“I love the Silverstone Sleigh Bells holiday carolers,” Chris protests.
“That’s because you love everything to do with Christmas,” Verity says in unison as I mutter, “That’s because you have terrible taste.”
Clancy ignores all of us. “It’s raising money for the sanctuary, Jackson,” he asserts, proving emotional manipulation is not beneath him.
He’s been hounding me about this for days. I thought people mellowed out in their old age. Not him.
I shrug. “So?”
“I heard Sammy will be performing a number.”
“How do you know that?”
“Maverick told me.”
“When?”
“When he texted to pass on his congratulations to the new parents. And you know, one thing led to another.”
One thing led to another, my ass. Clancy’s up to his usual tricks and is meddling again.
“I’ll think about it. But no promises.”
He doesn’t need to know I’ve already decided to go to support Pip, even though he still hasn’t told me what his secret talent is. I’ve badgered him incessantly about it and can rule out singing, magic tricks, stand-up comedy, and ventriloquism—thankfully.
The only downside is that it means I could cross paths with Maverick. I’ve only just recovered from our surprise run-in at the hospital. Even though it was cut short by Evie’s arrival, I hated hearing the sadness in his voice. Sadness that I caused. Not being able to see his face somehow only made it even worse.
But I have to hold firm.
I’m down to my last few weeks, possibly days, of having any vision left at all, and I refuse to drag Maverick down with my sinking ship.
It’s for the best.
And maybe if I say it enough times, I’ll start to believe it myself.
After spending another hour oohing and ahhing over Evie, we say our goodbyes and leave the new family to enjoy some peaceful time together.
Clancy drops me off at his place. “You’re not coming in?” I ask when he keeps the engine running.
“No. I said I’d give Maverick a hand.”
“With what?”
He clears his throat. “With the event. There’s a lot of things to organize.”
Clancy has a subconscious habit of clearing his throat when he lies.
“Never knew you’re a qualified event planner.”
“That’s enough out of you. I’ll be back in a few hours, and Pip and I are taking you out to an early dinner.”
“First I’m hearing about this.”
“He and I texted just before while we were at Sibella and Tim’s.”
“I think I need to confiscate your phone. You’re way too dangerous with that thing.”
His hearty laugh echoes around me. “If only you knew. I’ll see you in a few hours. Do you need a hand to get inside?”
