Page 84 of Should the Sky Fall

“How about no?”

“Don’t make me drag you away.”

Dawson sighs. “Fine.”

Once they are out of earshot, Kieran spins him around, fixing him with a stern look. “Explain.”

Dawson sips his chai. “Explain what?”

Kieran gives him an unimpressed look. “Remember our little talk about playing house with your abusive husband?”

Dawson grinds his teeth until they ache. “I remember. Do you remember what I said?”

“We should focus more on what you didn’t say. You didn’t say you’d pretend to be a lovey-dovey couple who goes for romantic walks on the beach—”

“I told you; Cal needs the exercise.”

“—not to mention you’re taking him to our cafe—”

“It’s a public place and he wanted donuts.”

“—or to the shelter. Didn’t you say he hates dogs?”

“He doesn’t hate dogs. He just never wanted one.”

“What’s next, Dee? A romantic, candlelit dinner? Gonna listen to some Celine Dion. Stargaze? I bet you’ve got a great view from your place.”

“Kieran,” Dawson says slowly. “Enough.”

“No!” Dawson shushes him but it has no effect. “Not enough, Dee! What the fuck are you doing?”

Dawson swallows back angry words. He knows Kieran means well, even if he wants to deck him right here, right now. “Just drop it, okay? I’m not pretending to be anything.” He glares at him when Kieran scoffs. “I’m gonna help him get adjusted, help him familiarize himself with stuff again. He doesn’t remember being a jerk, so I’m not gonna treat him like one.”

“A jerk,” Kieran mumbles. “Jesus Christ. I swear when they were giving out self-preservation instincts, you must have been taking a nap.”

“I don’t think you have a leg to stand on when it comes to self-preservation. Or common sense for that matter.”

“Hey!”

“Kieran,” Dawson tries again. “I’ll be okay. I promise. You’re catastrophizing.”

“It’s called contingency planning.”

“Again. No leg to stand on.”

“Jesus. Fine!” He throws his hands up, then points at Dawson. “But if I get a bad feeling about this—”

“You mean more than you already do?”

“If I get a worse feeling about this, I’m calling your sister.”

Dawson gasps. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Kieran smiles smugly. “Try me, bitch.”

“I hate you.”

Kieran sends him a kiss and lifts his coffee cup in cheers. “Later, shithead.” He waves at Gabe before leaving. Dawson watches him walk down the street. Before he disappears, Kieran points two fingers at his eyes, then at Dawson and mouths what seems to beI’m watching you.