She squeals and smacks the table.
“I’d take that as a yes,” I say, grinning into Gabe’s shoulder.
Ciarán looks far too pleased with himself. I’d feel a little bad that we’re all ganging up on my best friend, but he kinda deserves it. He acts so differently around Ciarán, his usually chill playfulness nowhere to be found.
Abbie elbows Ciarán in the side and shifts the conversation. “Well, that got sidetracked… as usual when Ciarán is around. I’m going out with Paul again next week.”
Ciarán’s face takes on an unreadable expression, before smoothing out as he mouths a very unapologetic, “Sorry.”
“Paul?” Gabe asks.
“The guy my sister set me up on a blind date with,” she says. “He’s cute. Real sweet. He’s a teacher, too. I think he’s got dog energy in a cat’s body.”
“Are we even speaking English anymore?” Ciarán mutters in a bored tone.
“You know, like... loyal golden retriever in the body of a panther.”
Theo raises his coffee. “To whatever the hell that means.”
“To genetic confusion?” I add, causing Theo to snort.
As the food arrives and conversation flows, the table fills with laughter and clinking cutlery. Gabe feeds Rose some pancake while she chatters away happily. Her speech is really coming along. Aiden watches, his face softening.
I can’t stop looking at Gabe. How natural he is with her. He looks so relaxed now, it’s a far cry from the first brunch outingwe had. He glances up and catches me staring, and my heart does a somersault.
As we linger over the last sips of coffee, Theo leans back, speaking to Gabe. “You excited about doing more events?”
I’m glad Theo is showing an interest in Gabe. I’d love for them to be friends. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have true friends, in addition to Aiden, of course. And I want to share that with Gabe.
“I am,” Gabe says happily. “Dani asked me to do an event at the store in the next few months for a pretty big author. I’m looking forward to it. I want the store to get more exposure.”
“And it will,” I say, reaching for his hand under the table.
He smiles at me, the kind that makes me forget anyone else is in the room.
“Let me know if you need any help with the events, you know I’m always available for you,” Ciarán offers.
“Me too,” Abbie chimes in.
“I’d love that, maybe we could all meet and talk about event ideas I have for the store, too. Tuesday could be good… we could go to Micah’s.” Gabe’s eyes flick between Ciarán and Abbie. There’s such a hopefulness in Gabe’s voice. I know he looks at the coffee kiosk each week, but I haven’t seen him go. He’s managed to go to so many other places in the last few months. I don’t really understand what’s been stopping him from going there yet, but hearing him make plans to go fills me with pride.
I put my arm around his shoulder and kiss his temple, making him giggle as he leans into me. I could live on that sound alone; who needs air?
Abbie’s eyes look red-rimmed as she beams at Gabe. When I look at Ciarán, all the playfulness has dropped from his face, his mouth is slightly parted as his eyes flick around the table and settle back on Gabe. The smile on his face could rival the sun. “We’d love that.”
I palm Gabe’s arm gently, and he rests his head on my shoulder. Utter perfection.
As the group slowly disperses, Aiden hoists a sleepy looking Rose onto his hip and turns to me and Gabe.
“Thanks for this. Nice to have a get-together when I have Rose. She loves seeing everyone.”
“Yeah, we should do it more,” Gabe replies brightly.
Ciarán gives Aiden a slow perusal and huffs. “Well, considering I’m the one who organized it, you’re welcome.”
Abbie rolls her eyes. “Leave it alone, C. You two are exhausting.”
Aiden clears his throat and looks at Ciarán in a way I haven’t seen before. It’s almost… friendly, then he mutters, “Thanks.”
