. If she’d only give me the opportunity to prove it. I’m willing to put myself out there for her. All she has to do is meet me at the halfway line.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out expectantly, I’ve checked it five thousand times since last night. I’ve turned into one of those desperate, love-sick men. I’ve never felt so helpless in all of my adult life.
It’s my brother Brian. I’m fairly sure he’s not texting to congratulate me on another successful fundraiser for a cause that should mean as much to him as it does to me.
Brian: Abby Queenan? Great photo. You must be so proud.
I scowl in response, firstly because it isn’t Abby, secondly because Brian never misses an opportunity to stick the knife in.
Callum: She’s different.
I seem to have to justify myself to Brian, more than anyone else, even my father. Dad’s never been right after Mam, only ever half present, and that was before he got Alzheimer’s. Brian assumed the head of the household role at the mere age of thirteen. And he’s never seemed impressed with my achievements, sporting or otherwise.
I have an inexplicable streak that longs to make my older brother proud. I’m foolish to even think it a remote possibility. But he is happily married. Maybe he can offer me some advice. It’s not like I’ve got anyone else I can go to.
Brian: Why? Because she has a brain?
Callum: I actually like her.
My phone rings instantly.
‘I’m just checking it’s actually you typing, and that your phone hasn’t been stolen.’ Brian’s familiar voice does nothing to appease my jittering insides.
‘It’s me.’ I sigh in helpless frustration. If he’s ringing to torment me, he can piss off.
‘So Abby Queenan, hey? Ireland Today’s inhouse agony aunt and the nation’s sweetheart.’ A slightly more solemn tone indicates that he’s taking me seriously for once.
‘The very one,’ I confirm.
‘So what’s the problem? Worried she’ll break your heart?’ he teases.
The sound of my niece and nephew fighting in the background distracts him for a second.
‘Sorry. Melissa’s gone shopping. I’m supposed to be parenting here. Apparently, you can’t call it babysitting when it’s your own kids.’ Brian laughs at his joke.
‘No worries. How are the rugrats?’ I ask out of politeness rather than interest. The only thing I’m interested in at this point is his help on the Abby situation. Which highlights exactly how desperate I am.
‘So, what’s up?’
‘She’s not into me,’ I admit.
‘She looks pretty into you on page two ofThe Irish Sun.’
‘That woman has knocked me back more times than knocks I’ve taken on the field. Someone really did a number on her before. And with my past record…I suppose I can’t blame her for being wary.’ Another heavy sigh escapes my lips. It isn’t hard to see why she’s avoiding me.
‘Well, well, I never thought I’d see the day. If you are serious, Callum – and I mean serious, you need to make some sort of grand gesture to show her. Preferably something public. So if all this blows up, the entire country will know it was you that pursued her. Abby Queenan makes her living dishing out advice to the women of this country. She can’t be seen to have you make her a fool of her.’ Brian unknowingly echoes Abby’s words from the other night.
Man, my big brother is better than I gave him credit for.
‘Like what, though?’ I’m struggling to think of something.
‘I don’t know. But if you want her to know that she’s different to the women before her, you have to treat her differently – show her.’
High-pitched squeals escalate again. There’s a war starting over a volleyball.
‘I gotta go, Callum. I hope it works out for you. It’s about time you found someone nice.’ What his tone actually conveys is, it’s about time you grow up. But no harm. Brian was helpful for once.
