Declan
I’m going to be in Lake Spark tomorrow.
That wasn’t on the calendar. ;)
Fuck the calendar, we freeze time. I’ll see you tomorrow. Spread yourself wide and be ready.
Some of us need to work, Mr. Impatient.
Fine. I’ll pick us up dinner and you can meet me at my place. I got the keys. We have surfaces to test. ;)
What an offer…
And you love it.
I do, I really do. A smile dances on my lips as I place my phone flat on the table, as Ford will be here any moment. I’m waiting in Catch 22 for dinner with my brother. He wanted to meet up after last week’s babysitting weekend turned into an adventure not for the faint of heart. It’s a little messed up, but despite my teenage nephew ending up with a hangover, I’m kind of happy that the weekend ended the way it did.
I got to experience another side of Declan, a softer side.
It’s a big problem too, because it’s hard to see the guy you’re only supposed to be casual with as just that, when you were already feeling things, and then he swoops in like a knight in shining armor. Not to mention, when we came back to my house and we slept together that night, it felt as though our connection deepened.
We text every day, and when he was in Lake Spark a few days ago for a meeting, he came to my place after. I ate dinner while sitting on his lap because he wouldn’t let my hand go.
“What has you in a good mood?” My brother greets me by placing his hand on my shoulder.
My body jolts as my brain tries to rewire my focus. “Oh, hey, you’re here.”
“Yeah, we said we were meeting at seven.” He offers me a goofy look and slides onto the chair across from me.
“Sorry, I had a lot of orders today, and my brain is a little foggy,” I fib.
He nods in understanding as he gets comfortable. “It’s okay. Did Connor stop by on time to do his clean-up duties?”
“Yes. Nugget very much appreciates a new servant to his kingdom,” I reflect with sarcasm.
My brother laughs. “I always appreciate your positive view of the world. Again, I’m sorry he got a little unruly. I assure you, I have him on Nugget, house, and training center duty for another week.”
I wave him off. “Stop apologizing. We were all his age once, and I think he learned his lesson.”
Ford smiles at the waitress who arrives at our table, and we both order our drinks, keeping it to soft drinks for now. When she walks away, my brother grins at me peculiarly.
“What’s up with you?” I wonder as I grab a piece of bread from the basket.
“Nothing. It’s been a while since you and I had a little one-on-one time. I haven’t checked up on you enough lately—”
I hold up my hand, indicating for him to stop. “For that, I count my blessings,” I tease.
Ford rolls his eyes. “I just mean, I felt I didn’t need to, as you seem pretty happy. There isn’t anyone new in your life?”
My heart jumps into my throat and gets stuck. I internally question why it’s my heart and not my words, but I don’t have time to analyze now; I need to deter Ford. I rip my bread into tiny pieces. “Nobody. It’s just summer in Lake Spark, how can you not be happy?”
“It’s been raining more days than I care to count.” He looks at me blankly.
“And? Dancing in the rain can be good for the soul.”
“Right.” It drags out of him, as he doesn’t seem to be buying it. “No idea what you’re up to in your free time, but I hope it’s nothing illegal. I would love for you to find someone to settle down with, you deserve it.”
The waitress drops off our drinks, and we thank her but indicate we need more time to order.
