After walking home, through the biting, should-be-gruelling cold of Ballylaggin, mid November you couldn’t stop smiling.

No, it wasn’t because AJ left the last kitkat chunky for you today. It wasn’t because Aoife, your Mum had drove you all the way to Tommen this morning. It also wasn’t because Joey, your Dad had come home early and wanted to go out to the nearest shopping centre and do some early Christmas shopping with you.

It was because you did not, in fact, struggle that horrible cold walk home - you had a lift. You got a lift, from none other than Rory Kavanagh.

The one who was two years older, but technically only one because you were going to skip your fourth year. The one who is best mates with AJ, your older brother, and whom you’ve guessed had also said.

“That’s my little sister - she’s off limits.”

Whatever, AJ.

He’d messaged you a minute or so after he dropped you down the street, so AJ, ‘wouldn’t see’.

Rory: you get in all right? safe?

You couldn’t help but blush.

me: you dropped me at the top of the road in broad daylight. I’m safe :)

Instead of being flushed, or weird like any other guy would.

Rory: good x.

Just as you were about to ring your Mam, or your best friend Caoimhe, your Dad walked in, out of his work clothes and a soft but hesitant smile on his face.

“Hey sweets. You still not changed yet?”

You discreetly hid the phone behind your back, Joey noted it, but said nothing. “For the shops. Remember I took work off to go?”

Shit. “Oh, yeah. I’ll change now. We can leave in ten. Love you.” You kissed his cheek and ushered him out. You changed quickly, not before messaging a little with Caoimhe.

He drove you to the shopping centre, the Christmas radio already on, making him grumble.

“So, how’s school?” He asks, as you walk around one of the shops, looking for presents for Aoife.

“Good. It’s good.” You nodded.

“Any boys?” He asks subtly.

“Dad!” You blushed crimson, and clutched your phone tighter.

“Right.” Hands on his hips, in the M&S candle aisle he turned to you. “Out with it. Who is it. You’re hidin’ your phone like it’s got somethin’ illegal on it. Come on,” He tried, with a weak smile. “I’m a cool dad right?”

That broke your heart a little bit. “Yeah, Dad. You are. It’s-“

“Joey!” A voice called out, an ebony haired, six foot rugby star of Ireland national team. Johnny Kavanagh. With his eldest son in tow.

In the M&S candle aisle. Right now.

“Alright Kav.” He grinned, slapping him on the back. “Shall we go to the cafe? I can’t sniff anymore bloomin’ candles.”

“Same here, but with duvets. Bloody women.” Johnny muttered and smiled as he gave a half-hug to you, kissing your hair affectionately.

So now you were walking to the M&S cafe with your Dad, a man who’s your uncle basically, and now the boy you’ve harboured a crush for, for years.

“Hey.” Rory said softly, bumping his shoulder against yours.