Chapter Five

A Girl’s Day Out

Synn groaned and rolled over opening one eye. The bright sunlight made her squint. She flexed her arms. They were slow to obey her commands, and the muscles were taut like rubber bands stretched too far. Gingerly, she touched her fingers to her temples massaging in a circular motion to ease the pounding in her head. The disagreements with Gavin over the past week must have caused subconscious thoughts of Baltizar to surface.

Each nightmare seemed so real. When she woke up, she was damp from sweat, and tears dried on her face. Several times she’d reached for her phone to call Gavin in the wee hours of the morning and thought better of it. Though nightmares had decreased in intensity, getting up and going to work had been difficult with little sleep, but she’d done it.

The upside was that her arms were starting to get used to hoisting the heavy trays but being on her feet all night…not so much. She’d hope for a good night’s sleep since she had the day off and was going shopping with Bridget and the girls.

No such luck, the nightmares had returned with a vengeance. She’d gotten up in the middle of the night, fixed herself a cup of the herbal tea that Angie gave her before she and the overlord returned to DC. Whatever was in that concoction always soothed her nerves and let her get back to sleep.

But this morning—wow. The tea had never had this effect on her before. She suspected hefting the heavy trays nonstop all night at the pub had strained the muscles in her neck and arms. Hesitating for only a beat, she swung her legs off the bed, touched her feet on the floor, and scooted to the bathroom to stand on the comfy bath mat. At least it had a little warmth to it.

A glance in the mirror and she winced. Her huge aqua eyes were puffy, and dark circles curved under them. She reached for a washcloth, turned on the shower, and waited for the water to get warm. Holding the cloth under the stream, she wrung it out then placed the cloth on her face leaning into its warmth while the water cascaded over her body easing her aching muscles.

Jeez she was out of shape. The pounding in her head lessened. She washed her hair, lathered, and rinsed off, then stepped out of the shower and toweled off. When she wiped the steam from the mirror, her reflection hadn’t improved. This would never do.

In the bedroom, she glanced at the clock on the wall. The girls would be here in less than an hour. She couldn’t go out looking like this. What would her new friends think? There was only one choice she’d have to use a glamour. She rubbed her hands together. A soft violet glow passed between her fingers. Her forehead creased. She touched her hands to her face and closed her eyes. Sucking in a breath at the sting of the spell, she slowly opened them and released a breath.

Another glance in the mirror, her eyes sparkled, the swelling and dark circles were gone. She smiled. This was the first time she’d used magic in several months and hoped it didn’t draw attention to her. A swipe of green eyeshadow, a touch of pink lipstick and she was all set. Now what to wear? With no experience to draw on for a girl’s day out, she swallowed hard and looked at the clock on the nightstand. What if they’ve changed their mind?

****

Half an hour later she was ready. Dressed in a purple V-neck sweater that hung to her hips, blue jeans, and black boots, she blew out a breath and hoped her attire was appropriate. There was a soft knock on the door. “Synn, you ready?” Bridget called out in a cheerful voice. “We’re going to paint the town red.”

“I’ll be right there!” She rushed to the door, swung it open, and grinned. “Why would we do that? Won’t the shopkeepers be displeased? I don’t have any paint. Do I need some?”

“Don’t be silly. Have you spent most your life under a rock? It’s an expression. We’re going to have a grand time.”

“Oh.” She slung her tan bag over her shoulder, locked the door, and dropped the keys in her bag. Bridget grabbed her arm and towed her toward the car where Katie and Colleen were waiting seated in the back seat, grinning like Cheshire cats. Squished between them was an unfamiliar face. She slid into the passenger’s seat, giving a fleeting glance at the new face as Bridget got behind the wheel.

“Synn, this is Gale Boohar. She was able to get away from her shop and join us today. She owns Pixie Magic a couple of blocks from the pub. Best lotions and herbal remedies in all of Ireland.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. Its secrets have been in my family for centuries. Nice to meet you, Synn.” The tiny woman with bright red hair, freckles, and blue eyes that sparkled with mischief offered her hand.

A bit unsure, Synn shook it, trying to place the subtle magic signature she detected. It had to be coming from either Colleen or Gale, since it wasn’t apparent at the pub when she’d worked with Bridget. For that matter she’d didn’t notice anything when she’d passed by Colleen that night in the pub. Though she was busy, and the pub had its own aromatic atmosphere, there wasn’t any type of magic signature in the pub that night. She stole another glance at Gale who smiled amicably.

“First stop, get Synn a pair of comfortable shoes and maybe a few accessories to spice up her wardrobe.” Bridget cackled.

