Page 6 of Hooked

Time with just your spouse is so important to making a marriage work, Sia. You’ll understand when you’re older. Your uncle Murphy will be here to pick you up before long.

“My uncle?” Which one? Danny, right. Did he leave too? Is he still angry with me?

“He’ll be right back. Drink.”

I hear the door open a few minutes later, and the oddest conversation ensues.

“What are you doing with Taco?”

“I’m sorry, Vinny. The wind took off part of the roof.”

Vinny? That must be the man with the warm voice. Who has tacos?

“Damn,” Vinny says.

“We’ve got plenty of room. Oscar’s brother is tarping the hole now.”

The lights flicker.

“And your power’s out,” my uncle says, resigned. “Stay with us, please? I’d feel better if someone with medical training were with Sia, at least tonight?”

Is he a doctor? A cute doctor is friends with my uncle?

They’ve moved out of my hearing range. I shake uncontrollably, and it’s awful. How do I feel like I’m freezing but on fire at the same time?

My uncle and Vinny return, and Danny kneels next to me, gently brushing wet hair from my face.

“Sia, honey. What are you doing here? Aren’t you doing the big party with your cousins?”

He means my Doyle cousins, whom I usually spend Christmas with. The Fitzgeralds don’t spend much time together anymore. We really haven’t since Drew died, but even before then we weren’t close.

“I thought we’d have it here. I told Kieran not to tell you. Wanted it to be a surprise. A grand celebration before the grand opening. I hope you’re not mad?” My teeth chatter so every word is stilted.

“I’m not mad, sweetie.” He turns to Vinny. “She’s shaking. Should we take her to the emergency room?”

Vinny sweeps a hand over my forehead and I take him in. His nose is slightly crooked, like it’s been broken. Deep chocolate brown hair, and his eyes match. He’s got a well-trimmed beard and mustache. Not normally something I like, but on him it looks good. Really good.

Besides, if he shaves, I bet it grows back in under ten minutes.

“It’s actually a good sign,” he says. “She’s warming up. I’d keep her here. Better to not take her out in the cold rain again.”

“Honey, my little Seraphina. You’re such an angel to come back here,” my uncle says, stroking my face.

Hardly anyone calls me by my full name. Drew used to when he wanted to tease me. My eyes prick with tears.

My uncles do as well.

Has he forgiven me for my part in Drew’s death? I’m exhausted but hope flickers in my chest.

“I’m going to get something for her hands. Thanks for letting me stay, Danny.”

Uncle Danny rises to his feet and pulls Vinny into a massive hug. Vinny’s body goes stiff, like he’s not used to being touched. Is it because he’s a guy? My Doyle cousins are the toughest guys I know, though, and they’re always hugging and wrestling with each other. Odd.

“Thank you, Vinny. For saving her life.” He’s sobbing, and Vinny just stands there awkwardly, before tapping his back gently.

“Not a problem,” Vinny replies. “I’ll be back.”

I’m very glad to hear that.

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