Read Online Maeve's Symphony by Marianne Evans - Free Book Online Page B

him and Maeve. Outlooks and attitudes constantly evolved and shifted, even within the walls of this sunny yellow home with its burgundy shutters, neat shrubs and well-tended lawn.
    Doug Callahan was the lone exception to Josh’s well-meaning, though overdone reception. He snorted, tugged Josh across the threshold without preamble, and delivered a much welcome chest bump and a hug Josh returned full force.
    “It shocks me, Andrews, the way you’ve managed to pinpoint targets on the field without your best wide receiver backing you up.”
    Doug polished his fingernails against his shirt and waggled his brows. Josh fell into laughter and hooked an arm around Doug’s neck putting his friend in a loose choke hold for a playful instant. “Hey, I fought tooth and nail with management to get you on the team roster. Couldn’t get them to bite.”
    “Because they’re crazy fools, my friend.”
    Any kind of response Josh might offer jammed in his throat when he glanced up the open stairwell. There at the top stood Maeve, who paused and watched them intently. She wore her clothes from church—a simple navy skirt and a sweater set of white that framed her slender figure to perfection. Her hair tumbled into loose, fiery waves against her shoulders. Antics with Doug hit the sidelines in a hurry. When she descended the stairs, Josh couldn’t have looked away if he wanted to.
    How many times had he stood at the foot of these very steps, eager and waiting—for a movie date, a dash to the mall, to take her to a dance, to dinner? Time didn’t stand still, it swirled all around—pushing him back into their history, pushing him forward into every hope and wish he held for the future. Pushing him to Maeve, and Maeve alone.
    “Hmm. So.” Doug’s attention pinged between Josh and Maeve. “Rumors of your laser-like intensity aren’t without merit.”
    Josh shot his friend a scowl. “Shut up.”
    Doug’s laugh rumbled. When Maeve reached the bottom stair, Josh offered his arm and led her into the dining room, which busted at the seams with family, neighbors, friends. Josh took a drink of the boisterousness, and savored every drop. He held Maeve’s hand in place at the crook of his arm. Contentment poured in a delicious flood while they made rounds, chatted with a few people, and warmed up to the gathering.
    His first introduction was one he looked forward to—meeting the man who had nabbed the heart of Siobhan Douglas, orthopedic surgeon AJ Cooper.
    “So they repaired the rotator cuff via arthroscopic surgery?”
    Josh plated a pair of fresh-from-the-oven Irish soda bread rounds—Mrs. Callahan’s creation, no doubt. The treats were each marked by a cross on top. Mouth already watering, he added a dollop of strawberry jam to each. “Less invasive, as I’m sure you know.” They shared grins. “The surgeon didn’t have to cut through muscle tissue. Instead, he moved the muscle aside and created a window for repair.”
    “Still, that’s delicate stuff.” AJ winced. “And you’ve got an arm that—man—just blows my mind. I couldn’t get over it when the girls told me you were friends from way back. Is everything going to be OK for your return next season?”
    “Prognosis is good. I’m building up to what I used to have in the way of velocity and accuracy.”
    “Let me know if there’s anything you need. I’m happy to give you any advice, or—”
    Siobhan drifted into the room, chuckling as she latched her arm through AJ’s. “I should have known I’d find you talking shop with Josh.” Siobhan lifted effortlessly to tip-toe and pecked Josh’s cheek. “We’re still your biggest fans.”
    Josh returned the kiss. “And you’re still a charmer, through and through.”
    More people filed in. Plates clattered, silver clanged, conversation built to a rolling wave that appealed.
    Josh returned his full focus to Maeve. “Quite a crowd. The only ones missing are my mom and dad.”
    “How do they like Florida?