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Finn stared at him. A job he loved…A fling…

It was true, he loved this job. But with these changes, would he still? Would he still love it even with the reminders of Maisie that would certainly pop up at every single location he went to? Reminders of what could have been had he just given them a chance?

“A fling,” he repeated, slowly nodding his head in acknowledgement of Joshua’s words.

“Aye,” Joshua said.

Finn shook his head. “She wasn’t a fling.”

Joshua blinked, clearly surprised, but Finn could say nothing more. He left the office and closed the door behind him, not making it two steps before pulling out his phone and finding the number for Fiadh’s da at the Boatswain’s Bar.

Finn may have signed away his freedom, but it wouldn’t be gone for long. He’d apply to every touring company in Northern Ireland. He’d ask Mr. Murphy for work as a waiter at the pub. He’d even take a job at Fiadh’s ice cream van at this point. He’d do whatever it took to earn the money to secure his family’s future, to quit Nirbt, and to earn his way back to Maisie. He couldn’t let a woman like that go. He would fight to be with her. He would do whatever it took. He would⁠—

His phone buzzed in his hand, ending his thoughts as he saw a message come in from Da.

Da

Just got off the phone with EJS Group. I got the job. They’re giving me a sign-on bonus, so I’ll be able to pay you off. So grateful for you, son. Let’s have a chat when you’re free.

Finn stopped, staring down at the words, blinking and unbelieving.

Finn

Are you serious? Or did Ma put you up to this?

Da

I’m serious, son. Although your mammy did tell me to message you first. Go get your girl.

Finn read the words over and over again, telling himself he was imagining it, but as a lightness began to flap inside his chest, that wingless bird sprouting feathers broke free from its grounded cage, and Finn straightened.

He turned around, headed back into Joshua’s office, and faced his boss with a smile. “Can I see that contract, mate?”

Joshua, still staring at Finn with confusion, handed it over to him. “Here you are.”

Finn took the papers and promptly tore them in half.

“What the⁠—”

“Sorry, Joshua,” Finn interrupted.

Then with a wink, he spun round and walked away.

“You’re serious?” Joshua called after him.

“I told you,” Finn said over his shoulder. “She’s not a fling.”

And with that, he left the depot behind. He probably should have kept the job, earned more money to get another flat. But what was living with his parents for a few weeks to being able to see Maisie now?

He supposed he really was the Romeo type after all—going mad and making foolish decisions all for the sake of a girl.

Maisie landed in Boston with a heavy heart. She wandered through the airport, making her way to the baggage claim and feeling lower than ever.

Daphne had messaged her earlier, letting Maisie know that she couldn’t be there to pick her up at the airport, but that she’d see her that night at their apartment.

Maisie didn’t mind. She needed more time away from her aunt. More time to process how she felt not being with Finn, how she felt still being away from home, how she felt losing another dream.

With her luggage in tow, she headed for the exit, ready to take a bus to the apartment before she heard her name shouted from behind.