“Katie, I need you to come work at the pub tomorrow night,” her dad said, breaking what had been a pleasant silence.
“What about Rose, Dad?” Katie said, washing out the mixing bowl.
“Your mother can watch her.”
“But, Dad, you’ve hired Fin now.” Katie dried her hands with the dishtowel until her skin prickled.
“Damn it, Katie, when I tell you I need you there, I mean it. You should say ‘yes Dad’ not try to get out of it. I didn’t raise lazy, disrespectful daughters.”
“It’s not the work, Dad, it’s--” She faced him, gesturing with her hands as if that would help make him see her point of view.
“Katie! How many times do we need to go over this? Are you daft? Your mother and I support you, we expect you to do as we say. Get over your snootiness, put a smile on your face, and do your job. It’s the only one you’ve got,” he said, exasperated.
Fin filled the doorway. He’d heard their exchange. Katie wrung her hands, her brows inched together. She really didn’t mean to upset her father or act like a spoiled brat. People misunderstood, or maybe she needed to keep her mouth shut since she always said the wrong thing. Her dad turned and saw Fin.
“Fin, I was telling Katie she needs to work at the pub tomorrow night. Did you want to stay here with Rose and Mavis?”
“No, unless Mavis needs me. I’d like to try the job, if you’re willing,” Fin said, never taking his eyes off Katie. She tapped her hands on her thighs.
“Glad to have you, Fin. Your room okay?”
“Yes, thanks. I really appreciate it.”
“Nonsense, we’re glad you’re here. I look forward to working with you.”
Katie’s face burned and she tried to unclench her jaw. Her dentist wouldn’t be happy with all this teeth grinding. Fin smiled at her. Katie frowned.
“Goodnight. I’m tired. I’m going up,” she said. “Ask Mom to take those brownies out in twenty minutes.”
“I thought you didn’t go to bed at eight,” Fin said in a teasing tone.
“I do when there’s nothing worth staying up for.” Katie strode out.
“Don’t mind her, Fin. She’s a moody lass,” her father said as she made her way to the stairs. Moody, my ass!
The next night, Katie kissed Rose goodnight and went to the pub to meet her dad and Fin, who’d already been there all afternoon. With Fin in the guest room, Rose slept in Maureen’s old room, so Katie’d had a good cry alone in her room. Katie began to believe her aunt was right--she needed to move away, nothing would change.
Once at the pub, which hummed with noise from the dinner crowd, her dad turned Katie over to Sally, the most senior of the wait staff, and took off to take care of customers. Katie, relieved when Sally told her to do dishes, was only concerned she might have to wait tables later. Unfortunately, she did, though by then Fin was helping Jim, her dad’s best bartender, behind the bar, so she could at least catch a few glimpses of him. While waiting a table by the end of the bar, she noticed a man eyeing her. That type of thing was one of the many reasons Katie didn’t like working out of the kitchen in the after dinner hours.
When she approached to bus the table, the crowd by the bar penned her in with her tray of dirty glasses and plates. A hand squeezed her rear and she tipped her tray, dropping some glasses which shattered on the floor. People moved back as she knelt down to clean up. Fin’s voice sliced the low buzz of noise around her.
“If you want to make it home tonight, keep your hands off,” he said in a menacing tone.
“And you’re going to make me?”
Fin got in the man’s face, saying something she couldn’t hear.
“You’re feckin’ crazy,” the man said. “I’m out.” With that, he turned and pushed his way across the pub to the door. Katie, flushed and flustered, began to pick up the broken glass, but Fin squatted down next to her and grabbed her arm. A current sizzled through her at his touch.
“You’ll cut yourself. Let me get the broom.”
Katie stood dazed until he returned, then took the broom and swept the glass into the dustpan Fin held.
“You okay, Katie?” Fin’s brow furrowed. Katie nodded as her father approached.
“Breaking glasses again, Katie?” he said quietly. She knew he was mad but wouldn’t make a scene in the pub.
“It wasn’t her fault, Pat,” Fin said. Katie wanted to either hug him or tell him to mind his own business. She didn’t move.
“She always has an excuse. Why don’t you get back to the kitchen with that mess, girl. We can manage out here.”
Katie exhaled a shaky breath when she reached the sanctuary of the kitchen. She felt inept both because she couldn’t handle the situation herself and because she didn’t even thank Fin for his help. As she washed dishes and cleaned, Katie tried to think of how she could thank Fin and hoped for an opportunity to talk to him later.
By twelve, Katie, Fin, and her dad were the only ones left in the pub. Katie and Fin finished cleaning and restocking for the next day while her dad sat having a pint--one too many in Katie’s opinion--talking to them.
“Katie, I’m sorry I was hard on you. Fin told me what happened.”
“It’s okay, Dad, I shouldn’t have let it get to me. Sally wouldn’t.”
“Fin took care of it. You did real well tonight, me boy. Even Jim complimented you, and he’s not one for praise. What did you think?”
