George kicked Egan in the shin. His right one. George may be foolish at times, but he wasn’t an idiot. “Then buck up. We’re about to drink to the Christmas season nigh upon us.”
“I am bucked up. This is me bucked up. Can’t you tell, you chimp?”
“I don’t understand why you call me that.”
“You’re always swinging around from one thing to the next.” As if on cue, the carriage lurched to the side throwing George to the front seat. Egan raised his eyebrows in affirmation.
“Not always.”
“Always.”
“Well, I’d rather be a happy baboon than a grumpy buffoon.”
“I said chimp, not baboon.”
“Same difference.”
“I think they’d disagree. More importantly though, it’s not about always following what makes you happy. Some things in life are obligations, George. We do them not because they make us happy, but because we just have to do them.”
Ignoring half of what Egan said, George replied, “I don’t follow happiness. I am happy and whatever happens follows.”
Egan furrowed his brow. He’d had enough of the conversation.
Apparently George had not. “I wish you could be happy again.”
“I am happy.”
This time it was George who cocked his brow. “Sure, you are. Who wouldn’t be able to tell with the permanent Thanatos expression on your face.”
“Death. Really? I think not.”
“You don’t have to look at yourself.”
The corner of Egan’s lip threatened to pucker into a smile. “Neither does anyone else who doesn’t want to.”
“Only a duke would say that.”
“Iama duke.”
“Just because you’re a duke doesn’t mean you have to say ridiculous things like that. Anyway, you’re distracting me from my point. You’re not going to find happiness like this.”
“I’m not? Pray tell, how am I going to find it?”
“You’re never going to find it.”
“Inspiring.”
“It’s not to be found. It’s something you make. Something you do. Something you are. You’re not going to just stumble upon happiness, Egan. It’s not some magical place you’ll end up at one day. The carriage isn’t going to stop and have us tumble out to a tavern called ‘The Happy Unicorn.’ Happiness is something you’re going to have to decide for yourself to be. And then you just…be it.”
These were the moments Egan felt exasperated with George. He wanted to throttle his friend and declare,It’s not that easy.But he already knew in his head what George’s reply would be,But it is.So he didn’t bother. Instead he let the frustration fester, and it all gathered in one place: his left thigh, especially now since he didn’t want to diffuse the pain in front of George’s curious eyes.
Luckily, at that moment, the carriage stopped.
Egan quickly stood to alleviate the accumulating pain. Then half bent over, he adjusted his sporran and opened the carriage door. He looked up at the sign on the tavern and muttered, “I don’t believe it.”
Chapter 3
“NOWAY,”GEORGEPUSHEDhimself to the door of the carriage. “The Happy Unicorn?”
