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.”

“My great aunt Eileen. She’s pretty deaf.” I glance at him in surprise, but his attention is on the bread basket before us. I watch as he chooses two slices and adds one to my plate. “I’m Sarah,” I repeat in a loud voice. “Annie’s maid of honor.” The woman gives me a startled look. “Yes, I heard you the first time,” she says in normal tones before moving one chair away, sliding her knife and fork over with her. Declan gives a barely concealed snort beside me. “That’s not funny.”