Chapter Seventeen

All’s Well Until the Magic Teaches a Lesson

When Gavin tugged at the pub door nothing happened. “The door must be swollen with all of this moisture.” He tugged at the door again this time it made a sound like nails on a chalk board as it gave a little. One final yank and the door came open sending him a couple of steps backward. Synn moved out of the way just in time, then walked in ahead of him. Hannah’s voice wafted through the pub. But she was nowhere to be seen. Tristian sat on a stool at the end of the bar deep in conversation with Tim.

“Da, you know the damn door is swollen again? Nearly dislocated my shoulder trying to get it open.”

“Aye. Your ma and I had the same problem an hour ago when we arrived. I hired a handyman a few weeks ago to sand and seal it. Whatever he did didn’t solve the problem. It made it worse.”

Gavin examined the wood while she waited. “The edges of the door are still down to the bare wood. He didn’t seal them and did a poor job sanding ’em. Got his name and number? I’ll call him and get the job done right. We don’t need to throw good money after bad when he should have completed the job right the first time.”

“He can’t do anything about it now. Too wet.” After rifling through the records drawer, Tim ducked under the pass through and handed Gavin the handyman’s card.

“Our customers will have to use the back door. This one will never open again if we shut it.” Gavin moved the door back and forth, pushed it to the door frame, but didn’t force it closed. He huffed out a breath.

She searched the area for Mary, Hannah or—she hesitated as the warlock got up.

Tristian moved from the end bar stool to where Gavin stood examining the door frame. He glanced around at the empty pub, passed his hand over the wooden door. “Don’t believe you’ll have any more problems.” Tristian gave the door a shove. It closed without even a groan. He swaggered back to his seat.

“Show off.” Gavin grunted handing the card back to his da.

“I’m going to the back room. Too much testosterone in here for my likes.” She sashayed across the room and pushed the swinging door to the kitchen open. Hannah and Mary were leaning over the counter looking at the laptop screen. When she heard Brandy’s voice, she backpedaled toward the kitchen door.

“Synn, glad you’re here. Ma and I were discussing when would be the best time to take a trip to Dublin. Sis found THE dress for her wedding. A bridal shop in Dublin has that particular one in stock, but we want to see it before forking out that kind of money. What days are you off this week?”

“I work all week. Besides, you know how to video chat. So you don’t need me.” She shoved the door open with her backside. Before she could scoot out the door, Hannah grabbed her arm, pulled her into the kitchen, and motioned to the computer monitor. “Brandy hold up the magazine picture again so Synn can see your dress.”

Brandy mumbled something unintelligible and held up a page. A one shoulder, formfitting, cream gown, with Irish lace overlay came into view. The dress was split nearly to the thigh, sported an uneven hem, and tiny peach rosebuds embroidered on the bodice. At the bottom of the page was a picture inset of a scalloped sequin lace bolero the same color as the rosebuds.

“That’s beautiful.” She examined the dress on the screen, then Brandy took the page down. “It’ll look great on you. I can see why you want to see it in person. That type of lace could be elegant and drape perfectly or stiff and look terrible.” Her hand flew to her mouth, she grimaced.

Surprise in her voice, Brandy agreed. “My thoughts exactly. Ma, Hannah when can you make the trip to Dublin?”

Mary narrowed her eyes at the computer screen effectively cowing her daughter.

“And Synn,” Brandy conceded. “Didn’t mean to leave her—out. I, um, figured she’d have to hold down the fort while you and Hannah were gone.”

“We have more than enough employees to cover while we have a day off. If we leave early enough, we’ll be back for the evening shift.” Mary cut her gaze to her and smiled.

“On that note, I gotta get back to work. Let me know which day you decide. Weekends work best for me. Thursday is my day for paperwork, so I could be available then unless something unforeseen comes up.”

“Weekends don’t work for us,” Mary said. “Thursday it is.”

Bridget burst into the kitchen. “Is that Brandy I hear?”

