Straight Up

by Deirdre Martin

  She'd try to maneuver so that Padraig would sit in the middle of the cab, but he'd jumped out to open the door for Liam to climb in before she'd even come to a full stop. Aislinn dealt with the whisper of excitement caused by his being pressed up against her by concentrating on her driving, leaving the talking to Padraig and Liam. Their discussion was wide-ranging, running the gamut from the process of cleaning and preparing fleeces to Michelle Obama to Liam waxing sentimental about his family. Padraig kept referring to her dad as if he were still alive. Each time, she corrected him gently, and he responded with a quick, “Oh, right, right,” before moving on to another topic

  They arrived in Omeath around nine. Aislinn knew most of the other vendors at the market well, having grown up around them: her dad had started taking her with him when she was just six. Padraig made a point of telling Liam that their fleeces were widely considered to be the best, always fetching the highest prices. Perhaps Liam was having them both on, but he looked impressed

  She and Padraig settled themselves in their booth, while Liam excused himself to go exploring. The market had grown over the years. In the beginning, it was just local farmers selling primarily produce, wool, cheese, and milk, but now it was big business with tourists flocking to it, drawn by its “quaintness.” Today there were stalls selling crafts, homemade chocolates, baked goods, organic vegetables, handmade toys, and preserves. There was even a group of musicians playing traditional music. Aislinn remembered that at first, her father had despaired of the change, worried about “the changing face of Ireland.” But eventually he accepted it, especially since the market usually drew close to four thousand people, and they'd started making more and more money there

  Within minutes of opening, one of her regular customers, a hand spinner from Garra, came by and bought three unprocessed fleeces. A good omen

  After making that first sale, Padraig leaned over to Aislinn. “I like your young man very much,” he said

  "He's not my young man.

  "Well, he wants to be.

  "You know what I say to that.

  Two more regulars came by, buying two processed fleeces each

  “It's going to be a good day,” Padraig predicted

  “I agree. We're going to sell out.” Aislinn looked at him affectionately. "I notice your 'rattling, deadly cough' seems to have abated.

  Padraig produced a cough.

  “Oh, no, no, it hasn't.”

  “I'll stop by tonight and make you some lovely tea.” Aislinn knew he just wanted a little attention, and she was more than happy to give it.

  “Now where's your young man gone to?”

  Aislinn took a deep breath before answering. Either he was teasing her, or he'd already forgotten shed told him Liam wasn't her boyfriend.

  “He's roaming about.”

  “Nice lad,” he repeated as if he'd never said it before.

  Aislinn just sighed.

  “You know, your parents would have hated to see you end up alone,” Padraig said casually.

  Aislinn felt a knot form in her chest. “What are you talking about, you addled old thing?”

  “I remember your da saying to me - after the wedding, you know, when Connor buggered off and you lost your taste for human company - that he was worried it would scar you for good, and what a shame that would be.”

  “Why didn't he say this to me?”

  “You know your father. He was a man of few words.”

  It was true; her father had never been much of a talker, especially when it came to feelings. But she wished he had told her he was worried, rather than confide in Padraig.

  Liam wandered back, bearing three home-baked scones. "I figured since we didn't have any breakfast...

  “Thank you,” said Aislinn, who was ravenous. Usually she ate a big breakfast, but she'd overslept this morning and was in a rush to get up and out before Nora could interrogate her about anything.

  Liam stuck his hands in the front pockets of his jeans as if he didn't know what else to with them. “Are you sure there's nothing I can do?”

  “Yup,” said Aislinn, glad he seemed at loose ends. He'd wanted to spend time with her? Well, he was getting his wish. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the guy who thought he was God's gift to women strolling their way. “Feck” she cursed softly.

  “What's wrong?” Liam asked.

  “Nothing.”

  Aislinn steeled herself as the eejit stopped at her booth. smiling. “Mornin'. Aislinn.” He nodded curtly at Padraig. “Padraig.”