“My clothes are fine. Aren’t they?” She smoothed the wrinkles in her jeans. Maybe this whole trip was a mistake.

“Oh, you look great, I love your jumper. Bridget just wants a reason to stop at the lingerie shop in Galway.” Katie snickered.

“I don’t need any—lingerie,” Synn said uncertainty creeping into her voice.

Bridget reached over and patted her shoulder. “Oh honey, we all need lingerie to keep those men in our lives interested and wrapped around our fingers.”

“I don’t have a man in my life. And that works for me,” she said.

“You couldn’t be more wrong,” Katie piped up from the back seat. “The way Gavin looks at you, it’s a wonder your clothes don’t go up in flames.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. We’re just friends. The whole family has been kind to me.” She shifted in her seat, slinging her arm over the back to join in the conversation with Colleen and Katie.

Colleen shook her head. “In denial that one is.” She jerked her thumb toward Synn.

Bridget smiled in agreement and continued. “Oh that may be true of Mary and Tim. They are the sweetest people—unless you cross ’em.”

“Or mess with their family.” Colleen added. “Remember that time you—”

“Hush Colleen. Don’t go there. Gavin and I weren’t meant to be.”

“But you sure had the hots for him.” Katie laughed fanning her face.

“Here we are,” Bridget announced her face flushed. “And none too soon.”

The women piled out of the car. She hung back watching where the women were headed first.

“Come on.” Katie gave her a little nudge. “The sooner we get your shoes and a few outfits for the pub the sooner we get to the lingerie shop. Then to lunch and wine.” Katie licked her lips.

“I knew there was a reason I came along.” Gale snickered miming sipping wine.

Forty-five minutes later, Synn had new sweaters, three pairs of jeans, and two pair of shoes. They were so comfy, she left a pair on and shoved her boots in the box.

As they walked down the street, Collen asked, “So really Synn, is Gavin off the market?”

“I already told you—”

“No, you skirted the issue. Just friends my foot,” Katie scoffed. “Your longing glances at him, when you think no one is looking, tells a different story than you’re trying to feed us. With that bod, he’s gotta be great in bed.” She looked expectantly at her.

Shit. How am I going to answer that? The heat crept up from her neck to her cheeks, which she covered with her hands.

“Now that’s enough. We don’t know her well enough to be askin’ those questions. Katie is there a problem with you and Sean? Not getting the job done?”

“Oh, no…we’re just fine. You know all the rumors about Gavin’s prowess—curious that’s all—” She shrugged. “Never mind, you’re right.” Katie pushed the door open to the Soft & Silky Lingerie shop and held it for the others.

She enjoyed the light fragrance of perfumes wafting through the air as she and her friends entered the door. With a whoosh and bells tinkling, the door closed behind them.

“Back again?” The dark-haired saleswoman teased, grinning at Bridget.

“Of course. Bridget just got paid. What else is she going to spend her money on? Food? A roof over her head? Silly things like that?” Katie giggled.

“No, Quinn has those covered,” Bridget said smugly with a flip of her hand. “Gotta keep him happy and coming back for more.”

“And you want something to keep Quinn covering you,” Colleen said barely holding a giggle in. “When are you and Quinn going to make it legal?”

Scalpel sharp, Bridget’s gaze leveled Colleen. “When I’m ready. It’s a big step. Especially with our family’s history of failed relationships. Marriage is forever, not something to take lightly.”

She glanced from Colleen to Bridget hoping to avoid being drawn into the conversation.

Chastised, Colleen shrugged. “Sorry. I didn’t mean anything, only teasing.”

“No…it’s me that’s sorry. Didn’t mean to go off on you. It’s a touchy subject. Quinn is anxious to make it official, me—not so much.”

“You don’t think he’s the one?” Katie asked in hushed tones.

“Yeah, I think so. We’ll probably elope, so neither family will have an opportunity to cause embarrassment.”

“Oh… I remember the scene your brother, Kevin, caused at the Ceilidh Mary and Tim held for Brandy and Hannah and their lads?”

“How can I ever forget?” Bridget rolled her eyes. “Still, there was something weird about Brandy’s beau. Never saw a man set Kevin back on his heels that easily. Strength of ten men, I tell ya. Anyway, you’ll be the first to know when I decide.”

“We could have an impromptu celebration at the Shaughnessy’s on a Sunday. Since the pub is closed. That way your families couldn’t interfere and your friends would get a chance to wish you well and celebrate your happiness,” Katie suggested.

Bridget put her finger to her lips in a thoughtful expression. “That could work. I’ll talk it over with Mary. I’m about ready to tell Quinn yes.”

“I don’t remember you ever mentioning telling him no.” Katie roared with laughter.

