“So, Sebastian did you get Lucia this gig?” her snooty gaze is soaking up my man now, lingering a little too long on his mouth.
“Not at all. In fact just the opposite - Lu got me involved. It’s been great to work together so closely on this project. I can’t seem to keep away from her.”
Sebastian reaches for my hand and brings it up to his lips, kissing my knuckles gently. I catch Niall shuffling uncomfortably in his chair and Karen’s surprise at our public display of affection and have to refrain from punching the air in victory. She seems to visibly relax, like a deflated balloon in front of us. Poor woman; See, I don’t want Niall back.
“So you two are together now?” her lips form the words excitedly.
For now we are, whilst we fuck each other silly and enjoy one month of naughtiness. Yes.
Seb answers for me. “Yes.”
“How nice? I’m happy for you. Isn’t that nice, Niall?”
“Nice.” Niall mutters and I smile at Sebastian under my lashes. It might take Niall a little longer to come to terms with us being together - it was a pride thing I think for men and I can tell he’s still annoyed that Seb has stepped into his shoes. The daft thing is I honestly don’t believe that Niall seems to have grasped that he was never even in really the race.
“Oh, Lucia that is such good news. Now we can all begin to move on.” She clasps her hands together with pure pleasure.
Alright love, easy now. I’m not desperate and I don’t want Niall back - get it into your thick head.
“Come on Finn we really need to make a move now.” Niall interrupts the conversation, calling to our boy who has his nose pressed against the glass, watching the fluffy rabbits jumping about on the manicured lawn. He stands to head out, asking Karen to settle the bill and meet them at the car. I watch as she reacts to his request and does as she’s asked - no questions. That used to be me.
But before she leaves she kisses both Sebastian and I on our cheeks and smiles, a huge Julia Roberts smile. The stress had literally fallen away the second she’d seen I was dating someone else and I could see a glimmer of the pleasant woman she potentially was. I hope Niall doesn’t fuck this one up.
Seb kisses my head and gives Finn a loving hug. “See you tomorrow Dude. Enjoy and be good.”
“I will, Sub. Thanks for taking me fishing. It was gooey.”
“Gooey?”
“Yeah - the worms and things.”
He ruffles his hair and laughs. “Worms and things are brill.”
“Lion, you won’t believe what we just did. Seb took me fishing and then we drove a car! It was so cool!”
“So I understand.” He looks up in our direction.“Cheers, Lu, talk about giving him the world and leaving me with the crumbs.” Niall’s grumpy mumble is pathetic but I ignore it.
“He’s had a brilliant time but now he’s ready for some quality time with his Dad and that means, chilling in front of a movie with pizza and cuddles, followed by a bedtime story. The simplest things are always best for kids; And I promise he’ll sleep as he’s had a lot of fresh air.”
“Ok.” His childish sulk is waning at least. “Look, I’m glad we’re managing this.”
“I know. Me too.”
“It’s just …”
“… hard.”
“Yes.”
“I understand, Niall. I’m not finding it easy either but we are working at it and most importantly Finn is happy. Karen seems better too.”
“She is. I’m trying to make this one work, Lu.”
“Good. I’m glad. The grass isn’t always greener, Ni.”
“No, it certainly wasn’t when I fucked up with you.”
“Well that’s old news now. Let’s concentrate on Finn.”
“He make you happy?” He rubs he hand across his chin and stares at me intently, nodding in Seb’s direction.
I glance to where Seb is attempting a new handshake with Finn and I nod. “He does. I am - happy that is.”
“More than I did?”
Yes. Much more. In every way. In bed, as my friend and in my heart. “In a different way, Niall.”
He nods. “You should have left with him all those years ago in The cave bar.”
I look into his cool blue eyes, and smile. “No. If I had we wouldn’t have Finn.”
Niall leans over and kisses my cheek, rubs my arm and hovers at my ear, as though he wants to say something and move backwards. “I’ll see you tomorrow when I drop Finn off. Good luck tonight.”
“He’s still in love with you - still wants you.”
“Who?”
“Your ex.” He was drooling all over her like a lovesick puppy!