Last evening after dinner I lingered at the table for a moment to finish my wine. Kids and PJ long excused, Duncan and Loch rising at the same time to clear dishes. Dalton puts the dog out. Ben is away (goddamit) and Sam took his plate upstairs to work because he's behind and Advent now breathes down his neck like a stalker. Gage rarely comes over for dinner. August comes over most nights but last night he didn't and I set down my glass, two sips to go and sure enough, across the table rests the Devil. No wine, just water. Eyes black and blue. I can see the rage boiling up toward the sides and so, for once, I throw down just on the other side of the line.
Jealous?
Of August? He laughs. No. Never.
The look on your face lies on your behalf, Diabhal.
You've had too much, Bridget-
No, but I've had enough. If wearing this ring gives me an extra few carats of weight then that's all it means to me. If it's peace of mind for you then fine but don't start in on me tonight.
I thought August-
August is off limits to you and your thoughts.
He-
Or your opinions!
Neamhchiontach, please let me finish.
Fine, go ahead.
Seeing August right on the end of a difficult season is a poor plan for progress. That's all.
Then you'll be happy to know I cried out his name instead of Jake's this time.
I couldn't resist. I finished the rest of my wine in a gulp, fleeing the room just as he made a grab for me. I heard shouts from downstairs as I made it up to my rooms but I didn't hear any of the words and I didn't care anyway.
Jealous?
Of August? He laughs. No. Never.
The look on your face lies on your behalf, Diabhal.
You've had too much, Bridget-
No, but I've had enough. If wearing this ring gives me an extra few carats of weight then that's all it means to me. If it's peace of mind for you then fine but don't start in on me tonight.
I thought August-
August is off limits to you and your thoughts.
He-
Or your opinions!
Neamhchiontach, please let me finish.
Fine, go ahead.
Seeing August right on the end of a difficult season is a poor plan for progress. That's all.
Then you'll be happy to know I cried out his name instead of Jake's this time.
I couldn't resist. I finished the rest of my wine in a gulp, fleeing the room just as he made a grab for me. I heard shouts from downstairs as I made it up to my rooms but I didn't hear any of the words and I didn't care anyway.