Page 11 of By His Play

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KIERAN

“Whoa,” I say, reaching for Effie’s arm when she trips over her own feet as we leave the restaurant. “Lightweight as ever, I see,” I tease.

“Shurup,” she slurs.

“Eff, you’ve had two glasses of prosecco and three sips of whiskey. How are you this wasted?” I ask, as I lead her toward my car.

Sure, she’s never been a big drinker. It’s hardly a surprise because she’s tiny. But she can usually handle more than two glasses.

“S’been a while.”

“You don’t say.”

“I missed you, Kieran.”

A genuine smile pulls at my lips, one that I haven’t felt for what feels like years.

I knew I needed to get out of Chicago and break the cycle I’d found myself in after the playoffs, but I didn’t appreciate just how much better I’d feel the moment I laid eyes on Effie.

She’s always been my safe place.

From the very first time we met, she didn’t care who I was, what sport I played, or who I was friends with.

In fact, she was completely indifferent to everything about me.

In return, I was beyond intrigued by the quiet pocket rocket I’d been paired with in chemistry all those years ago.

All my life, people wanted to be friends with me for bullshit, superficial reasons.

And then there was Effie.

While everyone else let me get away with almost anything, she refused to take any shit.

She kept her cards close to her chest, and it took a very long time to get her to open up. But when she did, I felt closer to her than I had anyone. Ever.

And the best bit about our friendship? Unlike everyone else, she didn’t want anything from me.

She wasn’t searching for a way up the social ladder or to fund some lavish lifestyle. She was just her.

Just Effie.

“You good?” I ask as she slumps in the passenger seat.

Her eyelids are heavy and she’s got a lazy smile playing on her lips. I can’t help but laugh at her.

“Yeah, I’m good. Take me home?”

“You got it.”

After strapping her in, I climb into the driver’s seat and start the engine.

“Thank you for coming,” she whispers as we take off down the street.

My breath catches as she reaches for my hand and entwines our fingers.

She squeezes, and I can’t help but do the same.

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