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"I don't know the answers," I say wearily "But we have to draw a line with her Maybe we tell her that if she slips, it's either back to rehab or she's out of the band That at least gives her an option to get back on track"

Daniel and Sean both nod their agrees and Daniel heads into the living room to let her in Sean and I pass a serious look between each other I take a deep breath

When Maeve walks in, I'ood Her eyes are clear and there's actually a healthy glow to her skin It'sa little run down in the past few months

"What's with all the sour faces?" she asks as she plops down in the fourth chair around my table "Did someone die?"

When none of us answers, she leans forith a frightened look on her face "Oh, God did someone die?"

Sean chuckles "Nope All present and accounted for"

Sighing with relief, Maeve leans back in her chair again and stares at me "So, lay it on me Proceed to intervene"

"Excuse uard by her blunt appraisal of the situation

"Don't play stupid, Cillian You guys are here to tell ht?"

"Nothing slips by our girl," Daniel quips

Maeve turns to him and blows him a kiss Then she takes a et it I fucked up and I understand I'ood Great actually I'ood and I don't have any desire to drink or pop pills or even slit my wrists"

I curse inwardly at her casual joking over her suicide atteht "Maeve babe you knoe care about you We just want you to be healthy so we can all go on and reat music and be wonderfully rich and successful"

"And I want the sa, Cillian No doubt I'm on board"

I sneak a glance at Daniel and Sean Sean gives ood because we've all decided that if you slip up, then there's only tays this will play out You'll have to go back to rehab--and co for a new bassist"

Maeve brings her ankle up and rests it over her knee Crossing her hands over her stoet to the real et back to work"

I let out a long breath of relief that this went rather well "Sure First order of business we need to decide on the song list for our gig at The Hibernian next weekend Then I have soo over with you"

The lance at ets off and a thrill of excite her soon

I bought her a gift and I' to get her naked and make her scream Maybe not in that order

I walk the gang to the door

"So, Cillian what's up with the hot red-head that Sean said you're seeing?" Daniel asks

Fuck! I wasn't prepared for that question not in front of Maeve I glance at her and she looks curious

"It's okay," she says "I'm cool with it"

I glance at Sean, and his face holds nothing Daniel looks like he just stepped into it big ti?"

"Of course it wasn't inappropriate," Maeve assures "I'd like to hear more about her"

Her tone sounds sincere and she looks genuinely curious But for so Renner with her I think my distrust of her motives runs a little too deep

"She's just so deal"

But, oh God, is she a big deal She consuhts and , I've been thinking long-term shit Like, I wonder what it would be like if she traveled with me? What would it be like to know I'd wake up beside her every day? To have her at my ready whenever I needed or wanted her

It's a feeling I haven't quite had before I thought it was soht have had with Maeve, but when I compare the two, it couldn't bea sexual release Rennerthere's that too But there's also a desire just to be near her, to talk to her, to have her show an interest in s I never had with Maeve

I open the door and everyone starts walking out Maeve turns to me and lays a hand on my chest My body stiffens in reaction but her eyes reht "Truly, Cillian I just want you happy Maybe you can introduce me to her soon, okay?"

I just nod in agreement, not sure what to say

Renner opens the door to her apart her keys on the table near the entrance

"Man, I'm exhausted," she says Then she turns toher head on e of me"

I kiss her on the forehead then step back Taking her hand, I lead her over to the couch to sit down She follows suit

"Before Iinto my pocket, I pull out the little jeweler's box