  Aislinn regarded him warily. “Morning, Alfie. You going to buy anything this time, or are you just stopping off to boast about how every woman in the republic wants you?”

  “Every woman but you, apparently. Though I can't understand why.”

  “Could be that I have a brain in my skull.” She popped a hunk of scone in her mouth. “If you're not going to buy anything, move on.”

  Alfie chuckled. It took him a moment before he registered Liam's presence, but when he did, his gaze was mildly contemptuous. “And who might you be?”

  "I'm Liam 0 Brien. Aislinn's boyfriend.

  Aislinn choked back a sputter. Didn't he just wish! Then again, he was doing her a service: his wishful thinking might drive Alfie off for good.

  Alfie was scowling at her. “Why are you seeing a Yank when there are loads of sexy Irishmen to be had?”

  “Sexy Irishmen?” Aislinn replied, making a great show of looking around. “I've yet to meet one.”

  Alfie frowned. “I guess I'll be getting on.”

  “Please do.”

  With a final dirty look at Liam, he turned heel and walked away.

  “What an asshole,” said Liam.

  “Aren't you the polite one.” Aislinn looked down, wiping scone crumbs off her lap. “I suppose I should thank you for driving him away with your bold-faced lie. It came in very handy.”

  “It's not a lie,” Liam said playfully. “It's a prediction.”

  Aislinn glanced up at him and snorted, even though twinges of unwanted heat were assaulting her body. “In your dreams.”

  *****

  She sold everything, as she knew she would. The money would allow her to make some repairs to the barn and purchase a couple of new ewes. She also intended to buy a few steaks for Deenie as a reward for her good work.

  It was dusk when the market closed and the vendors began packing up. “We don't have to dash home right away, do we?” Padraig asked.

  “Why?”

  “I want to chat with a few of my and your da's old buddies.”

  “Go ahead,” Aislinn urged, even though she was eager to get home and away from Liam who, to her great disappointment, had been as charming and helpful as could be all day.

  After Padraig left, Liam inched a bit closer and lowered his voice. “Aislinn,” he said tentatively. “I noticed Padraig forgot the prices for things a few times.”

  “No matter.” Aislinn said briskly. “I fixed it.”

  “You really love him, don't you?”

  “I do,” said Aislinn, unexpectedly choking up. “He's family, and family takes care of family. He can work with me for as long as he likes.”

  “So there really is a tender heart beating inside that brusque facade,” Liam murmured gently.

  Aislinn said nothing.

  “I know all about presenting a tough face to the world as a way of protecting yourself,” Liam continued. "I was the consummate bad boy at home. But a lot of it was just a way to deflect the pain I was in, since I always felt I couldn't measure up to my older brother. And

  “What is it with you Yanks, spilling your guts without anyone asking you to, like everyone you meet is a bloody therapist?” Aislinn interrupted. She did not want to go down this road. “Whether you like it or not, I see through your mask, Aislinn. I see the vulnerable woman beneath the hard shell. And if you'll just let me -”

  Aislinn rose abruptly, desperate to get away from him. But Liam jumped up, too, and in a blood
y bold move, pulled her to him and planted a good, long kiss on her lips, one to which she instantly responded. More, she thought, more, before jerking herself away. Liam grinned sexily. “You liked that.” “Don't flatter yourself,” Aislinn replied, affecting a bored tone. “It was a moment of madness we'll never speak of again. Got it?” “I want more moments of madness with you,” Liam murmured. “Haven't you figured it out yet? I'm not going to let up until I get them.”

  “You could have any woman in town,” Aislinn pointed out sharply. “Why set your sights on me?” “Because you're sexy, smart, independent, and headstrong. Did I mention you were sexy?”

  “Yes, my barn jacket and wellies have turned many a man's head,” Aislinn said dryly.

  "Believe it or not, you even look sexy dressed like that.

  “God, you're a hopeless thing. It's sad. Truly it is.”