“I really like it, thanks. Could we talk about the details tomorrow?” Fin yawned.
“Of course. I have something I want to propose to you. But we should get home now, kids.”
He stood up slowly and Katie and Fin followed him during the closing up, Katie to be sure he didn’t forget anything. Katie’s dad kept up a flow of talk on the ride home which Katie didn’t pay much attention to, alone in the back seat. All the time she’d had to think, between the mindless kitchen chores and this, wasn’t helping her mood. She tended to let her negative thoughts run on and on and Katie was to the point where she wanted to cry. She tried to talk herself out of it as they went into the house. Saying goodnight to her dad and Fin, she trudged to the kitchen for a drink of water. As she leaned by the sink drinking, Fin came in, stretching. He appeared so spruce and cheerful, while Katie felt grimy and tearful.
“Are you sure you’re okay, Katie?” Fin walked over, putting a hand on her arm. His touch warmed her. Her breath caught for an instant. “You’ve been awfully quiet, even for you.”
Katie studied his concerned face and burst into tears. Fin pulled her to him, holding her gently. Katie sniffed and sighed into his firm chest. An unexpected calm enveloped her in his embrace, yet guilt gripped her for her upset, when he was the one going through the rough time. Pushing herself away to get a handkerchief out of her pocket, she gave Fin a watery smile.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t be crying on you when you’re the one who should be upset, with your dad throwing you out and all.” Katie knew as the words left her mouth she’d said the wrong thing again. Fin tensed and stepped back.
“I’m sorry, Fin. I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I meant I was being stupid and…”
Fin held up a hand. “No worries. Well, it’s late and I’m sure you want to get to bed. Rose’ll have you up early, no doubt.” He sounded so flippant she thought maybe he didn’t really care.
“Okay, but I hope you know how grateful I am for everything tonight,” she said.
Fin shrugged saying “No problem, goodnight” and turned to get a glass down from the cabinet.
“Goodnight,” Katie said as she went out to go up to bed. She frowned to herself, not sure what to make of Fin’s reaction. Katie only knew she wished she hadn’t said anything, but had stayed in Fin’s arms instead.
Chapter Five
Katie stood at the stove the next morning, cooking pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Katie’s mom had left for work. Fin was still in bed, Katie guessed. Her dad sat at the table reading the paper, a cup of coffee in hand, while Rose cu
t up strawberries at the island counter.
“Good morning,” Fin said jauntily as he entered the room. Katie’s stomach jumped. He kissed the top of Rose’s head, who proudly showed him all the strawberries she’d sliced. “Sorry if I overslept.”
“You didn’t. Mavis and Rose can’t let Katie and I sleep, but insisted you not be disturbed,” her dad said with a wink.
“I thank you. Breakfast smells delicious,” Fin said.
“I told Aunt Katie you like pancakes, eggs, and bacon ‘cause she wanted to make you something special. But she only has turkey bacon. I like it better.”
“That’s fine. Thanks, Katie.”
“We…I mean…I hope you like it,” Katie stammered.
“It’ll be a treat. I haven’t had the like since Rose, Fergus, and Maureen last visited Cork. Fergus cooks a mean breakfast,” Fin said as he sat down.
Katie smiled but ducked her head and faced the stove again. Tremors rocked her when she looked at Fin for too long. Her feelings had been in little boxes, all arranged neatly on a shelf, like the books in her bookcase. Fin caused them to fall off, the contents mixing and spilling willy-nilly.
Fin ate six pancakes, eggs, two strips of bacon, fruit, and drank two cups of coffee. A silly glow warmed Katie at his appreciation of her cooking and how he followed her with his eyes when she got Rose a cup of juice or refilled his coffee mug. She didn’t say anything, but she usually wasn’t talkative and Fin was uncharacteristically silent. Besides, her dad and Rose had conversation enough to entertain an audience of more than two.
“So, did you want to talk about the job now?” her dad said to Fin as Katie cleared the table.
“Sure, though I’d like to shower and change first, if you don’t mind,” Fin said. Katie’s warmth wasn’t the pleasant kind anymore.
“As long as we’re to the pub by eleven thirty, it’s fine. I’ll take the paper in the living room. We can talk in there when you’re ready.”
Katie smacked away her inner angry voice. She had already decided to stay for the rest of the week, until Rose went back to the Dunbars’. Once Rose settled in there, then Katie’d find somewhere to move and get a job.
“Aunt Katie?” Rose said as she sat drawing pictures at the table.
“Yes?” Katie said.
“Do I have to go back to Grandma Mary’s? I like it here with you and Uncle Fin. And I don’t want to get diabetes.”
“My girl, you can’t, I promise. Grandma Mary only has to take a little pill now and be careful about eating and taking good care of herself. Besides, Uncle Fin and I will probably both be moving soon.”
“Together? Will I get a cousin?”
“No.” Katie’s cheeks burned. “Not together. And no cousins. I’m not getting married.”
