Page 14 of Our Bright Christmas Town
He drew an audible breath. “‘Night, Kieran.”
No ‘I love you.’ That was fine—I was ready to earn it.
I hopped out into the cold December air and waved as he drove off. For a second, I simply stood there, my breath frothing in front of me before it dissolved into the night. Should I send him a quick text, some kind of reassurance that might stop him from spiralling into doubt? I pulled out my phone and considered my message. Christ, no pressure—just needed to strike the perfect balance between our friendship and its new romantic layer.
‘Deep breaths, yeah? I know you’re freaking out, but I mean it. Every bit.’
I sent it, then turned to my mum’s place. Just past ten. The lights were still on, my mum probably reading in bed while Shelly watched a show. Not too late to drop by Dom’s, was it? He might not be the ultimate authority on love, but his advice was mostly solid. Once he got past the ‘I told you so,’ at least.
I wasn’t freaking out, no. But I could use a friendly sounding board, someone who would talk me down and keep me in check so I wouldn’t overshoot things by a mile, push too far too quickly. Surprising Ashby by jointly adopting a dog was a tad much. Probably.
December23
Can I buy you breakfast? :)
Some of us aren’t in holiday mode yet—working.
:)
Technically I am working! Field research. Analysing the structural integrity of local pastries. Important job that needs an assistant.
Your dedication to science is inspiring. But I’ve got a table to finish—the customer wants it as a Christmas gift. Still sanding the legs...
I can bring food to the workshop? Did some research. “Acts of service” is apparently a thing.
…
You researched love languages?
Maaaaaaybe. Look, coffee + croissant delivery, no ulterior motive.
Okay, lie. Possible ulterior motive: charm extremely fit carpenter.
Possibly schedule a dog shelter visit. Just to LOOK?
You don’t do “just look.” You do “leap first, consider consequences on the flight.”
...which is why I need supervision. Point stands: coffee + sustenance. And maybe one kiss? But no pressure.
Is this a Kieran-style grand gesture?
Small gesture. Baby-step gesture.
(message deleted)
Okay. Honestly? I’ve never wooed anyone before. Trying to do it without freaking you out.
Bring the coffee. If it’s decent, I’ll consider the dog viewing. No promises.
Dash of milk, no sugar. See you in 15. :) :) :)
Since Jude’sorganisational and cooking skills far outshone everyone else’s, we met at his place. It smelled like cheese and grease the moment he opened the door—homemade pizza, as promised.
I hugged him and handed over my entrance fee in the form of a six-pack, then headed for the living room. Ashby, Dom, and Ezra were already there, sprawled across the sofa and the carpet. Just like old times, except we all had proper jobs now. Well, sortof. Dom and I had yet to finish our training, but we sure put in a serious number of work hours.
Also, the way my focus immediately honed in on Ashby, caught by his slightly hesitant smile and the loose drape of his black jumper—that was different, too. Yes, I’d seen him earlier this morning, but since I knew him like the back of my hand, I’d kept it light.
Baby steps.
