Page 103 of Fifth Avenue Fling

“What’s it like?” Teagan asks. “Being dyslexic, I mean.”

“It’s hard to describe. It’s like your brain plays tricks on you, and the letters all get mixed up and jump around.” I take out my phone and scroll to the article I use to explain to people. It’s much easier if they can see for themselves. “Here, have a look.” I pass over my phone to Teagan.

Her eyes widen as she stares at it. Becky gazes at it over her shoulder. “This is insane. Things are moving. Dad, look at this!”

Killian’s arm tenses against mine. He takes the phone from Teagan and studies it, his frown deepening. “Do you have everything you need to be comfortable at home? You should have told me about this.”

“It’s fine.” I wave a hand in dismissal, my heart stupidly fluttering at Killian sayinghome.

And it really is fine. I know how to cope with it by myself. Otherwise, I’d be screwed.

“Sorry,” I say, looking around them. “You guys didn’t come out for dinner to talk about my issues.”

“Nonsense.” Killian’s mum waves a hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, Clodagh. I think it’s wonderful for Teagan to have some young female company in the house.”

Killian’s mum pronounced my name right the first time because she’s Irish. You could easily mistake her for an American until a few words slip through with her Irish accent.

“You’re not imposing,” Killian says gruffly beside me. “Teagan really wants you here.”

But do you?

“Yes, we’re delighted to have you here.” Killian’s mum tents her arms on the table and smiles warmly at me. “Tell me all about yourself, Clodagh. Killian tells me you’re a trained carpenter.”

He did?

All the blue-eyed family are watching me now.

“Hmm, yeah, a carpenter by trade,” I say, fiddling with my fork. “I’m taking a career break while I settle into New York. Trying something new.” I can’t say that the only reason I took the job was to get a visa.

I bite into another soft cheese ball and get a funny look from Killian.

“Is there a reason you’re eating balls of butter?”

“What?” I gasp, gawking at the ball. “I thought it was some sort of gourmet cheese!”

“No, it’s butter.”

Killian’s mum winces. “Jesus, dear.” She reaches for my hand. “If you keep eating like that, you’ll never keep your figure.”

Mortified, I return the butter ball to my plate, my face burning hot with embarrassment. I’m an idiot. They’re going to think we don’t have any fancy restaurants in Donegal. I’ll never get through three courses with the Quinn family.

Next to me, Killian lets out a low chuckle.

“I remember my first day in New York,” Killian’s mum starts, thankfully moving on from my embarrassing butter faux pas. “I was willing to do anything for work when I came over.Anything.” Guess she has me all figured out. “I waseighteen. Fresh faced off the plane from Dublin. So young.” She sighs wistfully. “The seventies were wild in New York. It was a really special time.”

“Everyone was doing drugs, and smoking was good for you,” she adds mournfully.

Killian erupts into a cough beside me. “Mom, for fu—flip’s sake.”

I hide a smirk. I don’t know why I hid my tattoos under a lace cardigan over my dress now. I even took out my nose ring, thinking his mum would be posh as hell.

“Oh stop, Killian.” She waves her hand dismissively and gives Teagan’s shoulders a squeeze. “Teagan knows better than to take drugs.”

Teagan smiles innocently at her gran.

Killian’s mum turns back to me. “Tell me, dear, where are you from originally? I can tell you’re a northerner.”

I smile. “Donegal.”

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