Man to Man

Declan watched as Fiona introduced party-goers to her new boyfriend. Adam had a large, fake smile plastered on his face as he shook hand after hand. He walked slowly over to the couple and put a hand on Adam's shoulder, making him jump.

Declan smiled as they both turned to look at him. "Mind if I steal him for a minute, sis?"

She unlinked her arm from Adam's. "Bring him back in one piece."

"I make no guarantees." He put his arm around the younger boy and led him away. "Enjoying your first Coyne soiree?" he asked, turning toward Adam when they were away from the crowd.

"I guess," he said with a small shrug. "I kinda wish me and Fi could have more... us time."

Declan raised his eyebrows. "Just remember, I sleep right down the hall."

"What? No. I didn't... I didn't mean that. I meant like..." he trailed off with a sigh. "We're taking things slow. I just thought while I was out here, we'd have more one-on-one time."

The older boy smiled and nodded. "You have the rest of the summer. I'm sure you'll find time. I noticed Fiona didn't make quite the grand entrance she's become famous for. I'm assuming you have something to do with that."

He shrugged again. "I guess. I'm not big on drawing attention to myself."

"I'm impressed. You've only known her for a few months and already look at the strides you've made with her. I've never seen her take to someone so quickly that doesn't have four legs and fur."

Adam smiled and glanced at Fiona, who was deep in conversation with a young blond woman.

"Gushing about you, no doubt," Declan said, following his eyes. "It's been a long time since I've seen her this happy. Last time… well, she seemed happy but let's just say it wasn't exactly the fairytale ending she had hoped for."

Adam sighed, looking back at Declan. "I know about Bobby."

"Good. Then I'm guessing I don't have to warn you what will happen if I ever hear about history repeating itself."

Adam quickly shook his head. "No. No way. Never. I would never hurt her. Never."

Declan smiled. "You seem like a good guy. I've been wrong before, not often, but it's happened. I don't want to be wrong about you."

"I'm crazy about her," Adam said simply.

"I think that makes two of you. Granted, my sister's first and true love is clothes, then herself and of course me, but you come in a perfectly respectable forth place."