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Lucy laughs. “Some day your wife will appreciate your lasagna-making skills,” she tells Rogan.
“Those aren’t my only skills.” He waggles his eyebrows at her.
“Rogan, stop.” Maeve steps in before I can.
“Fine, you killjoy. I’ll keep my mouth shut and cook.” Rogan exaggerates a sigh.
“Lucy, help yourself to the appetizers.” Maeve gestures to the island.
Why didn’t I think of that?
I don’t know if I’m rusty from avoiding interacting with women for the last six months or if it’s some strange effect specific to Lucy.
“Can I get you a drink?” I ask, finally thinking of something valuable to say.
She smiles. “That would be great.”
I open the fridge, peering inside. “We have wine, beer, eggnog, soda, juice, or water.”
“There’s rum and Kahlúa in the pantry,” Rogan chimes in.
“Where’d that come from?” I ask.
“I grabbed it last night,” Rogan explains.
“But you’re not twenty-one yet,” I say.
“That’s what a fake ID is for, bro.”
“I’m telling Mom and Dad,” Maeve threatens.
“Go ahead. It’s not like they will come all the way to Virginia to take it from me. I’m not twenty-one, but I’m legally an adult.”
I hold up my hand, stopping their bickering. “Lucy, what would you like to drink?”
“I’d love an eggnog with rum.”
“That sounds delicious. Will you please make me one too?” Maeve asks.
“Sure.” I set about mixing the drinks and, at the same time, sending covert glances toward my neighbor. She seems more comfortable in my house than I do. It’s a genuine reaction when she tosses her head back, laughing at something my sister says. There’s nothing contrived about her behavior. I spent enough time with Destiny to know what that looks like.
I carry the drinks and set them on the island near Lucy and Maeve.
“Thank you, Niall,” Lucy says, smiling softly.
My lips curve in response. “You’re welcome.”
“Where do your parents live?” she asks.
“They’ve been in Sweden for the last fourteen months. Our dad’s a professor and took a job there for two years.”
“Wow, that sounds amazing. Are they loving it?” she asks.
“They seem to be. They’ve only come back to the States once since they left. I’ve offered to buy their tickets anytime they want to visit.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they stay when Dad retires,” Maeve says.
“No way,” Rogan disagrees, looking concerned at the possibility. “Dad promised he’d be back here for the draft.”