“Depends on what we’re talking about.” Bridget said.

She stared, as the friends bantered back and forth, still she couldn’t think of anything to say. Her cheeks were on fire, and this conversation wasn’t helping matters any. Would Gavin like me in something like this? She touched the red silk panties on the counter a matching bra hung next to them. It shouldn’t matter…but it does.

“Would you like to try those on?” the sales woman asked.

Relief flooded though Bridget’s voice at the change of subject. “Gavin would love those on that cute figure of yours.” She nodded at her.

The clerk winked at her. “Don’t let the girls get to you. They’re only having a bit of fun. Is there something I could show you?”

She shook her head. “No…no…I’m just looking.” Her gaze wandered to the floor.

Bridget waggled her finger in front of Synn’s face. “I don’t think so.”

“This lass doesn’t own one set of sexy lingerie. It’s our duty to—”

“I have one,” she protested. “A lot of my clothes were lost in transit between the US and Ireland.”

“If that was the case, Gavin would be doing more than undressing you with his eyes,” Colleen snarked.

“He has—I mean—we used—things are different—” Unable to control her emotions and fearing a magic episode, she rushed out of the store and down the street, her bags banging against her legs making her limp more pronounced. Tears threatened, and she blinked them back. Why can’t I get my footing here? I used to be a feared warrior. Now…I can’t even negotiate a girl’s day out. She leaned her hot forehead on the cold window of a store front and wished she were back at her cottage.

Suddenly she felt herself floating. No…no…no. She willed herself back to the storefront and looked around franticly. She breathed a sigh of relief when there was no one in sight. The light bounced off the glass as Bridget shoved out the door of the lingerie shop and sprinted toward her.

“Synn! I’m so sorry. We be only kidding around.” Bridget rushed to her friend’s side. “Mary said you’d had a rough life…but…I…” She slapped her hand over her mouth and her face fell. “I thought getting you out with us girls for a fun time would do you good. I guess we went about it all wrong. Sorry.”

“Do the other girls know?” Synn asked accusingly.

“No. I didn’t say a word, and that’s all Mary told me.” She paused. “You don’t hate us, do you?”

She shook her head. “No… It’s all so different. I’ve never—had friends—I mean like this.”

“Why don’t you come back to Soft and Silky while we pick out some things. You don’t have to buy. We won’t put you on the spot. Then it’s off to lunch. Okay?” She looked at her watch. “And we still have appointments for mannies and peddies.”

“And wine?” She straightened her shoulders determined to fit in.

Bridget snorted a laugh and reached for her arm. “Of course. A day out wouldn’t be complete without wine.”

“Sure. I’d like to look around.” She grinned.

Inside the shop, she tried on a couple of matching pantie and bra sets and decided on the red silk, black lace, and an aqua set, because the girls said it accentuated her eyes. This was fun.

Finished shopping, they dropped their packages off at the car and walked a couple blocks to a pizza place. Colleen yanked the door open and sashayed over to a large table in the corner of the room. She and the other girls followed slipping into the corner booth. The atmosphere reminded her of America. The booths and chairs were upholstered in red with red and white checked table cloths and matching curtains at the windows. After much discussion, Bridget ordered a pizza with everything, extra cheese and sauce, plus a bottle of Albarino wine. At lunch the conversation was light.

“It sure is nice to be waited on rather than doing the waiting,” Bridget said quietly. The corners of her mouth turned up in a wide smile.

The establishment wasn’t busy, and she was surprised how quickly the waitress brought the extra-large pizza along with plates, a bottle of wine, and five glasses. Katie poured the wine, and Colleen placed slices of pizza on plates and passed them around. Gale picked up her wine and drank deeply, nearly emptying the glass. At the other woman’s surprised expressions, she shrugged. “What? I was thirsty.”

“Guess we better order another bottle.” Bridget teased, pouring more wine into Gale’s glass then motioned to the waitress.

Colleen took a bite of pizza and blurted, “Synn is there any truth to the tales that Brandy and Stefan had something to do with breaking the curse and allowing Tiarnan, King of Faeries’, wife, Erin to walk with him at dawn in the sunlight? Have you ever seen Tiarnan or Erin?”

“Colleen!” Bridget scolded, dropping her piece of pizza onto the plate. “We agreed not to put Synn on the spot.”

“I wasn’t—” Colleen argued taking another bite, “—just making conversation. The Shaughnessys know.” A hush fell on the table.

