Page 11 of After Indigo Irish Nights
“You have the way of it,” Declan said, lifting his drink to them and then downing it.
Another waft of oranges tickled his nose, and he sneezed, kicking off a herald of Gaelic and other blessings for his health and good fortune.
“You should see your face,” Liam said, chortling. “I’m guessing Sorcha wanted the last word. On that note, I’ll take myself back to the crash course in Boston slang. Come on, Jamie.”
But Jamie continued to stand there, empty drink in hand, his eyes wide as he studied Declan. “You mean you’re next? Sorcha’s here foryou? Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. She’s gone mad after the dying then.”
Liam laughed and then covered it with a cough. “Jamie, let’s be off before Declan grinds down all his teeth and has to subsist on baby food for the rest of his days. Declan, when you’re in the mood to talk, you know where I live.”
Declan only shook his head while Jamie said, “That’s a good bit ofcraic, it is, Liam, seeing as how he lives with you,” as they walked away.
Brady slid back in front of him and refilled his glass. “I would have brought your whiskey.”
He didn’t need to tell his brother he was impatient. Everyone said he’d been born that way. He certainly didn’t feel like telling him why. “You have your hands full.”
“Come on. Back to your seat. I have something in mind.”
Declan took himself to the head table of sorts, glaring at Liam, who was grinning like a smug old codger. Brady topped off Kathleen’s drink, then Ellie’s, then a few of the other people who sat closest to them. By God, but Kathleen had a way about her. Everyone was eating out of her gorgeous hand. Himself included.
“A toast to our new friend, Kathleen O’Connor,” Brady called out. “May her happiness here be long and her friends be many.”
“Thanks, Brady,” she said, rising and kissing his cheek. “That’s a beautiful toast.”
Everyone took a drink.
“To having my best friend in the wonderful village of Caisleán,” Ellie added, making the whole crowd cheer.
Those who hadn’t already downed their drinks took another sip.
“To all you beautiful people for welcoming me with such kindness, and to all the possibilities in this beautiful place,” Kathleen said, a challenge in her smoldering eyes as she gazed at Declan. His heart sped up at the look. “Slainte.”
“Slainte,” everyone echoed before downing the last of their drink.
Conversation and laughter sparked all around the room after that. Brady pulled Ellie out of her chair, only to settle her onto his lap as he poured more whiskey for the group closest to him.
Kathleen leaned her elbows on the table. “So I have a question. I’ve never lived on my own before, and Irish cottages have a reputation for being haunted. Who’s on speed dial if a ghost starts to howl outside my window?”
Declan jolted in his chair.
Would Sorcha do such a thing? Surely not…
“We can’t have you fearing for your life and not sleeping, Kathleen,” Brady said, making a face. “What kind of friends would we be? You should stay at Summercrest Manor with us.”
Declan almost fell off his chair.
“That would be awesome!” Ellie exclaimed, turning to her friend, who only blinked. “I’d be the happiest girl in the world.”
“Making you happy is my daily joy,a stór,” Brady continued.
Declan’s head started to pound.
Kathleen’s face remained neutral as she picked up her whiskey and took a long pull. She appeared to be biding her time.
“Youdohave plenty of room,” Jamie said, glancing from Brady to Declan, then Liam.
“We have the room and more,” Liam confirmed, biting his lip. “I’m sure all of us would love to have another roommate at Summercrest.”
For God’s sake. His friends were trying to set him up, weren’t they?