“Aye.” Brandy smiled from the computer screen. “Bridg, how are you doing? Married Quinn yet?”

Bridget threw the towel she was carrying at the laptop screen. “Nope. But if people don’t quit asking me, we’re going to elope and never tell a soul.” Bridget stuck her tongue out at Brandy.

Hannah’s face turned bright red.

“Oh no, you didn’t tell her, did you? I mean—”

Mary, patted Bridget’s arm.” No, hon. We’re discussing Brandy’s wedding. She has weddings on the brain. Eloping is a touchy subject around here. Since that’s exactly what Hannah did, and didn’t tell anyone for nearly a year. Thus the red face. As it should be.” She winked at Hannah. “But it’s all good now.”

“Tell me what?” Brandy repeated above the din around the computer.

Mary kissed her fingers and touched them to the screen. “Talk to you later.” She closed the laptop and sent a warning glance in Bridget’s direction.

She watched the interaction with interest. “Is there something I should know?” She sent a pointed look in Bridget’s direction.

Bridget blew out a breath and plopped down on a chair. “I’ve been talking with Mary about renting the pub for a Sunday soon.”

“Why?”

“To throw a Cèilidh after Quinn and me tie the knot. Nothing fancy, a party so Ma won’t get her knickers in a knot. But I haven’t told Quinn yet ’cause he’ll blab it all over the County Cork.”

Heavy footsteps sounded as Quinn pushed through the kitchen door a puzzled look on his face. “Tell Quinn what?”

Bridget buried her face in her hands.

Synn turned her back to him to keep him from seeing the grin on her face. Mary calmly said, “We’re going to put you to work behind the bar if things get too busy tonight.”

“Oh no you don’t. If I’m back there you won’t allow me even one pint until the night’s over.” He shook his head vehemently as he backed out the kitchen door. “Hey Gavin, you should keep a better eye on your womenfolk.” His voice faded away as they burst in to gales of laughter.

Wiping her eyes, Bridget said, “You sure knew what to say to send him running.”

“And he’ll never wonder back to that conversation again. So your secret is safe for now. But better make plans sooner than later.”

“I will.” Bridget picked up her towel, tossed it in with the dirty clothes, and grabbed a fresh one. Tying her apron on, she nodded toward the door. “Come on Synn. Customers are trickling in already. Oh, don’t breathe a word of what we were talking about.” Hannah watched the kitchen door swing shut. “Ma, did Quinn ever tell Brig?”

“Not to my knowledge.”

“She’s going to marry him without knowing?”

“He can’t let that happen. Either he’ll have to tell her or maybe already has, but I’ll not be asking her.” Mary pointed her finger in Hannah’s face. “And neither will you.”

“Yes, Ma.” Hannah raised her hand in surrender. “But you know the rules, he can’t…”

Synn’s gaze shifted from one person to the other then her brow creased in puzzlement. “Do I want to know?”

“No,” they said in unison.

Tristian swung in through the kitchen door. “Hannah, you ready to go? I’m looking forward to an evening alone in front of the fireplace with my woman.”

“Yep. Ma fixed us a care package for dinner. We’re all set.” Hannah wrapped her arm around Tristian’s waist as he bent down to kiss her.

“Go on the two of you. Get outta here.” Mary grumbled. “Kitchen’s never been this busy even on New Year’s Eve.”

“I heard that.” Hannah paused at the back door. “You wanted your family around you. Careful what you wish for.” She snickered and waggled her finger at her ma.

Tristian grinned but said nothing as they exited and closed the door.

“I better get out there before Bridget skins me alive.” She grabbed her apron and order pad. Tying her apron around her waist, she scooted out the door.

Mary hurried after her and grabbed her apron strings. “Check with Bridget on your schedule. Next week we’re off to Dublin. Don’t want to wait any longer.” At Mary’s yank, Synn’s apron came untied and fell to the ground. Her order pad, cell phone, and pencil skittered across the hardwood floor.

