Page 22 of Evading the Enforcer

“Fine, it’s a quarter.”

“You seem like a straightforward person,” I say.

“I am,” she confirms.

“But you’re beautiful.”

“Thank you, but looks are subjective,” she says.

“You’re right, theycanbe. Unless you’re drop-dead gorgeous like you are.”

“You must need a new best friend,” she jokes. “Or you want to date me.”

I laugh. “I have a best friend, even though she’s not nearby. And sorry, as hot as you may be, I need a penis as well as a tongue.”

Maeve throws her head back, letting out a guffaw loud enough to have Les peering out his window in this direction. It’s a good thing my blinds are closed.

“Oh my God, I think I love you a little bit. Not in a sexual way because I, like you, need a penis as well.”

The microwave dings, and I say, “Friends it is.” I turn around and carefully remove the steaming bowls one at a time, placing them on the counter. I grab forks from the drawer and stick one in each mound of food.

“Do you want to eat here or on the porch?” I call out over my shoulder.

“On the porch, of course.” She slips from her stool and walks over to me. “What can I carry?”

“I’ve got these. Can you please grab some napkins and drinks from the fridge? Take whatever you want. I’ll have water, please.” I head toward the front of the house, and Maeve catches up with me in time to open the door. We settle back into our original spots on the couch, and I place both bowls on the coffee table. She hands me a bottle of water, keeping one for herself, and the stack of napkins gets placed in the middle of the wicker surface.

All talk ceases as the two of us get down to eating, and the silence sustains until we finish.

Maeve sits back, getting comfortable. “That was so good. I hope the restaurant is local so I can make Niall get food there.”

“It’s less than two miles away.”

“Sweet. I see Niall paying for my dinner real soon.” She laughs. “I have to take advantage of my older brother while here, right? I think it’s in some ancient sibling codex somewhere.”

“Absolutely.”I hope she orders one of everything on the menu.

“So, what’s your deal? Do you have a boyfriend?” Maeve asks.

“Nope. I haven’t had a man in my life in years. The older I get, the less willing I am to compromise my ideals.”

“How old are you?”

“Thirty-five.”

“I thought you were closer to thirty,” she says.

“Look who wants to be my bestie now,” I tease.

“I’m serious. You look younger.”

“Thank you. Maybe the dirty hair and sweats are working for me.”

“Have you met my brother Niall yet?”

Oh, what to say?

“Yes. I’ve seen him a few times in passing.”

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