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"Are you going to kiss me or not?" Shannon stunned me by asking.

"I just…I don't…I'm trying…" My words broke off and I exhaled a pained sigh as I watched her watch me, those sucker-punching blue eyes wide and welcoming. "Fuck it –"

"They're regular nurses who just happen to work at the sexual health clinic."

"I know," Gibsie replied joyously. "Better again."

Johnny arched a brow. "Do you even know what the sexual health clinic is used for?"

"I know they're handing out free condoms, lollipops, and bottles of lube," Gibsie said gleefully. "That's all I need to know." Slapping Johnny on the shoulder, he hurried back towards the staircase, calling out, "Come on – I've emptied my schoolbag. We're going to save a fucking fortune today."

I glanced up at Johnny, who was staring after Gibsie with a mildly horrified expression etched on his face. "What do you think it's like in his head?"

"A happy place?" I offered with a weak shrug.

"Looks like I win again."

"I think the power is getting to your head," I shot back, grinning. "Give me that ball."

"Never," she laughed. "It's mine. You gave it to me, and I'm not giving it back."

Like my fucking heart?

"Ah, fuck it," he growled and smashed his lips to mine.

J: Driving now. See you soon. x

S: Okay. x

J: Show me your tits.

I laughed loudly at the message on the screen.

S: Nice try, Gibsie.

J: Fuck! Hey Little Shannon.

"Wait – I'm invited for dinner tonight, too, right?"

"Gibs!"

"Am I?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Jesus Christ, Gibs. I swear to god, I will pull this car over and you –"

"Fine!" Gibsie huffed. "I didn't want the roast spuds anyway. My Mam's are better."

"Gerard," Claire coaxed. "It's okay. You can have dinner with me."

"Can I eat you?" he asked, sounding playful once more.

"If you're good," she replied, patting his shoulder.

"What?" Gibsie's voice rose so high, it was almost girlish. "I mean –" he roughly cleared his throat several times before adding, "What?"

Feely chuckled quietly. "Lost for words, Gibs? That's a first."

"I know, right?" Claire giggled, using her finger to close Gibsie's mouth. "I think I broke him."

"Thank you," I croaked out, teeth chattering, as my heart thudded a rhythm of adoration for the boy standing in front of me. "For everything."

"I'd do anything for you, Shannon like the river," Johnny replied gruffly, pulling me into his side. "Anything."

Are you going to ruin me, Shannon like the river?"

"I'll call you every day," I vowed, as I stood in the middle of Dublin airport with my flight number being called over the intercom. "And I'll send you a million texts."

"But it won't be the same."

"I know, but we'll make it work," I promised.

"How?"

"We'll figure it out, okay? But I need you to stop crying," I begged. "Please."

"I can't help it. My heart is breaking here."

"I'll be home soon," I coaxed. "It won't be forever."

"No – no! Just no. You can't leave me, Johnny!"

"I have to go," I groaned. "Come on, don't make this harder than it has to be."

"You promise this isn't a forever goodbye?"

"I promise," I urged, patting his back. "Now, come on, Gibs. You're cutting off my air supply here."