Needing 13 - Johnny Kavanagh

THERE'S A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

JOHNNY

"You're really quiet today."

Tara and I were walking through the bustling fairground by the beach, the bright lights and chatter surrounding us like a protective cocoon. Her da was still out there somewhere, roaming free, and this crowded place felt like the safest option to hide away together, blending into the night crowds. I'd also been looking out for one of those old-school photo booths, wanting to snap a few pictures of us, but I hadn't spotted one yet.

"I need to tell you something," I said as we joined the line at a small coffee stand, the smell of roasted beans and chocolate thick in the air. My heart pounded a little harder. "Delaney called me on Monday."

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Monday? That was three days ago!" Her voice held a slight edge, and I winced at the accusation behind it.

Rubbing the back of my neck, I nodded. "I know. I wanted to tell you in person." I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before dropping the bombshell. "They want me at the Academy at 7 a.m. for a full examination with the team doctor."

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she just stared at me before her entire face lit up in a blinding smile. "You made it?!" she practically squealed, her excitement bubbling over in her voice. "You're going to France?"

I couldn't help but smile back, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "Yeah," I nodded, a little embarrassed by her enthusiasm. "Maybe South Africa too."

"Oh my god!" she screamed, her voice full of joy before launching herself into my arms, her lips covering my face in a flurry of kisses. I laughed, barely able to keep us from toppling over as she clung to me, her excitement contagious. "You did it!" she cried, her arms tight around my neck as she kissed me again. "I'm so proud of you!"

I chuckled, catching her arse in my hands to keep us balanced as she practically hung off me. "I'll have to leave you for a whole month," I said, feeling a pang of guilt creep into my chest as I ordered her a caramel latte and got a hot chocolate for myself. "Not happy about that part, baby."

She rolled her eyes as I set her back on the ground. "It's just four weeks, Jonathan."

"Still," I protested, handing her the steaming cup. "Four weeks is a long time." My voice trailed off, knowing I'd miss her like mad.

We found a wooden table nearby and sat down, the wooden benches creaking beneath us. Tara took a long sip of her coffee, her playful expression softening as she grew more serious. She set her cup down, her fingers toying with the edge of the sleeve.

"I've got something to tell you too," she began, her tone uneasy. The way her eyes darted nervously told me this wasn't good news. "I probably won't be in Ballylaggin much this summer either." She grimaced, clearly not thrilled about what she had to say next. "I'll likely be back a week before AJ is born."

"July and August?"

She nodded, her green eyes clouded with guilt. "I'm flying to Germany for the European U23s on the 10th, then Lithuania for the European U20s on the 19th, and then Helsinki for the World Athletics on the 30th. I'll probably be back around the 20th of August."

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

One month without her already felt like it would kill me, but now it was three?

Three bloody months without my girl.

Shit.

"Say something!" she squeaked, her voice tinged with panic.

Ah, shite. I'd been staring at her like an absolute eejit for who knows how long.

"I'm so bloody proud of you, baby," I finally said, pulling her close to me and placing a soft kiss on the side of her temple. Her hair smelled of peppermint and citrus, and I breathed her in, trying to keep her near for as long as I could. "My girl's going to take over the world this summer."