Asher may have stuck the teaspoon in his mouth while he fixed my earring for me before putting the spoon back in my tea and I think that's what set PJ off, for I picked up the mug and took a sip. A quarter teaspoon of honey really sets the blueberry tea right in my book. He didn't forget. Only the wildflower honey. Only with the blueberry tea. No other kinds. I drink those kinds black. And it's Tuesday, he didn't have to ask which kind. I put the mug down and settle back against Asher's shoulder to check my phone.
Christ.
What's wrong, Padraig?
I stare at him and he's a controlled shipwreck so I ask Asher if he can go down to the boathouse and get my pink sweater. Asher agrees (I don't think he's dumb. He knew something was up. I haven't worn my pink sweater in weeks.) and we wait until he leaves and we watch him head across the lawn together in silence before squaring off.
This is some low-key incestuous shit right here, Bridge-
Are you jealous, PJ?
But we said it at the same time and then both shouted NO pretty much directly into each others' faces.
Dalton walks in and laughs. PJ and I are both turning pink and glaring at each other, huffing and puffing quietly.
Need a referee?
No, I assure him.
Maybe, PJ counters.
Dalton looks at PJ, looks at me and says he's making lunch but he'll be nearby if we need him. Off he goes too and we're left with this mirrored glare.
Physically this looks terrible. Emotionally this is ironic. I look after you and the kids. You don't need a separate person-
Your hands are full, I'd rather you focus on them-
Bridget, Henry is almost twenty years old. Ruth is moving out. The only person who needs a nanny around here is you. And it's supposed to be me. His eyes are welling up. (No no no. Don't you dare, Padraig or I will break I swear to God.)
You never signed up for that.
Oh, yes I did. I can show you the line. Wrote my full name out, even. He is so earnest.
I can't ask you to do that.
You didn't even try.
I did. We're too close.
Told you you should have married me.
We would have been so boring though. I am crying now. Fuck.
Exactly.
Asher is more of a maid than a nanny. I needed to be able to dismiss someone at the drop of a hat to go and fetch my errands or weed the garden and I can't do that with you.
Says who?
Says me.
He's coming back. Can I have the job or not?
No, you can't. You can be my very close friend instead. With all the perks.
Do you promise?
Yes.
Can I have those perks this week or-
Hush, you.
Asher returns, holding out...my pink sweater. I saw it in your closet on the weekend but I checked the boathouse first. I think you only have the one pink one, right? This should be it.
It is, thanks.
Should I go again? PJ, man, I don't want to step on your toes.
Just stay out of my way. PJ tries for casual but ends up all but growling on his way out the door.
Should I talk to him? Or maybe get Lochlan to? Asher doesn't want to cause problems. He looks almost scared suddenly.
He'll be fine. He just likes to run a tight ship.
He seems like a good captain.
Oh, I will tell him you said that. He can't hate you then.