Mary’s hand flew to her mouth in an effort to hide a chuckle. “Sorry about that.”

“Not very convincing.” She gathered up pad, pencil, checked her cell, all seemed to be fine. With a final tug, she tested her apron strings, then shot a glance at Mary. “May I go?”

“Of course. Remember to.”

She tilted her head and rolled her eyes. “Ask Bridget about my schedule.” She flounced out into the pub, slapped the bar where Gavin was standing, and grinned. “Don’t be standing around, boyo,” she teased.

Gavin jumped the bar landing in front of her on the balls of his feet. “Mighty cocky, aren’t ya?”

“Maybe, but I know the family and—” She licked her lips with the tip of her tongue to tease him. It seemed like forever since she’d used her womanly wiles. It felt good as the men standing in a group to the side of the bar turned their attention to her. “They’re my friends.” She finished and winked at him.

Gavin leaned back, elbows braced against the bar, and grinned watching her with male appreciation as she negotiated the crowd. Feeling his gaze on her, she turned and put her fingers to her lips, kissed them, and blew him a saucy kiss. The action caused a ripple of wolf whistles from the crowd.

“Gavin, get back behind the bar. There be customers to serve,” Tim scolded, but one corner of his mouth turned up in a half grin.

Vaulting back across the bar without touching it, he turned to face the customers. “What’ll you have?”

A strange face in the crowd answered the question. “I’ll have some of that cute little lass you were toying with.” The burly redheaded man reached out a hand and snagged her around the waist. He slobbered on her cheek attempting a kiss as she carried a tray of drinks through the crowd. She bobbled the tray a little as she swung an arm free in an arc, breaking his hold and sending him howling to the floor. She leaned over him, pasting a puzzled expression on her face. “What happened? Raining outside, huh? Really should wipe your feet before walking on the hardwood floor.” She reached for the man to help him up, but he scurried across the floor like a frightened crab. He hoisted himself up at a nearby table and pointed a finger at her.

“Did you see that,” he said getting in the face of one of the men at the table. “She tried to fry me. She did.”

A stocky, bearded man got up from table where the red-haired man remained. The stocky man took him by the arm and shoved him away from the table. “You’ve too much to drink. Move on. You don’t treat our waitresses like that in Shaughnessy’s. This is a family establishment.”

“It’s a pub. Jackass.”

“I asked nice. Next time…” The stocky, bearded man gave the stranger another little shove.

The stranger turned and swung a right hook at him. The stocky man ducked and rose up under the red-haired stranger and hoisted him over his shoulder. “Be right back. Gotta take the trash out.”

Gavin exchanged glances with his da, then he threw up the pass through and sprinted after the two men who’d now made it outside.

Shrugging, she delivered her tray of drinks and returned to the bar. “He wasn’t a regular. I’ve never seen him in here. Did you?” she whispered to Bridget who was standing at the bar gawking at the scene that had played out.

Bridget shook her head. “Nope. First time I’ve seen him. Didn’t belong to the group of tourists in here earlier either. Sounded like a Scot. Glasgow bur, did you notice?”

“Not really. I was too busy attempting to keep the drinks from spilling.”

“And a good job you did.” Bridget gave her a pat on the back and moved out in the crowd with her tray of pints.

Tim put a hand on her arm. “We don’t need trouble makers in here. Don’t worry about it. But…” He raised an eyebrow.

“Got it. Don’t mess up the customers. I barely touched him.” She shifted away from the bar. “Not much of a man.” She sniffed as her forehead creased in thought. She’d let her temper guide her actions—again. Something Tristian warned her about that could have deadly consequents in battle. I know that. She drew in a breath and searched her mind for his presence. He wasn’t there.

Blowing out a breath, she grinned, relieved. Another lecture from him was not on her agenda. He could be so damned condescending. It raised her ire which she was sure was his intent. She’d beaten his mind games a couple of times and could keep him out of her thoughts—mostly.

