Page 30 of Companion Required

“Really? Don’t even, Ned. Youknowwhat I mean.”

Once they’d settled in, after Kennedy made sure everyone had drinks, he got them all to sit together on the sofa arrangement.

“Okay, people,” he announced, after asking the piano player to stop his rendition of Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’. “First order of business. Rule number one. No repeats of last year.”

“That’s an easy one,” said Pete. “Without Paddy and his posse.”

“We need to talk about who’s doing which of the trips. Usual score.”

“Is anyone else doing Japan?” asked Pete.

“Steph?” asked Kennedy, stepping away from the front. “Can you take over?”

Over the next twenty minutes, Steph patiently took votes on who would be attending which shore excursion. Kieran seemed really keen to go to the Buddhist temple in Samui, something that held no interest for Kennedy. Fortunately, Steph, Laurie and Leonard would accompany him.

Partway through the evening—they had only meant to have pre-dinner drinks and snacks before the welcome dinner, but his friends got along so well together—Kennedy stood back and observed them with a mix of happiness and pride. Kieran stood laughing with Pete, the toughest nut to crack in their group of friends. A wave of fondness overcame him, having all of his friends together, getting along. Not that he didn’t value the visit to his family, but friends were different. These particular friends had no hidden agendas or expectations, were not only loyal but were along for the simple pleasures of fun and enjoyment.

While Kennedy chatted with Pete and Leonard—his eyes constantly drawn to Kieran, who was working the room like a professional—he noticed Kieran detach himself and head to the cabin door.

“Who is it?” called Kennedy, laughing over Pete’s shoulder to where Kieran stood at the open door. Something about his change of composure and the ashen expression stopped his laughter. “What is it? Who’s there, Kieran?”

“It’s me, Kennedy,” came a loud voice from outside the door, one he knew only too well. “Is this pet monkey of yours going to let us in or not?”

Patrick.

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