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

Gosh, that put him in his place. He reddened at the ease with which Keeley had handled the situation. She had always been the more capable of the two. That was partly why it had taken him so long, and several drinks at that party two years ago, to work up the courage to tell her how he felt about her. How he had always felt about his clever, funny, loving best friend. Uh just the burger and fries for me he said. What? he asked, seeing Keeley's face across the table. It had been a long running joke that he had reached a culinary peak at fourteen and continued to eat like a hungry teenager ever since. The meal was a little awkward. Conversation was difficult between the two of them. He'd never found Keeley hard to talk to, in fact they'd been inseparable friends, until that night. Now the awkwardness of it seemed to place a buffer between them. Instead they made small talk about family, friends, Hammond's Cove, anything, really, to keep it light. He'd forgotten how much he loved just talking to her. How much he enjoyed the sound of her voice. He tried to act cool, even though he was sure she might have caught him staring at her once or twice during the meal. It would have been really difficult if not for little Mait who giggled and chomped and gurgled her way through her lunch. At one point, seeing Keeley was struggling to get any of her own lunch eaten, Matt reached over and wiped the little girl's face with one of the wipes Keeley had put on the table. You he said grinning at her are a little madam. Just like your mother. A handful. The child beamed at him. But utterly lovely. Just like her he said with a smile, wiping Mait's face clean. He froze, suddenly, realizing what he had said. Embarrassed, he continued to fuss over the little girl. For some reason he couldn't put his finger on he felt drawn to her. It just seemed oddly natural to be looking after her like this. He paid the bill when it came, waving away Keeley's attempt to intervene, and then screwed up his courage. Keeley he said nervously what are you doing tonight? This Saturday night? Because I'm having the opening of my shop. I'm not sure if Todd and Kenzie told you, but I want to make sure everyone in Hammond's Cove knows the shop is here, so I'm having a black tie reception. A bit swanky, but there'll be free wine and... he tailed off but rallied a little seeing those deep brown eyes staring at him intently. Please say you'll come. I know Todd and Kenzie have got a babysitter for the evening and you could leave this little terror with her too. It'd be so nice to see you again. Especially as you got me into this map business in the first place with all those charts you made me draw for your marine biology obsession! he teased. Please say you'll come. They parted ways after that, Keeley heading off to work, Matt returning to his shop to ready for the party at seven. When seven rolled around he was glad to see about two dozen people in suits and posh frocks already waiting on the sidewalk. Maybe it was just the free wine, but any publicity was good publicity. They were soon followed by his family. Matty his mother, Veronica, reached up to cuddle him. Are you still coming to double family Sunday lunch tomorrow? she asked. Of course he replied. Double family Sunday lunch was a tradition between the Browning and Frayne households, held at alternate hosues every Sunday. Good she clucked, Dad will be there. He was too tired to come this evening, but wants to hear all about it. Hey little bro! Todd, looking surprisingly respectable in a suit and tie, grabbed him in a bear hug. Hey Todd he grinned, slapping his back. Thanks for coming man. I know this isn't exactly your thing, but if you make your way past the travel books section there's a little fridge of Bud with your name on it! Oh real nice job keeping him presentable teased Kenzie, kissing Matt's cheek as she passed by with Todd. Good job little one she smiled as she followed her husband's unerring quest for beer. Matt turned to the door, hardly able to hope that Mr and Mrs Frayne, taking off their coats before greeting him, were blocking his vision of the one person he REALLY wanted to see tonight.