She should have had her shielding abilities up. She didn’t. Had that been a test? Had he done that on purpose and would remind her of that failure next time they met. Every time I must remember to check the magic signature or a disguising spell before… He could have— Stamping her foot she whirled around and ran into the broad chest of Gavin. His eyes narrowed, he motioned to the office.

Tim waved a hand to Gavin, indicating he needed to be behind the bar. Gavin nodded then held up an index finger and escorted her to the office.

“What just happened?” Gavin asked after closing the door.

“He slipped on the floor?” Synn suggested.

Gavin narrowed his eyes at her. “No magic?”

Synn blew out a breath. “Only a little and it was well controlled. Did you notice? No one else did.” She was unable to keep the pride out of her voice.

“This time. All we need is a magic wielder in here, witch, demon, faery, you get the picture. Should they feel your power, read your magic signature and report back to…”

Shoulders slumped as she frowned. “I made sure there was no one with magic abilities in here, cloaked or not. Tristian drilled that into me until it’s second nature.”

“Aye, but it was your temper acting not your head.”

“Got it. Won’t happen again.” Sheesh, he’s as bad as Tristian. She walked toward the door. “If you’re finished, I need to be out on the floor.”

Following her to the door, he reached out and snagged her arm. “Your magic smells a lot different than before. Should we be concerned?”

Her temper flared, but she tamped it down glaring at his hand. He made no effort to remove it. “No. Tristian said that’s to be expected. Next week, he’s going to return the rest of my powers.”

“Provided he determines you can handle it. After tonight, I’m not sure.” He released her arm.

“I had complete control of my magic, even if my temper—and you know it.” She reached for the door handle, turned the knob, and threw open the door. It banged once against the wall before Gavin caught it.

“Aye. Still…”

“I’m fine. Trust me. I got this.” She sashayed down the hallway, stopped, turned toward him, winked, and hurried into the main pub. The rest of the evening passed quickly. When the last customer trudged out the door, she sidled up to Bridget. “Have you got next week’s schedule set up?

“Almost. Looks like Wednesday and Thursday will be your days off. Quinn’s band is booked for both Friday and Saturday. Cori will join them on Saturday. It’ll be a full house.” Bridget grinned.

“You love watching all those women flirt with Quinn. When the night is over, you waltz up to him, stake your claim, and leave a trail of hopeful hearts broken.” She snickered and finished wiping off the bar.

“Not my fault they don’t know better.” Bridget gathered the empty glasses on to a tray and carried them to the bar.

“How are they supposed to know? Don’t have a ring on him.” She went behind the bar and rinsed out the cloth in the sink. Picking up a spray bottle of disinfectant, she walked to the tables.

“Don’t need one. He’s always had eyes for only me. Local gals know it.”

She shook her head. “You are sure of yourself and your man.”

“If I wasn’t, I’d never consider tying myself to him.” Bridget carried the final tray of dirty glasses to the bar where Gavin put them in the washer behind the bar.

“How about we have a girl’s night out—really in—Sunday night. I hear the men are gathering for a poker game at Gavin’s house. You don’t want to be there. We’re not scheduled to work until Monday evening.”

“Sounds great.” She rolled her eyes. “We’ll need it after the weekend.”

“You bet. I’ll bring the wine. Gale will bring the movies. She’s got every chick flick known to woman. Colleen can bring the munchies. Katie will join us if she can. It’ll depend whether or not Sean is going to the card game.”

“What do you want me to bring?”

“Yourself and tales of that hunk you are shacking up with.” Bridget snickered then broke out in gales of laughter.

“How did you know?”

“It’s a small town, hon. Talk about a trail of broken hearts.” Bridget waved her hand at the floor and covered her mouth subduing her laughter.

“It’s only because of a plumbing problem at the cottage. Hannah and Tristian are staying with Mary and Tim. They have a house full. As soon as the cottage is fixed, Storm and I’ll return home.”

“The only problem with the cottage is you’re there and he’s not. You’re in denial, lass.”