“And she’s with the hot guy with the tattooed arm.”
I knew he wouldn’t let that slide.
“Yes.All friends, except Erin — she joined later.”
“So they’re all one big extended family.Like the O’Connors.”
“More or less.”
“And how do you know all these things?”
“People talk when they have someone who listens.”
The Doctor nods thoughtfully.“It takes courage,” he then says.“To open up to someone.”
“And it also takes someone willing to listen.Sometimes talking doesn’t just change your life, but also the lives of those around you, and not always for the better,” I add.
“You should test people; sometimes, they’re waiting for nothing else.”
I turn to him.“Are you the patient type?”
His hand instinctively rests on mine.
“You have no idea how much.”
“Bloody hell, Jamie!”Jay brings over the beers we ordered.I get up and give him a hug.
“How’s it going, man?”
“We’re a mess, as always.Sorry, it took me twenty minutes.”
“No worries.We mostly came for the music anyway.”
“Don’t talk shit.”
“You all look good.”
“Out of control and out of our minds as usual?”Jay sits down next to the Doctor.“Hi, I’m Jay,” he says, reaching out a hand.
The Doctor swallows nervously.“Martin.”
Ah, Doctor.Do you have a thing for musicians with a pretty face and a damned soul?
Jay turns back to me.“She’s fine,” he says, suddenly serious again.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“One day at a time, yeah?”
I smile at him.
“But what about you?I don’t really follow rugby, and even when Liam fills us in, I barely pay attention.”
I laugh.“We’re in first place.The season’s going great.”
“What the hell?”Jay stands up.“Why do I even bother with them?Patrick’s messing with the cables.I’ll go check on him.Have a good night.”
“They’re such a nice family,” the Doctor says.“Thanks for bringing me tonight.”
