Page 30 of Since We're Here
“Yes. Nice to meet you. But we’re not telling Oliver or my sisters where I am, okay?”
“No worries. Did you know that Oliver worked at the tattoo parlor for a bit while he was here? He also tended bar in this very pub.”
“I didn’t realize he’d worked for you, too.” This secret is hopeless. I definitely didn’t think through the connections Oliver has in this town when I jumped on that plane.
“He’ll not hear that you’re here from me.” Ian nods solemnly.
“Don’t worry, Madison, I’ll get these customers.” Patrick stares me down as he pours pints for a pair of women waiting at the bar.
“Thanks.” I ignore his obvious sarcasm.
“He’s not exactly an easy man to work for.” Ian nods his head to Patrick. “Not sure if you’ve realized that yet. Which is probably why the other manager ran to New Dingle.” Ian fake-whispers the last part.
“Ian, shut it,” Patrick growls.
Ian ignores him.
“I can handle a tough boss.” I slide my eyes to Patrick.
Ian scoffs, but it’s good-natured. “What have you been up to since you arrived? Seeing the sights?”
“Just wandering around town so far, but I think in the morning I’m going to try to bike on Slea Head Drive before my afternoon shift.”
Ian raises his eyebrows. “A gorgeous ride for sure.”
“Like hell you are.”
Ian and I swivel our heads to Patrick, who is glowering at me as he hands a credit card back to the customer.
“Excuse me?” I cross my arms.
“You came in last time looking like a drowned rat. You rented from that shite place down the road—those bikes are about ready to fall apart—and didn’t wear a helmet.”
“He’s right about that bike shop.” Ian nods.
“Are you going by yourself?” Patrick ignores another customer waiting to be served. So do I.
“Well, I’m not going with my friends, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Patrick throws his head back and groans, and I let my eyes drift to his exposed neck and the dark stubble on his chin. “You’re going to kill yourself.”
I shrug. “I’ll be fine.” I probably won’t be.
He shuts his eyes and appears to pray, moving his lips wordlessly. Ian looks back and forth between us, but I stare at Patrick.
“I’ll go with you.” Patrick opens his eyes and drags them in my direction, as if it requires great effort.
“What?” Ian and I say at the same time. Ian’s voice is full of amusement and matched by a grin, and mine is truly shocked, given Patrick’s previous response to my request to hang out.
“Let’s get an early start. I’ll bring an extra bike and helmet. I can show you the best views. Safely.”
I narrow my eyes at him.
“Oliver would murder me if something bad happened to Reese’s little sister. And I also don’t want my new employee—even a temporary one—falling off a cliff.”
“Falling off a cliff? I don’t love the sound of that.”
“Do you want me to have to call Oliver and tell him you ran off the road and plunged into the sea?” Patrick levels his gaze at me.
