Page 126 of Awakened Desires

“I know.” She twists her fingers together. “I’ll talk to someone.”

My shoulders feel lighter.

“Can you take care of Aidan while I do that?”

“Of course.” I reach across the table, but she moves her hands away. “If it is postnatal depression, there won’t be any overnight fixes.”

“I know. It’ll probably take pills and counselling. If that’s why I’m feeling this way.” She lifts her coffee mug and sips the milky liquid. “I guess that’s it, then. For now.” She stands.

“Niamh.” My heart is in my throat.

She stares at me.

“There’s something else I want to tell you. Would you stay for a while longer?”

Niamh sits. “What is it?”

I look at Rory. It was easier with his housemates. It helped that I blurted it out to Quinn and Rubin, and then Rory accidentally outed us to Stefan and Hendrix, but even so. It’s not even about being brave. I know it will be a shock to Niamh.

“Out with it,” Niamh says.

I chuckle, although it’s more of a nervous sound than an amused one.

“What’s so funny?”

“Out.” I shake my head. “Never mind.” I steel myself. “Rory and I are together.” Air rushes out of my lungs. That wasn’t so bad.

Niamh’s jaw drops. She drags her hand across her forehead. “Are you gay?”

“No.”

She gestures to Rory. “Forgive me, but I’m pretty sure your friend’s a guy.”

“I am,” Rory says.

I rub the back of my neck. “I think I’m bisexual. I’m only just figuring it out. I’ve never fancied a man before, but…” I smile at Rory.

“Are you in love with him?” Niamh asks.

I’m not sure which of us she’s talking to. Rory stares at the table. He’s told me he loves me, but this thing between us is too new for me to feel comfortable saying it back. I want to be absolutely sure that’s how I’m feeling before I say those weighty words.

Niamh presses her lips together into a strained smile. “I’m glad you’ve found someone, Callan. I’ll admit it’s a bit of a shock that it’s a man. I hope you’re happy.”

“I am. It was a shock for me too.” My eyes widen. I jerk my head to stare at Rory apologetically. “A good shock.”

He laughs and squeezes my hand. “I’m glad.”

Niamh looks at Rory. “Take care of him, will you?”

“I will.”

“And Aidan?” she asks.

“We’ll look after him for as long as you need us to,” Rory assures her.

“Thank you. I’ll make an appointment to register his birth and let you know when it is.” She reaches across the table and squeezes my arm. “Thanks, Callan.” She stands.

“Are you sure you don’t want to hold him before you go?”