  “Not as sad as someone who clearly craves romance but is too chicken to take a chance,” Liam retorted.

  Aislinn glowered at hint

  "I dare you to go to dinner with me

  “ Aislinn squinted at him in disbelief. ”You what?"

  "You heard me. Prove you're not stuck in the past

  “ Aislinn felt her temper beginning to ignite. ”I don't need to prove anything to you!"

  “True, you don't need to,” Liam murmured casually. “But you know you want to, if only to put me in my place.”

  “You don't want to know the place I think you should be in, boyo.”

  “Have dinner with me.”

  “No.”

  “Have dinner with me.”

  “Hard of hearing and thick. Not a good combo.”

  "I'm not letting up.

  “And I'm not giving in.”

  “I'll beg if you want.” Liam got down on his knees and held his hands out to her imploringly. “Please, Aislinn, please have -”

  “Get up!” Aislinn hissed, horrified by the thought someone might have seen him. “I'll have dinner with you, just - get up.”

  Liam rose, dusting himself off. “That was easier than I thought. Any ideas as to where you'd like to dine?”

  “Anywhere but the Oak,” Aislinn muttered. “The last thing I need is the whole town gawping and talking, because they've nothing better to do with their lives.”

  “We'll go to Crosshaven.”

  “That suits me. But you're not paying for me. I'll pay for my own meal.” “That's not a date.”

  “I thought you loved my independence,” Aislinn said sarcastically.

  "I want to do this the traditional way

  “ Aislinn put a hand on her hip. ”Oh, it's traditional, is it, for the woman to pick up the man in her truck?"

  “I'll borrow Old Jack's car,” Liam immediately countered.

  “If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I'll cripple you.”

  "I'm sure you could. Shall we say around seven, Wednesday night? That's my night off.

  Good, thought Aislinn. It wouldn't draw suspicion, the way it would if he asked for a night off. He could just tell Jack he wanted to go into Crosshaven, have a look round at a much bigger town.

  “Wednesday will work for me,” Aislinn said coolly. God, she'd never hear the end of it from Nora.

  Liam grinned. “Great. I'm looking forward to it.”

  "Hmmm

  "Aislinn turned away so he couldn't see her small smile. She was looking forward to it, too. But she'd be damned if she'd let him know it.

  Straight Up

  Chapter Seven

  ************************************************************************************************

  Three minutes into driving Old Jack's car. Liam realized he should have swallowed his pride and let Aislinn drive them to Crosshaven. Jack's fifteen-year-old Ford Focus was barely able to make it up and down the hills leading to her farm. The floor beneath the drivers seat had rusted out: Jack's solution had been been to cover the hole with a thin, battered piece of sheet metal, held in place with duct tape. The upholstery was split and shredded. And the interior reeked of the lily of the valley perfume Jack's wife, Bettina, loved to douse herself with

  When he'd asked Jack if he could borrow the car, the old man guessed the reason and went pale, realizing he was going to lose the bet. At the same time, it was dawning on Liam that he was a creep to have made the bet in the first place

  He really liked Aislinn. He'd spent time with lots of women, but none had ever been as fiery or fiercely independent as she, and he was surprised how attractive he found those traits. He also loved her lack of vanity, and he had been serious when he'd told her she looked great in her caked old wellies and barn coat. Aislinn truly had no idea how naturally beautiful she was

  Liam also meant it when he said he saw behind her gruff mask. Her love for Padraig, even her love for Nora, despite pretending to be annoyed by her, revealed the tenderness she tried so hard to conceal. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to draw her out. A fine, sharp desire had shot through him when he kissed her, made all the more exciting because she had responded without hesitation

  Liam held his breath as the car crested the final hill, spluttering and backfiring all the way. God, she was going to mock him all the way to Crosshaven

  He was surprised to find Aislinn waiting for him outside, her dog beside her. She looked tense. Liam parked the car and got out

  “My parents always told me that when you're picking up a girl for a date, you go up to the house to fetch her,” he said

  “They're right, but I don't want us to be cross-examined by Nora for twenty minutes.” She crouched down, kissing the top of Deenies head. "Run along with you now. I won't be long.