“Aww. But Grandpa said…”
“I’m not marrying Michael. I’m sorry. I know you wanted to be flower girl.”
“It’s okay. I’ll wait for the prince to ask you.”
“What prince?”
Before Rose could answer, her dad and Fin walked in.
“Rose, go up and play with your dolls until I call you,” Katie’s dad said. Rose skipped out. He and Fin sat with Katie at the table.
“Fin wants me to talk to you before he accepts my proposal, Katie.”
“What proposal?” Katie gripped the edge of the table with her fingers.
“After a trial period, Fin will become a partner in the pub. Wonderful, isn’t it? Now, if you’d marry Michael and give me some more grandkids, everything would be perfect,” Katie’s dad said, rubbing his hands together.
“Katie, I--” Fin said.
“Perfect for you maybe. I’m not marrying Michael and I can’t believe you won’t let your own daughter manage your business, but you’ll hand it right over to Fin.”
“Girl, you best--”
“No! I’m not a girl anymore.” Katie paused, stared down, and drew in a deep breath before she glared again at her father. “You know what? It’s fine. I was planning to move out and find a new job anyway, so it doesn’t matter. All the best to you, Fin. I hope you’ll both be happy.” Katie pushed herself away from the table.
“Katie, listen, if this is a problem for you, I won’t do it.” Fin rose, leaning toward her.
“Did you hear me? It’s fine. Mom says you need me down at the pub a few nights this week?”
“Fin and I can manage. You do what you need to do,” her dad said.
“Fine.” As Katie walked out, the phone rang. Katie stopped to answer. It was Michael. “Michael, I’m in no mood to listen to your bull. I have your ring. Let me know when you want to pick it up.”
“Katie, what--”
“I think that was clear. What about Sunday at four? I should have my things cleared out and I can give you back anything else of yours I find. Okay?”
“I’ll be there,” he said. Katie hung up before he could say more. She glanced at her father, whose mouth hung open. Fin grinned before assuming a serious expression. “Careful, Dad, or a fly might land in there.” Katie turned with a snap and sprinted upstairs.
At noon the next day, Katie stood alone in the middle of the kitchen and drummed her fingers on the island counter. Rose was across the street with Mrs. Knight, where Katie had spent so many hours during her preschool years. Fin and her dad had left for the pub ten minutes before. Fin worked hard, she had to admit. He’d probably put in another twelve-hour day today, as he had the day before. Her father had the help he needed. Wasn’t that what she really wanted all along?
“Hello?” Katie reluctantly said into the phone. She sighed in relief--it was Fergus. “Didn’t you speak to Rose this morning?”
“Yes,” Fergus answered. “I hoped to catch Fin.”
“Sorry, you just missed him. You could call the pub.”
“Maybe later. Listen, what’s all this about you and Michael?”
“I’m sorry, Fergus. I broke up with him.”
“I know, Fin told me.”
“What?” Katie leaned against the wall, pressing the phone to her ear.
“Look, Katie, I owe you an apology. I should never have set you two up. I took my dad’s advice a little too far.”
“Your dad? He knows?”
“No, but he always tells me to keep my friends close but my enemies closer.”
“Are you saying Michael’s your enemy? I can’t believe this.” She stood and paced in a small circle.
“I’m sorry. He’s not really. I want you to know I think you’re doing the right thing and if you need a job, my dad and I would love to find you something at Dunbar and Son. Things are up in the air right now, but if you can hang on for a bit…”
“I don’t know. Are you and Maureen okay?”
“Don’t worry, we’re working on it. Whatever happens, Rose comes first.”
“I hope so. If you need anything, please tell me. You’re my brother.”
“Thanks, you just take care of yourself and our Rose. And cut Fin a break, okay? He feels really lousy about everything but he won’t tell you.”
“Okay. I…you take care too. Will you still be back on the ninth?”
“Yes. We’ll see you then. We’ll call again tomorrow morning to talk to Rose, as usual.”
They said their goodbyes and Katie hung up.
She eased into a chair, not remembering walking over to it. She didn’t know why finding out about Michael hurt so much. It wasn’t as if she really loved him. The lies, the disrespect, being made a fool of--Katie couldn’t stomach them. She was used to men preferring Maureen, but usually they were more honest about it. She hoped Fergus knew what he was doing. Rose needed protecting.
She wanted to talk to Fin, but she only saw him at breakfast with her family before he went out to do errands or go to the pub and he didn’t get home until after midnight. Katie spent her days with Rose, doing the things they’d done before Fin arrived: playing at the park, painting, baking, dressing up, having tea parties with Mrs. Knight, and walkin
g around the neighborhood. She tried to fill herself with Rose’s silliness and joy, tried to make sure Rose had everything Katie could give. As Sunday approached, Katie had a hard time sleeping. Without Rose there all their problems would be laid bare. She made herself be cheerful, though. Rose needed her and it was her mom’s fiftieth birthday. Katie had to at least pretend to be happy.
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