Page 4 of Since We're Here
“And I’m Liam,” the other man says. “What do you think of the beer?”
Noreen rolls her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, that’s his family’s brewery, so please act impressed.”
I chuckle and smile at the good-looking brown-haired, blue-eyed man fake scowling at her.
“It’s delicious.”
He makes an exaggerated victory pump with his fist.
“What is it?”
“New Dingle Brewing Amber Ale.” Liam runs a hand through his floppy hair, pushing it off his forehead.
“I’m not sure why you’re so surprised she likes it. Everyone drinks New Dingle.” Noreen presses her lips together, a smile hiding behind them.
“Did you know the brewery is now on a tour bus stop?” Liam asks earnestly, looking between me and Noreen.
Noreen groans and Gray laughs.
“Yes, everyone knows that, too. Mostly because you tell anyone who will listen,” Gray says.
“I’m gonna go get a flight so she can try the rest.” Liam grins widely and stands.
“That’s unnecessary, really.” But I’m smiling, because his enthusiasm is contagious.
“My god, you’re obsessed with yourself.” Noreen shakes her head.
“I’m committed to my business, you mean?”
The table laughs, but Noreen nods to me. “Are you hungry after your long journey? Do you want a cheese toastie?”
“Oh, no, well, I mean, I am ravenous, actually. But I can get something myself.”
“I’ll get it. I insist.” Liam’s gaze remains on my face a beat longer than necessary.
Maybe this impulsive trip to Ireland was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had.
Maybe it’s just the thing to allow me to escape the judgmental voices of my sisters.
I don’t want to get involved with anyone. Not for real, anyway. No more falling in love, getting in over my head, and ruining my life.
The Blue drama was the final straw.
But a little fun in Ireland might be just what I need.
2
PATRICK
The gorgeous woman in an inappropriate sundress goes to sit at Liam Smith’s table. That fecking eejit. In my pub, ordering his own family’s beer. Isn’t that tacky? Come on. Sure, New Dingle is one of my biggest selling beers, which annoys the hell out of me. As does my parents’ positive relationship with the Smith family, who run New Dingle. In my opinion, Mam and Dad shouldn’t fraternize with the local rival to Slea Head Brewery, the business they started over three decades ago.
There are other reasons to stay away from the Smiths, but I won’t think aboutherright now.
Dad’s stroke last autumn was terrifying, and we’re lucky he’s doing well these days. It was the motivation my parents needed to let me take over our family’s brewery—in addition to running my pub—so they can slow down.
Unlike New Dingle Brewing under Liam’s leadership, Slea Head Brewery hasn’t kept up with the trends in brewing. That’s going to change now that I’m in charge. But it might take a while, especially with a head brewer stuck in the way we did things thirty years ago.
I was there back then, too.
