Art might be one of the best things that’s happened to me in a long time.
I thought I never felt self-conscious around him because I didn’t care. But maybe I never felt self-conscious around him because … well, because we suit each other. Despite everything, we suit each other. I’m always myself when I’m with him. Maybe even better than myself. He makes me feel less afraid. He reminds me that I can do anything. Whether it’s facing a work canteen or writing a show-saving script.
‘I like him,’ I admit. ‘Just a bit. Maybe … maybe more than a bit.’
Laura looks at me, her expression surprisingly serious. ‘If that’s true, Annie,’ she says, ‘then you should tell him.’
I bite my lip. ‘I’ll think about it.’
We don’t say much as we load the dishwasher. Then the kitchen door opens and Tadhg and Art come in, still laughing.
‘Did you give Art the full studio tour?’ says Laura.
Tadhg puts his arm around her. ‘I did. And I tried not to bore him with guitar chat.’
Laura laughs up at him. ‘Well done!’
Tadhg kisses her temple and the way he smiles at her, like he’s just so happy to be with her …
Right now I wish someone would smile at me like that.
‘It’s been a really great evening,’ says Art, ‘but I should probably head. Thanks for letting me gatecrash your family dinner.’
‘You weren’t gatecrashing!’ says Laura. ‘You were very much invited.’
‘You were.’ Tadhg’s smile is warm as he turns to Art. ‘It was great to meet you, man.’
‘You too,’ says Art.
‘I should head as well,’ I say. ‘We’ve got a big week ahead of us.’
‘I can call you a taxi,’ says Laura, reaching for her phone. ‘Where are you, Art? I can get one for both of you.’
‘I was going to walk,’ he says. ‘I’m only in Drumcondra.’
And without thinking too much about it, I say, ‘I’ll walk too. If you don’t mind going via Richmond Road,’ I add.
‘Of course I don’t,’ says Art.
Ten minutes later we’ve made our farewells and are walking in the direction of my house.
‘That was really nice,’ says Art. ‘Your family are very sound.’
‘They’re not bad,’ I say. ‘Thanks for not being weird around Tadhg.’
Art looks amused. ‘You’re welcome, McDermott. Good to know I didn’t embarrass you too much.’
‘I didn’t mean it like that! I just meant … people can be funny when they meet him first. But you made him feel comfortable.’
‘Oh right,’ says Art. ‘Well, I’m glad. He’s great. Your sister’s lovely, too. They seem very … normal.’
I laugh. ‘Theyarenormal! I mean, Laura was a copywriter until a few years ago.’
‘Ah, you know what I mean.’ Art stifles a yawn. ‘Shit, sorry. I didn’t realise how tired I was.’
The yawn is infectious. ‘Same here.’ I find myself yawning a second time. ‘God, I’m exhausted.’
The night is balmy as we walk through Fairview. It’s not like the last time he walked me home. The vibe isn’t so electric. We’re both sleepy and full of delicious dinner but it’s … it’s kind of nice. It’s easy. I don’t want the walk to end.