Page 6 of Aidan

“How long have we been friends?” I interrupt her.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“How long?” I press.

Sorcha sighs. “Five years.”

“And in those five years, have I ever asked you to do something for me?” I finish the last glass and dry my hands off.

Her entire body sags and she rests her forearms on the bar top. “No.”

I mimic her pose and wait until she meets my eyes. “I’m asking now.”

The silence lengthens between us until finally Sorcha nods. “The pub isn’t doing well. Da was behind on payments when he died. By a lot. Except he told me he was able to get a loan. Yet, there’s no record of it. I’ve been getting phone calls from vendors that haven’t been paid in several months. If I can’t pay them, they’re going to freeze our account and I won’t be able to order inventory.”

She takes in a deep breath and blows it out. “I called the bank to try and get a loan, but they denied me. If I can’t pay the bills, I’m going to lose not only the pub, but our home.”

“Christ.” I run a hand down my face.Didn’t you suspect something like this? I did, but having it confirmed makes it real. “What can I do to help?”

I would never let Sorcha lose the pub or her home, even if I have to send her a large, anonymous financial gift. She reaches across the width of the bar and clasps my hand. “Thank you for offering, but there really isn’t anything you can do. I’ll figure things out.”

“You don’t have to do this all alone.”

She huffs. “I’m not taking your money, Aidan.”

I bristle in offense. “Why not?”

“What happens when that runs out? Because it will. Then I’ll be right back where I am now.” Sorcha throws up her hands. “I’ll just have to figure something else out. Reduce the menu, maybe. Limit what’s on it so I don’t need to order supplies for something we’re not going to make. I can also not supply a larger range of liquors or beers. I’ll work more hours.”

“Jesus, you’re already working twelve hour days.”

“Then I’ll work fifteen,” she snaps back, finally losing her defeated expression, and sits upright. “I’m done talking about this. I’m not taking your money. End of discussion.”

There’s no point arguing anymore. Not with the mulish tilt to her chin. All it will do is drive a wedge between us. I’ll let it go for the moment, but this isn’t over. I’ll figure out something. Maybe pay a visit to the bank andpersuadethem to reconsider giving Sorcha the loan.

“You’re a pain in my ass. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, well, you’re a pain in mine, so we’re even.” She glares at me then taps her phone screen. “I better get upstairs and make sure the boys did their homework. Plus, I promised Aisling I’d read to her. You’ll say bye before you leave in the morning?”

“Of course.” I round the bar as Sorcha jumps down off the stool. I wrap my arms around her and she hugs me back. “Don’t be stubborn. If you can’t figure things out, call me. Swear?”

She nods against my chest. “I swear.”

Tastes like a lie. Would she take my money if she knew who I really was and that I can afford to buy out the loan on the pub? Knowing her, probably not. When I get back to Dublin, I’ll make some phone calls. Sorcha draws back, rises up on her toes, and kisses my cheek. “Thank you for being my friend.”

I kiss her forehead and hug her a little bit tighter. “Don’t forget you swore.”

She nods.

“I’ll stop by in the morning and say my goodbyes to everyone.”

We walk to the door and she opens it for me. I make my way down the footpath and glance over my shoulder. Sorcha still stands in the doorway, her face in the shadows. She waves and I return the gesture. Then she steps inside, and, a minute later, the whole pub goes dark. Faint light shines from the windows of the second floor. I blow out a breath and head for the bed and breakfast, already regretting having to leave tomorrow. But I can only be gone so long before Da or Cian starts asking questions. Plus, there is some unresolved family drama that needs to be faced.

CHAPTER4

Sorcha

“Kellen.Carson. Can one of you go let Aidan in, please? He’s at the door. And make sure you lock it behind you,” I call out from the bathroom where I’m trying to finish getting ready.

---