Page 100 of Since We're Here
Silence falls between us. Deeply uncomfortable silence. I search for something to say.
“What’s the quirkiest thing you’ve done in Ireland?” I blurt out. “For the road trip I’m planning.”
Her eyes widen even further. Awhat the fucklook.
“Um...” She squints. “Are you going to Northern Ireland?”
“Yup.” I nod, thrilled we’ve moved off the topic of her and Patrick.
“There’s a spot called the Madman’s Window. It’s two large limestone boulders along the sea that form a natural rocky window to the ocean. Long ago, a grieving man visited the spot every day to try to spot his love, who had drowned. It’s said he went mad.”
I blink about a billion times.
“Cool. Thanks.”
Noreen gives me a funny look and excuses herself.
What was I just saying about fitting in? That interaction clearly says otherwise. Obviously, I don’t know everything about Patrick. Or anything, really. In a normal relationship, there would be time for that. In this one? Not so much.
It’s all a reminder that the man I’m sharing a bed with and opening up my heart to is basically a stranger.
26
PATRICK
Cormac and I are at one of the big tables back in the brew room, reviewing the updated brewing schedule on my laptop.
“Looks good, nice work.” I study the spreadsheet outlining the next six months.
“Your da helped me check it over.”
“I’m glad you’re taking the initiative, Cormac. And my dad knows just about everything about brewing, so he’s a good person to ask for help.”
Cormac’s been a model employee since his screwup with the autumn brew. He’s got potential but needs the right coaching, someone kind and patient. My dad’s the perfect person for that. Sean wasn’t—he needs coaching on how to coach. But since it’s unlikely he’ll ever work here or talk to me again, that’s irrelevant.
The door to the front entrance clicks open, and we both turn to look.
No fecking way.
Cara stands in front of us, like something from my bloody nightmares. We need to start locking the damn doors.
“Hello.” She stares at me.
I can’t get words out. My cheek twitches below my right eye.
Cormac looks at her, then turns to me.
“Can we help you?” he asks.
“This is Liam Smith’s sister,” I say, once my vocal chords agree to work. “Of New Dingle Brewing.”
She flinches subtly, and I enjoy the idea that she’s offended I’ve boiled her down to just a member of the competition’s family.
“Are you here to steal our brewing secrets?” Cormac chuckles, then trails off as Cara and I remain silent.
“Give us a minute.” I look at Cormac and nod my head to the brewery office.
“Right, of course.” He gets up from the metal chair that makes an offensive screeching sound as it pushes against the floor, then scurries into the tiny brewery office and shuts the door. Leaving me alone with my ex-fiancée.
