One Night Only

by Catherine Walsh

“I mean it. Please, Declan.” His eyes shoot to mine, one finger tracing the rim of the glass. “What?” I ask, exasperated when he doesn’t respond. “Nothing. I just like the way you say my name.” “Your name?” “I kind of wish I got you to say it the other night now.” “Oh my God.” “Now you did say that. Several times if I remember correctly.”

“Really?” He looks surprised. “You don’t have any Irish in you?” “Nope.” “Would you like some?”

“You must have been very lucky with me.” “I wouldn’t know,” I lie. “I don’t remember.” “Do you want me to remind you?”

That’s the problem with vacations. Once you take one all you want is another.

“The truth is I have no idea what I want,” I say quietly. “Not really. Nor do I have the first inkling of where to start figuring it out. I’m hoping one day the answer will just fall into my lap.”

Don’t give up on your happiness just because you’re scared it won’t last forever.”

“I know you’re probably still mad at me,” I say, miserable. “And that’s fine, that is totally understandable, but I thought you might like to know something, so when you’re no longer mad at me we can talk about it.” “Know what?” “That I’m in love with you.”

You don’t have to drop everything to see me if you’re busy.” He just shook his head, amused. “Does it ever occur to you that I want to see you?”

“I love you,” he says. “And I would love to talk one day. But for now…” And he brings his face to mine, capturing my smile with a kiss.