Thread: One Night...Forever Changed (Reydan and LingeringDesire)

Should I go after her? Matt said, suddenly worried, and looking at Kenz for advice. He hadn't wanted to upset Keeley, in fact that was the last thing on earth he wanted right now, but Todd's drunk arm was around his shoulders holding him back. She had seemed to like the mural. Almost speechless over the picture of Maitlyn. He felt like, if only their siblings hadn't arrived, something might have happened between them there. There seemed a spark, a hint of the old connection... Kenzie pulled him out of his reverie. Dunno she shrugged but you should definitely get going and see what's up with her. She's been so quiet since Mait was born. So withdrawn. I don't know whats got into her. Kenzie was clearly worried for her sister, Matt knew, but her words also caused him to suppress a grin. Both he and Keeley had ALWAYS had a reputation for being 'quiet' as people put it. If he hadn't just seen her hurry away he would have thought that Kenz's description was perfectly normal. Then she rallied with a wicked grin. I think she needs a little TLC and I know a lovely little MR MB who could slip his arms around her and... she waggled her eyebrows suggestively. I... Matt began, but was cut off by Todd. Bro get out there and stick yer tongue down her throat he slurred, a little loudly, causing people nearby to turn and look. Ok buster that's your last strike Kenz said firmly, taking his arm from Matt and wheeling her husband away. Its the passenger seat of the pickup and then bed for you. Go get her! she winked at Matt as she wheeled Todd away. He wondered, as he crossed the shop to find her, when it had become Kenzie's mission in life to get her sister and her boyfriend's brother together. It had begun when they were in high school and never let up. Really Todd was the junior partner in this - Kenz was the real pusher. He lingered outside the toilet for a moment, trying to act casually, but saw a middle-aged woman emerge. So Keeley wasn't here. There was only one toilet in the shop for customers and staff alike. Scanning the room he thought he saw a flash of teal from the sidewalk outside. His path towards the door was blocked by Mr Frayne, however, busy tucking into a bowl of crisps. Matt slowed. He couldn't simply barge past the portly little man, with his Father Christmas beard and kind eyes, who had been his favorite teacher at high school. Mr Frayne had taught English, a subject Matt struggled with, but had been the soul of kindness and patience with the young man. He stopped. Hi Mr Frayne he smiled. Mr Frayne looked up, guiltily, wiping crumbs from his jacket. Oh Matty its you he sighed in relief. I thought it was the Mrs. She's got be on another of those faddy diets. As if this little corpulence is going anywhere. He patted his stomach. I'll always be more of a Micawber than a Uriah. He watched Matt with piercing eyes, those same eyes Matt had spent the day with in female and infant forms. It was a test, always was with Mr Frayne, and Matt dredged his memory under the kind but amused gaze. David...Copperfield he tried, hesitantly, Charles Dickens? Very good Mr Browning the small man chuckled. Good to see something took. He leaned in, seeing his wife approach, and whispered to Matt. I believe my youngest is outside. Be gentle young man. I've never pushed her on what happened with Maitlyn. To be honest I can't be cross when I look at that little bundle of joy. But whatever happened left her very fragile. She needs a friend now. More than anything. Matt smiled warmly at his old mentor and then stepped out into the chilly Hammond's Cove air. There she was, hugging her leather jacket to herself, staring into the night sky. Keel he murmured, drawing close. He settled against the wall, shoulder to shoulder with her. Or more accurately side by side given the height difference. Looking up at the perfectly clear New England sky he said You know, I was an idiot that morning. No need to say which morning. I woke up next to you, saw you all ruffled and gorgeous in bed next to me, and freaked. You were my best friend and I was worried I'd thrown that away. By the time I'd calmed down you were gone. He looked down at her, trying to see how he was affecting her. He reached for her hand with his, side by side, wanting to feel her fingers in his. Can we go back to how we were Keel? he asked softly. Seems like you and I could both use a good friend right now.