“Hmm, let me see,” Billy replied, rubbing his chin. “Ryan’s busy with the wife and kids, as per usual. Maura works every hour God sends. Sharon and her partner just got approved for a mortgage. Patrick is still single and living his best bachelor life. The twins’ restaurant is doing well, and as you know, Helen is still at home with Mam and Dad. I’m not sure she’ll ever move out, but they like having her there all the same.”
“Well, if she’s happy and they’re happy, then there isn’t really anything wrong with it,” I said, thinking of my older sister. She was twenty-seven and suffered from severe anxiety, which meant she’d shied away from many of life’s milestones in favour of staying at home with our parents. She found solace in the repetition of the familiar, and that was fine by me. Whatever keeps you sane.
“And what about you? Where have you been living? Have you been working at all?” I asked, bringing my attention back to Billy.
“Ah, you know me. I’m a piece of driftwood floating down the stream,” he replied, making flowing motions with his hands. “I go where life’s crazy path decides to take me. I did a stint at Electric Picnic over the summer, but right now, I’m in between gigs.”
I pursed my lips, studying him more closely. “So, you aren’t living anywhere in particular?”
“I’ve been sleeping on friends’ couches mostly. But sure, it’s grand. I always have a room at Mam and Dad’s that I can go back to if worse comes to worst.”
“You can’t couch surf forever, though. Why don’t you think about moving over here? We can find you a job and a room to rent. It’ll be great. That way, we can see each other all the time.” It’d also give me the chance to keep an eye on him. Billy had a reckless streak, and the rest of my family were often too busy with their own lives to realise when he needed help.
“You know, that doesn’t sound half bad. I do love this city.”
“London’s a great place to live. There’s always something happening here. I think you’d fit right in.”
“Okay, I’ll think about it,” Billy agreed just as our food arrived. He dug into his sushi rolls while I was distracted by my phone vibrating with a message.
I opened it up, my mouth shaping into a smile when I saw Neil had sent another selfie. It appeared to have been taken next to the steps leading down into a subway station. Neil smiled confidently into the camera, and for a second, something warm and fuzzy filled my chest. He looked so … well, he looked hot in a professional, office clerk sort of way. Neil wore his usual buttoned-up shirt and glasses, but there was something in his eyes, a comfort in his own skin that wasn’t always present. I only got glimpses of it from time to time, like when that bloke bumped into me outside the gaming sphere and he’d chased him down. Or later, when he’d slid his arm around my waist and confidently informed Dev he’d been keeping me busy. The memory sent a rush of butterflies through me.
I typed out a reply.
Afric: Wow, you really knocked it out of the park with that one, Neil. Seriously, I have no notes.
Afric: NO NOTES.
Neil: Honestly? This isn’t some elaborate ruse to lull me into a false sense of confidence before you tear me down?
Afric: I promise there’s no ruse. You look great! I’m a proud mama bear.
I hit send before I had the chance to read it back. Oh, God … Did I really just type … “mama bear?” Who says that? I spent several moments freaking out before I snapped myself out of it. I wasn’t the type to second guess myself. And it wasn’t like I was texting someone who’d sneer at me. This was just Neil. I’d spent the last few nights in my PJs stuffing my face in front of my laptop screen with him while watching a period romance.
Neil: Pretty sure that’s not possible since I’m several years older than you ;-)
I chewed my lip, deciding to double down instead of admitting embarrassment.
Afric: It is possible. I birthed you from an insecure little babe into the confident selfie-taking professional you are today.
Neil: The image of you birthing me has left me feeling rather uncomfortable …
I grinned as I read this message.
Afric: Stop picturing it then, ya big perv!
Neil: You’re the one who created the picture in the first place!
Afric: I planted the idea. You’re the one who took the time to visualise it.
Neil: This is such a weird conversation.
Afric: I know. And you’re welcome.
Afric: And I meant what I said. It’s a great photo of you :-)
Neil: Thanks. I’m glad my selfie-taking has finally passed muster.