“Enjoy, and make sure you eat it all this time.” He left the room humming the same tune.
“Killian? What’s that song you’re singing? I recognise it.”
“Oh, it’s an old song. My Ma used to play it all the time when we were growing up. I don’t know what reminded me of it today. Well, I do, but it sounds so fucking cheesy, I don’t want to say.”
He laughed and sang a few more bars.
“I still don’t know it.”
“Don’t laugh when I tell you, but it’sYou’ve Got A Friendby Carole King. I told you it was fucking cheesy.”
I wasn’t laughing because it was the most perfect song he could have sung.
Chapter 12
Killian
By the time I made it back to the dining room, Harvey had cleared his dinner plate and was about to finish his pudding. Shame, really. I wouldn’t have minded another helping.
The meal tonight had been the best one I’d had in ages. I hadn’t been joking when I said I’d been living on Pot Noodles. They were cheap and tasty enough if you added a shit load of ketchup. The company had also been better than the mouse I’m sure I shared my flat with, too. He still looked tired, though, and it was getting late.
“It’s been a grand night, Harv, but I think I’m gonna split.”
“I’m sorry I’ve not been a good host. You washed up, burnt your finger, I poured my heart…”
“And I ate the best meal. I had a great time, and we should do it again.”
He looked shocked. “Really? I didn’t scare you off?”
“Nah. I’m not lying when I said I had a grand time, but I’ve an early start tomorrow.”
“On a Sunday?”
“Yep. I’ve got a gig at some music festival celebrating… I don’t know what exactly. A friend of a friend invited me. Would you like to come?”
“I can’t think of anything worse.” His flush crept across his cheeks as he realised what he’d said. “I don’t mean you’re bad or anything. Oh my God. That’s not what I meant at all.” He put his head in his hands and hid.
I laughed and pulled his hands away. “I know it wasn’t, and the weather is giving torrential rain, so with a bit of luck, it might be called off. If I could stay inside in the warm, I would too.”
I was a little disappointed he’d said no, but I didn’t want to push my luck with him. Tonight had been a big step. He just needed time to adjust.
“Look, Killian…”
“No need to apologise. I’ll let you know how it goes, though, if that’s okay?”
“More than okay. I know a lot happened tonight, but I really enjoyed myself.”
“Well, try getting rid of me now. I’d better…” I gestured toward the door, unsure what to do. Should we hug? Shake hands?
Anyone else and I’d have hugged the shit out of them, but this was Harvey, and knowing his story, I wasn’t sure he’d go for it.
“Night, then, and good luck tomorrow.”
He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets and followed me as I walked towards the door. A stiff breeze blew as he opened it, knocking me back a step. Hard rain pelted us.
“Whoa, that storm moved in quick,” I said, cursing myself for not wearing a coat.
“How are you getting home?”