Page 42 of Finn

“Then…what’s the problem?”

My aunt knew what I did. Who I was. She had lived through it herself and didn’t shy away from the truth.

“My world.”

She attempted to roll her eyes, but since they were half shut, it didn’t really have the proper effect.

“Go to sleep, Aunt. Stop meddling.”

She squeezed my fingers after a fashion and, with a sigh, fell asleep.

I quietly rose from the uncomfortable chair and walked to the window. It was an overcast gray day. I glanced at my watch, knowing Una would be home, getting ready to head to the hotel later for her performance.

I dialed her number, simply the sound of her soft hello easing something in me.

“Una,” I murmured.

“Oh, Finn. How is she?”

“Awake. Weak. Stubborn as hell.”

“You sound exhausted.”

“I am,” I admitted. It was something I would only tell her. “Shattered.”

“You need to rest.”

“I have to look after Niall. Roisin.”

“Who is looking after you?”

“This call has helped.” I leaned my head on the glass. “I miss you, mo chroí.”

“Oh, Finn,” she whispered again.

I’d planned to tell her about Brian, but I couldn’t. This call was about her. Me. Us. I didn’t want him in the middle yet again. I would call her tomorrow while I was alone.

For a moment, the line was silent, then she spoke again.

“Are you still done?”

“Done and over.”

“Okay, then.”

“Sing for me tonight.”

“I will.”

“Is ceol mo chroí thú,” I murmured. Music of my heart. She always would be.

I hung up.

* * *

UNA

I hated that Finn was gone. And I hated the fact that I hated it even more. The hotel seemed dimmer, and somehow knowing he wasn’t checking on me occasionally made me feel oddly vulnerable.