My neck heats up. ‘Oh?’
He grins. His dimples are really working their magic today. ‘Yeah, gonna meet back up with Cormac and head up our way. Come with?’
I look back in the cafe for Meg. ‘I can’t, sorry. Got plans.’
Paul shrugs. ‘No worries. You might wanna head back soon though. There might be a few more protests tonight.’
I tense. ‘Where? Will there be fighting?’
‘Probably.’ He frowns, no doubt clocking my low-grade panic. ‘Oh, don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Just don’t go wandering across the city.’
I release the internal anxiety tornado. ‘Thanks.’
‘No sweat, buddy. See you soon.’
‘I’d love that,’ I say, and my voice squeaks again.
Fuck. My. Life.
I try not to watch him as he walks off, but when he turns round and catches me staring I give him a thumbs up. He laughs and gives one back.
This crush will end me!
‘Was that Paul?’ says Meg. I didn’t even hear the door open.
‘Yeah, he’s off to meet Cormac, then heading back. Mentioned some protests. We just chatted a bit. About nothing really. Just stuff.’
She raises an eyebrow.
‘What?’ I say.
‘You’re adorable.’ She links her arm in mine.
Chapter Eight
‘Michael!’ Nanny Bet opens the door and hugs me tight. ‘Everything all right?’
My stomach twists. She must still be worried about my blackout earlier. ‘Yeah, I’m great. Just want to check if the memory card is still in my camera.’
She frowns. ‘Well, it’s in the kitchen bin now, covered in God knows what.’ Her eyes flicker behind me.
I look back. ‘Oh, sorry. This is Meg.’
Meg extends a hand. ‘Nice to meet you, Mrs Kenny.’
Nanny Bet smiles. ‘Have we met before?’
‘I don’t think so,’ says Meg.
‘Well, nice to meet you. Come on in. Coffee? Tea?’
‘Oh no, that’s OK. I think Michael wanted to ask you something, then we’re heading out.’
I blush as my nan frowns. ‘Well, he can ask me over tea, can’t he? What would you like?’
‘Herbal, if you have it.’
Nanny Bet cocks her head. ‘I’ll see what I have. Your mummy’s in the living room, Michael. See if she wants a refill.’ She heads to the kitchen.