She nearly choked on her bite of pizza and set her fork down. Glancing from one face to the other, her lips set in a thin line she waited a beat, eyed her pizza, and burst out laughing. In a conspiratorial tone, she said, “I have no frigging idea. I wasn’t privy to that information, but something sure happened that night. Have any of you seen Erin walking the beaches in the sunlight with Tiarnan? It’s not just folk lore, is it?”

Relief flooded over the faces of her new friends as she grinned holding up her wine glass. We’re going to need more than two bottles. She swirled the light amber liquid in the glass, sniffed, and closed her eyes. The wine had a bouquet of lilies and orange blossoms. Taking a sip, she let it grace her tongue with a flavor of bone-dry limes and peaches. She took another sip and sighed, opening her eyes to find the others staring at her. “What?”

“You ask questions like that then appear to enjoy your wine waaay to much,” Bridget squeaked. “I think we need another bottle of wine.” She waved to the waitress and pointed to the bottle.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had a great light wine. Sorry. If my questions are out of line? I apologize.” The corners of her mouth turned up in an uncertain smile.

“No, not out of line, but you act as if it’s normal everyday conversation, faeries, witches, magic, curses.”

The error of her ways became immediately apparent. Pausing she said, “We are in Ireland, right? Land of the magic, folk lore, myths, and legends galore?”

“Oh sure to hear Brandy, Mary, or Tim tell it. The Shaughnessys are full of blarney.”

“Are you sure… now?” She grinned mischievously and sighed at being able to tease her new friends. So this was what it was like on a girl’s day or night out. Not so bad. Maybe Gavin was right. The thought surprised her. Perhaps things weren’t as dire as I envisioned after all. Still I need to find out about Gale. She’d noticed Gale had remained quiet during the conversation involving magic.

“Come on, girls, we don’t want to miss our nail appointment.” Bridget smiled, collected the check from the waiter, and held out a credit card.

The waitress took the card. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

“What do I owe you?” Synn asked pulling out her wallet.

“Nothing, our treat,” Bridget said.

“No. I pay my own way,” she insisted. “You don’t even know…”

“We all agreed on the way to your house. Our treat for the new lass,” Gale piped up.

She shook her head. “I’d really rather—”

“Call it our way of making up for being so pushy in Soft and Silky.” Bridget waved her hand at the other women. “We’ve been friends for so long—”

Katie chimed in interrupting, “Yeah, since we were in nappies. Anything kinda goes with us.”

Bridget glared at her for a beat then continued. “We didn’t consider you don’t know us well enough to tell when we’re kidding. Now unless you want to make us late arguing a point you won’t win. Let’s get a wiggle on.” She led the way out of the pizza place, rushing down the sidewalk. “Good thing it’s only half a block down.”

“Thank you!” she said following as fast as possible behind the others.

“We’ll let you pay next time.” Katie winked at her. “Only kidding. Hey Bridg…slow down. We’ve time.” Katie and Gale kept pace with her.

“I’ve never had a mannie or a—peddie. I think I’ll pass.”

“Oh no you don’t. It will be fun. You can pick out your polish and nail art,” Katie said. “I go to this place all the time. We’ll get our hair fixed too.”

“I’m not sure we have time for all that. Synn and I have to work tonight.”

Relief flooded over her, until—

Katie piped up, “A trim and blow dry won’t take long.” She pointedly rolled her eyes toward Synn.

“I like my hair the way it is. Tobi at the Wycked Hair Salon styled it for me before we returned to Ireland.”

“Ooooo… I’ve heard of that salon—it’s in one of the fancy style magazines I have. Caters to the rich and famous in America,” Colleen said. “How’d you manage to get an appointment there? Somethin’ you not telling us?” She raised her eyebrow in question.

“Friends in high places?” Katie teased.

“That’s enough.” Bridget said shoving the glass door open to the salon. “We really don’t have time. Besides I’m not going to pay to look good for only a couple hours. It’ll be busy in the pub tonight. By night’s end I’ll need… I’d rather wait till I have a couple days off. You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know—” Katie grinned at Colleen then they chorused “—to look good for Quinn.”

Gale dissolved into a fit of giggles.

Bridget narrowed her eyes at Katie, who waved her off. “Next time.” She turned her attention to the red-haired woman who greeted them. “Hi, Rita.”

“Ready for you.” Rita pointed to four empty chairs. “Who’s the new girl?

“Our new friend from across the pond, Synn.”

Rita’s eyebrows rose nearly to her hairline before she smoothed her expression.

Katie continued. “You know the Yanks revel in strange names. Anyway, she’s settled in Ballycotton. Works at Shaughnessy’s with Bridg.”

“Oh she does—does she?” Rita looked thoughtful. “You know Gavin?”

She sucked in a breath. Everyone seems to know him. That thought made her a little uncomfortable.