She grabbed two ice packs and kitchen towels and handed them to him. “Ice yourself while you wait. That bruise on your cheekbone looks kinda gnarly.” Before closing the freezer she took out three pints of ice cream.
She picked up the oversized wooden chopping board from next to the microwave and laid it flat on the counter. Taking a small bowl, she broke up some chocolate, placed it in the microwave and hit the start button. “This is only to be used in wallowing emergencies, okay?”
He pressed his lips flat like he was holding back a smile and nodded.
Pulling open the fridge, she grabbed strawberries, cherries, raspberries and dropped them on the counter. She paused to stir the melting chocolate and hit the start button again before digging out graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, and marshmallows. She washed and sliced the fruit, before cutting up an apple and arranging it all on the cutting board.
“I’m overdue one of these. ChoCho and I were supposed to have one after I heard back from the last internship I applied for. They’re only to be used in severe wallowing situations.” She pointed at him. “And not to be misused.”
Finn nodded solemnly and crossed his heart. He watched her work in silence as she lined the ice cream tubs down the middle of the board, then placed the chopped fruit around it. She gave the chocolate another stir before placing it in the center of the board, grabbing toothpicks and spoons, and setting it between them on the dining room table.
His eyes widened. “This is a thing of beauty.” He picked up a spoon and jabbed at the cookie dough ice cream.
She pointed her toothpick at him. “Wallowing emergencies only.”
He nodded. “New rule.”
She quirked an eyebrow before popping her dunked marshmallow in her mouth, savoring the silky melted chocolate on her tongue.
“From now on, we wallow together.”
Chapter 27
Finnegan
Finn closed his eyes and felt the strings under his fingers as they moved, strumming the chords of his favorite Beatles song,Let it Be. The doorbell to the hockey house rang, but he was comfy on his beanbag. It was early, but everyone was already up for the day. Whoever was at the front door could be someone else’s problem for a change.
“I used to love listening to you play when you were younger.” Meabh stood six feet away in the den, holding a foil wrapped pan of something in her hands. “I figured you might be interested in an early lunch.”
He stopped playing, and, tucking the guitar on its stand, he stood. “You know I’m never one to say no to food. You’re lucky you didn’t get mauled on your way in.”
She smiled. “I knew what I was walking into. I brought enough for everyone.”
He followed her out of the den and into the kitchen. Johnny stood by the sink, talking in hushed tones on the phone, but otherwise it was just him and Meabh. Finn wasn’t quite sure if that was comforting, or unsettling.
“What is it?”
“Spinach, potato, and cheese. And I have some chicken in my bag. I just need to warm it all in the oven.” She crossed the space, and, as though she’d been in his home before, she placed the food into the oven, and turned it on.
Johnny made a quick exit, scowling as he listened to someone chatting loud and fast into his ear.
“I brought root beer and ice cream. Feel like a float?”
“Breaking out the big guns.” Finn reached into the cupboard and pulled out two glasses.
“It worked when you were a kid, I guessed it might still do the trick.”
Something warm wrapped around his insides as he sat at the dining table.
“Spoken to Will yet?” She busied herself putting together root beer floats, gesturing at his face with the ice cream scoop. “Looks like he did his talking with his fists.”
“This wasn’t him. Austin fights at the cages sometimes. I usually watch, but last night… I was a bit too pent up to just watch. Will wants nothing to do with me. I hope he comes around, but I’m not sure I’ll know how to move forward if he doesn’t.”
She nodded. “I get it. Friendships can be tough.” She handed him a glass before taking hers and sitting across from him. “And I know I’m not in a position to swoop into your life and offer you motherly advice, but I’m here if you want to talk about it. Things are changing in your life right now and that can be overwhelming and scary. You’re not alone.” She squeezed his hand, and somehow his heart as well.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he nodded. “I appreciate it.” He took a sip of his drink, relishing the foamy bubbles that tickled his nose. “Are the Morrisons pissed at me for defiling their daughter?” His neck heated. “I didn’t stick around to talk to them to find out.”
“Too embarrassed?”