  Deenie licked her face and trotted off toward the house

  "I can't believe she understood what you said.

  "She's a border collie. She's smarter than half the children in this town.

  Liam laughed as he walked around the car to open the door for her. “You look nice,” he said as she ducked inside

  “Thank you,” Aislinn said stiffly

  Liam hopped back in the car, throwing it into reverse. There was a horrible grinding sound: the car didn't move

  “Don't worry, it's just temperamental,” he assured Aislinn. Shit. please let this piece of junk go in revers

  He shifted back into neutral, then again into reverse. The car obeyed. and they were on their way. albeit slowly

  “So,” Liam said conversationally, “how has your week been so far?” He realized he was nervous and wanted to keep awkward silence between them to a minimum

  "It's been a week. You?

  “Big excitement was Fergus and David getting into a fistfight at the Oak. Something about money owed.”

  “They're eleven years old in the head, those two.” Aislinn cracked her window open an inch. "Jesus God, the smell of lily of the valley is overpowering. I feel like I'm in a funeral parlor on wheels.

  Liam laughed. She was funny, too. He liked that.

  Aislinn was looking out the window. “Where are we going?”

  “A place called Cronin's. The seafood is supposed to be great. Jack recommended it.”

  Aislinn turned to him sharply. “You didn't tell that old busybody you're out with me, did you?”

  “I told you I wouldn't say anything,” said Liam, feeling like a sleazeball for lying, especially when he saw the relief that crept onto her face.

  “Good.”

  “I don't see what the big deal is,” said Liam, narrowly avoiding hitting a mangy stray cat that had appeared suddenly on the pitchblack road. “Are you ashamed of going out with me?”

  “I told you: I just don't like giving people gossip to chew on, that's all,” Aislinn said testily. She paused. “Do you always drive like an old man?”

  Liam shot her a look of annoyance. “This is as fast as the car will go.”

  “Should have taken the truck,” Aislinn said lightly.

  “Next time.”

  “Next time?” Aislinn ch
ortled. “Don't think so. I'm only out with you tonight because you dared me to.”

  “Bullshit. You're out with me because you like me.”

  “You're tolerable,” she allowed with a sniff.

  “I'll take that as a compliment.” He hit a pothole, and both their heads almost banged the roof of the car.

  Aislinn smirked. “Good one.”

  “In case you haven't noticed, ifs pitch-dark out here,” Liam said defensively. He hated these rural roads, especially since he wasn't used to driving on the opposite side of the road. What was next? Crashing into a hedgerow? He was feeling like a dorky fifteen-year-old on his first date, anxious and self-conscious.

  “What's Nora doing tonight?” he asked.

  “Working on her article.”

  “Sounds boring.”

  Aislinn smiled. “It does, doesn't it?”

  “Yup.” That smile ... Shit, it was so distracting. “You go to college?”

  “Nah. Never had the desire. I always wanted to raise sheep. Keep it in the family, you know.” She eyed him curiously. “Did you go to university?”

  “God, no. The minute I graduated from high school I was working behind the bar at my family's pub.”

  They fell quiet. Liam wondered if Aislinn was thinking about how this was another thing they had in common: their devotion to family tradition.

  “They must be missing you fierce,” Aislinn said softly.

  Liam cleared his throat uncomfortably, overcome with a sudden wash of emotion. “Yeah, I miss them, too.”

  You must miss your folks, too, he almost said, but caught himself. He sensed it was too personal a question. Push, and he'd lose what little ground he'd gained with her.

  He was about to ask her more about Nora when the car suddenly began pulling to the left. Now what? he thought. He slowly pulled over to the side of the road, killing the engine.

  “You've got a flat.” Aislinn declared.