It was then I noticed that Merry was standing back and that she was crying. I left Hennessy’s hug and collected Merry in my arms. “I still hate you,” I said. “Even if you’re amazing and fabulous and know what I need better than I know myself.”

She snorted into my shirt. “Thanks.”

“You okay?” I whispered.

Merry nodded against my chest. “I’m just happy it all worked out.”

“I think we need Thai food and unlimited Leprechauns,” I suggested.

She sighed. “Sounds perfect.”

When the meeting wrapped up, everyone wished us well and promised to see us next month. It was agreed that the library was a great location, and they all agreed that Hennessy and I made the cutest couple.

Of course we fucking did.

I knew Hennessy and I had a long conversation ahead of us, and I was willing and happy to lay it all on the line. But I also owed Merry and Angus a whole bunch and a night of Thai food, a few drinks, and great conversation with my three most favourite people on the planet sounded like heaven.

We went to Sunan’s, just a few doors down, and took a table. I sat with Hennessy, Merry and Angus sat opposite us, and we ordered a bunch of plates to share. When the waiter left us, Merry winked at me. “So, interesting day, huh?”

“The worst,” I answered. I looked to Hennessy and smiled. “And the best.”

“It started pretty shit,” he said. “But it’s ending better.”

I nodded, and taking Hennessy’s hand on the table, I looked directly at my two best friends. “Thank you. Both of you. Merry, for concocting this whole plan, being the evil mastermind that you are. And Angus, for lying through your teeth and promising me copious amounts of alcohol and not delivering.”

“I did,” he said with a grin. He waved his hand at Hennessy. “Six feet of cognac, did I not?”

Hennessy laughed and conceded a nod. “That’s true. He did.”

“Anyway,” I said. “Thank you both. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be cocooned on my couch being the saddest wallowing burrito ever.”

“You were pitiful at work too,” Merry said.

I shrugged. “That’s true. I was. I wallowed in the basement for eight hours.”

“Because Mrs Mullhearn didn’t want you near the public, given your mood and your tendency to swear,” Merry frowned. “It wouldn’t have ended well.”

“Remind me to thank her on Monday.”

Our food arrived and we ate in silence for a while. “So, Angus,” I said. “Any chance of me meeting your couple? When you told me that’s who we were meeting, I kind of got my hopes up.”

Angus chewed thoughtfully, then set down his fork. “They’ve been asking for a while.”

“They have? Why haven’t you mentioned it?”

“Dunno if it’s what I want,” he said.