Page 57 of A Merry Irish Christmas
Max laughed nervously. ‘Well anyway, you’ve got me now. Was there anything in particular you wanted me for?’
‘Yeah. In particular, I wanted to tear you a new one.’ Evan was glad he hadn’t been able to reach Max when he was still mad athim, because this was turning out to be the best Christmas he’d had in a very long time and he was grateful to Max for making it happen. But he still wanted to have a little fun with him before he let him know that.
‘Okaaay. Not loving where this is going so far, but carry on.’
‘You know I arrived to find this house occupied?’
‘Mmm. Yeah, I’ve been talking to Sheena. I know her daughter is there with you. But I was at her drinks thing at your apartment this morning and she said you were going to dinner with friends of hers today, so that must have been nice?’ When Evan didn’t respond, he said, ‘Look, I’m sorry. I know this isn’t what you wanted, but?—’
‘It’s fine.’
‘Really?’ Max’s voice squeaked with surprise.
‘Yeah. I’m actually having a really nice time.’
‘Oh, honey, I’m so glad.’ Evan smiled at the warmth and affection in Max’s voice. ‘So I did good?’ he asked chirpily, eager to take the credit now.
‘You did good. Accidentally, but?—’
‘Same result, so it still counts,’ Max interrupted quickly.
‘Yeah, it still counts.’
‘So, tell me all! What was dinner like? Have you been to a céilí yet?’
‘I don’t think céilís happen here as much as you think. I’ve been to the pub, though, and drank Guinness,’ he said, not wanting to shatter all Max’s illusions. ‘And I went for a swim in the ocean this morning.’
‘In theocean? Oh my God, are you okay?’
‘I’m fine.’ Evan laughed at the dismay in Max’s voice. ‘It’s a thing they do here. It was fun.’
‘And you had dinner with Sheena’s friends? What were they like?’
‘Really nice.’ He’d felt surprisingly comfortable at the O’Sullivans’ and not awkward or out of place at all. ‘Dinner was great. Mostly all the same stuff we’d have, but there were a lot of potatoes – three different kinds.’
‘Well, I suppose that’s to be expected in Ireland. But you have a bit of time before you have to get back into the Spidey suit. I’ll book you in for some overtime with your personal trainer when you get back.’
‘Thanks. And they have a grandkid – Charlie – really cute. He got a Spider-Man suit for Christmas, so he had to show me.’
‘Wow, he must have been thrilled whenyoushowed up.’
‘He was pretty excited, yeah.’
‘And how’s Mary?’
‘Mary’s… she’s great.’
‘Oh, I’m so jealous. I’m always telling you that you should do one of those Christmas romcoms, and now you’re living one for real.’ Max gave a contented sigh. ‘I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back. But I’m so glad you’re going out and meeting people and having fun, not hiding yourself away. Enjoy the rest of your stay.’
‘Thanks. Happy Christmas, Max.’
‘Happy Christmas, Evan.’
20
Mary woke and stretched luxuriously. She picked up her phone and checked the time. It was almost eight. She was surprised she’d slept so late. Amazingly, despite having eaten so much yesterday, she was starving. She pulled on a jumper over her pyjamas and went downstairs in search of breakfast.
She was even more surprised when she went into the kitchen and found Evan already up. He was sitting at the breakfast counter shovelling granola into his mouth, one of Carmel’s books propped open in front of him. There was a delicious smell of toasting soda bread.
