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True Love - Chapter 30 – The Best Boy

One Week Earlier – Thursday – March 28, 2024

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One week earlier...

I whistled as I stepped out onto the lawns of the new castle I’d just purchased for the Society.Oh, yes.This would do quite nicely. Quite nicely indeed. I snapped my fingers and a game of croquet magically appeared on the lawn.

I grabbed a croquet mallet and starting whistling. It had been almost two centuries since I’d played the good game. It had been too painful to even be near the game before. It made me relive seeing someone I thought I loved with my best friend at the time.

But now that I’d met Ash, I knew what love truly was. And I hadn’t loved the horned lady. Not even close. And I’d really missed croquet.

I hit the ball and it sailed perfectly along the plush grass and straight between the wickets.Still got it!I twirled the mallet in my hand as I snapped my fingers again to set up a refreshment table, a spread of finger sandwiches, and a small tent to gather under. It was just like the good old days.

Nigel appeared beside me with a smile on his face. “This brings back memories.”

“What a time in Ireland we had. But nothing compares to this moment.”

Nigel nodded. “And I won’t help write another manifesto here in New York. I’ve learned my lesson. One man’s gag is another’s doctrine.”

“Very true.” I leaned over and made another perfect shot.Definitely still have it. “All our friends will be here soon. Anything else we need to set up?”

“No, this is perfect. A splendid luncheon! I can’t wait for Ash to officially be my mistress.”

I was glad Nigel hadn’t quit on me.

“Ah, our first guests have arrived!” Nigel seemed so excited, but then he frowned. “What are they wearing?”

Matt was in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. And Brooklyn was dressed in a very casual sundress.

“It’s as though they’ve never been invited to a luncheon before,” said Nigel. “Oh well. I shall greet them, even though they’re dressed like peasants. It’s only proper.” He ran over to the back of the castle to greet Matt, Brooklyn, Jacob, and Chloe.

Matt walked over to me with Chloe in his arms, while the rest of his family kept talking to Nigel. “What the heck, man?”

“Is that a way to greet your friend?” I asked as I made another perfect shot. “Has something upset you?”

“You bought a freaking castle without talking to your financial advisor? We talked about this.”

“No, we talked about buying football teams. And does this look like a football team to you? No.”

“Soccer teams,” Matt corrected.

“If you say so.” I put the mallet back over my shoulder. “But what do you think?” I gestured around the immaculate gardens.

“I think I’m confused. You love living in the city.”

I laughed. “That I do, son. I’m not living here. I bought it for special Society events.”

Matt shook his head.

“What? It was a business expense. Business expenses don’t count as normal boy expenses.”

“That’s not how anything works.”

I shrugged and peered down at Chloe. “Say abuelo.”

Chloe looked up at me and said: “Abuelo.”