floralposiesâ:
Not unlike her friend, Floraigh often found herself without meaningful company since Teddy had unceremoniously left. It meant that visiting James and Sophie in Dublin was extra special to her, and she genuinely felt wanted in their household.
Nothing had really changed since university. Theyâd got older, of course they had, but they could still call upon one another for a chat. âEither you have a genius on your hands,â Floraigh said, glancing back at Sophie, âor youâre celebrating the wrong birthday this year.â
She felt at ease in a way she hadnât felt in a while, between the election and her personal life and the rest of the world. But nothing peaked her interest like hearing about Jamesâs work: âOh? Thatâs a tight deadline. Iâm sure youâll meet it, but if you need someone to give it a readthrough Iâm always here.â
When they were in school, it was the kinship between two bright minds that brought them together and it wasnât too much of a surprise their ambitions had placed them in successful careers. James had been able to stay in touch through the years but since the loss, it seemed communication was a question that wasnât tethered to an answer. His absence was recognizable but he tried to find peace by burying himself in his work.Â
âProbably both. She may forever be six as I canât imagine her any older,â James said honestly while Sophie seemed pleased by the comparison of being older. Her mother had a bright mind as well and started reading before primary school. Now, James was surprised she hadnât skipped a year even if it was still early to see that progress in children.Â
âIt is. But itâs doable,â James answered, thinking that heâs had stricter deadlines in busier schedules before. He had been the one to push this was and his publisher had finally stopped allowing him to toe the line. A release during the holidays was the deal and so it would be. âThat is very kind of you. I would hate to burden you with my own work when you have your own.â












