Page 221 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

I suspect Irish will take his time. He’s already done his Duster duty and provided an heir. He won’t be in any rush to get involved with someone.

But Eoin?

He has an imminent role to fulfill. He’ll be under pressure to move on now that what we shared has ended once and for all.

Having put the boys to bed, I sit on the sofa and stare across the room. While it’s great being back in my apartment, I find myself missing the safe space. I had gotten used to the hustle and bustle of living in the O’Connell home.

But I’m not family. I will never be an O’Connell. There was no point continuing to pretend otherwise.

I stare at my vibrating phone before answering.

“How are you doing, partner?”

“I’m doing okay, Jessie.”

“You don’t sound okay.”

“I guess I’m missing the revolving doors of the O’Connell home.”

“And you miss them.” She doesn’t have to mention any names. We both know who she’s referring to.

“And I miss them.”

“Have you given any more thought to this charity function tomorrow? It’s for a good cause.”

“I’ll think about it?”

“You’ve been saying that for days.”

“I’ve got a busy calendar.” More lies.

“Yeah. Moping around the house and feeling sorry for yourself is taking up all your free time.”

“Stop lecturing me, Jessie.”

“I’m your big sister. It goes with the territory of being born first. It’s my God-given right to lecture you.”

I chuckle. “I haven’t got anything to wear.”

“So, I’m guessing out of the Disney princesses, you must be Cinderella.”

“She had ugly sisters.”

“I take that back. Bailey and I aren’t ugly. Treat yourself, Jaine. You can’t show up in a tank top and combats.”

“Can’t I just make a generous donation?” I huff.

“Jaine, you’ve just admitted you miss the hustle and bustle of the family home. You’re going to go stir-crazy if you’re not careful. You need to get out. Meet new people. Meet new m….”

“I’m not interested in meeting new men, Jessie.”

“You know what they say. You have to get straight back in the saddle.”

“I’m not a cowboy, even if you do call me partner.”

She snorts. “You know what I mean.”

“If you’re going to introduce me to who you think are eligible men, then I’m definitely not going.”

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