Page 15 of Seamus's Basement
“Sure,” he said. “I can't stay long because I have to get to work, but I’ll be over soon and we can call them.”
Over the past month, he and Seamus had gotten to know each other a fair bit. They mostly texted, but they also spoke on the phone, and DJ had gone to his house a handful of times so they could call their families together. Seamus was good-natured and well-intentioned, even if those intentions didn’t always result in the best decisions, like the lies he had told his family that ultimately resulted in their marriage. Thankfully, everyone they knew in Claddagh was thrilled at their union, and DJ was enjoying the friendship they were building, so he didn’t regret how they had gotten there.
“Thanks, DJ.” Seamus cleared his throat. “Listen, I hope I’m not overstepping, but do you think maybe you work too much?”
He wished he could work more so that he could eventually go at least a couple of weeks without bruised ribs. “I better go so I can get out of here. I’ll see you soon.”
“Then, for no reason at all, the kids started fighting!” Seamus’s middle brother, Sullivan, said and then he beganlaughing. Or rather, he continued laughing. He had been regaling them with stories about his children throughout the video call and even the most stressful ones amused him.
“The reason is that they’re kids, Sullie. Just wait until they become teenagers!” said his eldest brother, Sean.
“If you say so. I’ll guess I’ll wait for that. Not that I have another option. That’s how time works, right?”
Sean elbowed Sullivan.
“Siblings fighting for no reason, you say?” Seamus said. “Can’t imagine what that’s like.”
“Brave man speaking from thousands of miles away, Seamie. Don’t think we won’t make you pay for that insubordination next time we see you.” Sullivan glared into the phone, but he couldn't hold the expression for more than a couple of seconds before breaking out into another grin.
“Insubordination?” Sean asked.
“Seemed like a good word.” Sullivan shrugged. “Anyway, are you two sure you can’t come for a visit? I know you did that courthouse wedding last month, but we can have a reception for you here. I’m sure your sister would love to plan that, Dylan.”
The Devlins had all but adopted Kaira since their first meeting. That wasn’t surprising because she was friendly and funny and, most critically, their brother’s sister-in-law, which made her family. And while his sister and the Devlin family had all expected them to come to Claddagh for their wedding, their disappointment had been mollified by the photos of the two of them outside the county courthouse, holding up their marriage certificate.
Pressing closer to Seamus so that he was more fully in the camera frame, DJ said, “You do realize that I talk to my sister nearly every day, right? She’s not only told me that you are all in cahoots together on this reception mission, but she’s also sent me dozens of inspiration photos.”
“She sent pictures?” Seamus turned his head to look at him.
“So many pictures,” DJ confirmed.
“You didn’t tell me that.”
He tilted his head back and whispered, “Do you want to see the inspiration pics for the you-said-it’s-never-going-to-happen reception?”
“No.” He shook his head and blinked a few times. “I didn’t mean that.”
“I’m sorry to rush out in the middle of our conversation, but I have to go to work,” DJ said.
“Have a good night, Dylan.” Sean and Sullivan waved at him.
He waved back and then stepped toward the door so he could leave the bar’s backroom and walk to Slice of Life.
“Guys, give me a sec. I want to see him out.” Seamus muted his phone and set it down. “How late are you working tonight?”
“I’m not sure. It depends on how busy we get, but I’m scheduled for deliveries so I don’t need to do any side work and the kitchen closes at ten so not too late. Do you need something?”
“No, I just wanted to invite you to come back after your shift. I have Laura coming in today so I can take off early too. I got a few new games.”
He was sure to be exhausted after the day he’d had, but hanging out with Seamus sounded like too much fun to turn down. “It’s a date,” he said. “I’ll see you after work.”
“DJ, hi!” Seamus smiled at him from behind the bar.
“Mister workaholic is actually out socializing. Will wonders never cease,” Lucas said.
“Hey, guys.” He took a seat next to Lucas. “How was the rest of your night?” he asked Seamus.
“Seamus, can you hand me the…never mind. I’ll do it,” said the other bartender, Laura, before pressing her full body againsthis back and reaching around him for a bottle. “Got it,” she said, still glued to him. She dragged her free hand down his arm before stepping away.
