Page 5 of Should Our Stars Collide

“Aww.” He throws an arm over Dawson’s shoulder. “Maybe we should date. After all, we already know the worst about each other.”

Dawson shakes his arm off. “That’s exactly why I wouldn’t date you. You don’t even have cleaning products at home.”

“Cleanliness is overrated. What am I, a doctor?”

“Sometimes when you talk, it physically hurts me.”

“So sensitive.”

Finally, the lights dim and the first commercial starts playing on the screen.

“How about someone from work?” Dawson suggests. “Anyone you get along with?”

Kieran gives him a flat look. “Oh yeah. Lots of women my age in the IT department.”

“Don’t be sexist.”

“I’m not sexist, I’m telling you the statistics. And have you not read the Bible?Don’t shit where you eat.”

“Haveyou? Because I’m pretty sure that’s not what it says.”

“It’s a loose interpretation.”

“Uh-huh.” Dawson shakes his head with a smile.

They grow quiet as the commercials continue playing. For once, Kieran doesn’t even mind suffering through the twenty minutes of random content before the movie starts. He feels good.Thisfeels good, just being here with his friend, who not only tolerates his shenanigans, but loves him for it. Even if he doesn’t know everything about Kieran, he knows a lot and he hasn’t been scared off yet. That has to count for something.

Maybe this is all he needs. One good friend who doesn’t make him feel like a cornered animal, or like he needs to escape after spending more than five minutes with him. This whole search for a date has only given him headache and self-esteem issues.

There is probably a reason he prefers to be by himself. Chances are he’s one of those people who are not meant for some grand love. It’s more likely he’s destined for a never-ending series of hookups. Maybe situationships if he gets lucky. Which isfine.It’s great. Every guy’s dream, really. No responsibility, just fun.

A movement from the left catches his attention. Two people are shuffling through the aisle, using their phone torch to look for their seats.

“Sixteen, seventeen…oh, sorry guys. We just need to get—oh. Hey!” The giddy voice sounds familiar.

Dawson is quicker to put a name with the voice. “Hey, Gabe!” he whisper-shouts over the commercial, pausing for a moment before greeting the other guy too. “Hey, Ash! Small world, huh?”

“It is,” the guy—Ash—agrees with a smile. His gaze shifts to Kieran, curious.

Kieran doesn’t think they’ve met, but he could be wrong. The name does ring a bell. On the other hand, Ash doesn’t look like someone you’d forget. He’s freakishly tall, a little imposing, actually, with broad shoulders and a strong jaw that’s obvious even through his thick, neatly-groomed beard. Lucky fucker. Must be nice to have wonthe genetic lottery.

“Are you sitting next to us?” Kieran asks, standing up when Dawson does so the two can pass.

“A little further down, actually, but…” Gabe shrugs. “We can park here.”

“Great!”

Gabe sits next to Dawson, with Ash on his left and Kieran on Dawson’s right. He taps Ash’s arm, nodding at Kieran. “This is Kieran, by the way. Kieran, this is Ash, my cousin.”

Kieran’s friendly smile freezes as a vague memory takes shape. “Ash…” He turns to Dawson. “Your shrink?”

“My therapist, yes,” Dawson corrects.

Kieran huffs, sitting back. “Yeah, whatever.”

Dawson swears by therapy and always goes on and on about how much his therapist is helping him sort out his feelings. Good for him, but Kieran isn’t fooled. If therapy was so helpful, Dawson wouldn’t have to go back every two weeks and pay hundreds of dollars so he can chat to a ‘certified professional’, only to be stuck in the same situation he was in to begin with.

In his peripheral vision, he sees Ash leaning forward, angling his body so he can see Kieran better. “And you’re Dawson’s best friend.”