Certain Sure (15 page)

“Guess I need to try not to do it, then,” Fin said.

“You are right now.”

“See?” he said, the grin back. “I need you around.”

“Rose will keep you from getting too serious. See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, ‘night,” he said. Katie saw he tried to fight the look, but it was there all the same.

The next morning, Katie’s stomach flip-flopped. It was the big day. She wasn’t sure how she would make it through the day, so she did what often helped: went for a walk and stopped to visit with Mrs. Knight, who cut roses in her front yard as Katie turned the corner from her stroll.

“Good morning, Katie. And how are you this lovely day?”

“Fine, thanks, and you?”

“Wonderful. I read in the Almanac about the big night.”

“Oh. Does Fin know?” Katie asked, grasping a fence post.

“No, he didn’t ask me for the paper today. He’s enjoying the cottage, I believe. It looks lovely. You should see it.”

“He hasn’t invited me.”

“Pish posh. He loves to show off.”

Katie giggled, though her palms dampened as she followed Mrs. Knight around the side to the cottage. The door stood open. Mrs. Knight called to Fin, who appeared at the door.

“I’ve brought you your first real visitor,” she said, glancing at Katie.

Fin grinned and invited them in. Katie stopped after entering and looked around. The walls were painted white, an almost eggshell white, with a dark green sofa, paisley wing chair, oak coffee table and a little drop leaf table with two chairs opposite, near the small kitchen, also white, an old stove, refrigerator, green rag rug on the floor, a wood dish drain by the sink with white dishes, green leaves around the edges, and white and green checked curtains on the window with vines stenciled around.

“You did all this yourself?” Katie said in a quiet voice. The place charmed her, but seemed what she would choose herself, not what Fin would.

“Yes, a little help from my mom and Maggie with the furniture and such. Would you like to see the rest?”

Katie nodded and he led her into the bedroom. Katie swallowed, her head felt light. The walls were the same Robin’s egg blue of her own room, white bedding on the probably queen sized bed, but with an oak dresser, nightstand, and bookshelf. She peered into the bathroom, so bright and pristine in its white newness. “Do you like it?” Fin said.

“Yes, it’s wonderful. I…” Katie almost said she would have chosen it all, would wish to live right here, but when her eye traveled over the bed, she flashed on the woman Fin had here only two days ago. She was a fool. “I need to go. Thanks for showing me around. You’ve done a great job,” she said as she scurried out.

“Won’t you and Mrs. Knight stay for a cup of tea?” Fin said.

“No, thanks. I’ll see you later.” Why was he being so friendly, an eager edge in his question? Katie shook her head.

“Goodbye, dear. Good luck,” Mrs. Knight said.

“Thanks, I’ll need it,” Katie said. She walked through the yard, the scent of the roses and herbs heady and invigorating, yet Katie felt tears in her eyes again. She blinked them away.

Somehow Fergus and Rose managed to get Fin away from the pub long enough for Katie to set up the special tables, set out the crayons, coloring sheets, games, and kid’s menus, put out the signs and balloons, and give a quick talk to the staff, including Sandra, the clown and face painter she’d hired. Right on time, families started filling up the tables. The noise was incredible, with all the little kids, their enthusiasm unchecked, but Katie smiled. She’d never seen the pub so busy on a Wednesday night. Soon, she spotted Fergus, Maureen, Rose, and Fin, who wore a dazed look. He frowned and spoke to Fergus, who grinned the Dunbar grin and shrugged. Rose ran over, hugging Katie.

“I love it!” Rose said. “I wish I could come every week.”

“Thanks, Rose. I hope people will want to do just that.”

“Grandpa will be so excited.”

Katie nodded, though she knew better. She was glad the pub was packed, and not only because it vindicated her, but also because she could avoid Fin. He smiled, but it wasn’t his usual grin and she caught the Dunbar look a few times. As the evening wore on, the families filtered out and Katie, while filled with pleasure over all the “We’ll be back next week” and “I never knew this place was family-friendly” as well as the full till, felt her stomach drop as Fin pulled her into the office when just a few regulars sat at the bar.

“That was some stunt,” he said once the door closed behind them.

“But it was great. I’ve never seen it so crowded during the week. I think we gained a lot of new customers.”

“Where’d you get the money?” Fin asked, sounding tired and irritated.

“My savings.”

Fin shook his head. “You know your dad is going to hate this. He told you not to do anything. Why couldn’t you have asked me? I’m responsible. Don’t you care you could screw things for us both?”

“You don’t have to keep doing it. I only wanted to show you both my ideas can work, can be profitable.”

“One night doesn’t prove that. Wait, ideas? Do you have something else planned?”

“You’ll see,” Katie said to the Dunbar look. She turned at a knock on the door. “That’ll be Mike. I promised him a special bonus for helping me.” Katie opened the door, first grabbing an envelope from the desk drawer. “Thanks, Mike,” she said to the pub’s cook of fifteen years.

“No problem, Katie, at least not yet.”

“So much for loyalty,” Fin muttered.

“Sorry, Fin. Jim and I like you, but Katie’s our girl.” Mike kissed Katie on the cheek. “See you tomorrow,” he said with a wave.

“Me too.” Katie hurried after Mike. “’Bye,” she called to Fin as he scowled. She shuddered to imagine what look he might give her tomorrow.

“’Oh yes, it’s ladies night’” boomed out of the sound system the next evening, soon to be replaced by more mellow oldies. Katie glanced around the pub, filled with women from eighteen to eighty. Some of the women from her aunt Aleen’s office had shown up, along with Mrs. Knight and the members of her gardening club, including her mom. There were men too, most notably the two young, attractive waiters Katie had hired. Her dad always hired women and Katie thought it was time for a change. Fin gave her a severe look which lasted all of five seconds before he had to smile; he couldn’t disappoint customers. Besides, he was in his element, as her father would have been, so many pretty females flirting and paying him attention. Her mom grabbed Katie as she passed and pulled her into the back to talk.

“Katie, this is a good idea. But I know your father doesn’t know. I take it Fin was surprised too?”

“Yes. I only wanted to--”

“I know. But now your dad will be angry, again. Fin’s been doing so well, even getting your dad to make a few changes. You have to know how to handle Pat.”

“I guess I’ve never figured it out. I’ll be leaving that to you and Fin soon enough.”

“Have you found a job? You’ve been avoiding your dad and me.”

“I’ve been busy.” Busy avoiding her life, unable to plan and see ahead what she should do.

“Your dad will find out. I hope this is it.”

“Mostly. Fin’s watching me too closely now. Besides, I’m out of money.”

“You’ve spent your savings? Oh, Katie.” Her mom shook her head.

“I have enough to move. I wanted to prove--”

“Why not prove you respect us? That you can trust everything will work out?”

“I’m sorry you can’t understand.” Katie crossed her arms.

“I’m sorry too. I love you.” She kissed Katie’s cheek.

“I love you too, Mom.”

Her mom went out into the dining room. Katie leaned against the wall and exhaled. She stood. Fin, arms crossed, faced her.

“I can’t believe this,” he said.

“I thought you’d like the idea, all the ladies here. You’re quite popular.”

“Why not tell me, then?” The Dunbar look again. Katie didn’t say anything. “No answer, huh? Is that what you think, I’m some kind of ladies’ man?”

“Well, aren’t you?” Katie put her hands on her hips and scowled. Fin shook his head and stalked to the bar. Katie took a deep breath and got back to work.

Katie cleaned up after the other staff went home. Fin had sequestered himself in the office. She knocked on the door at almost midnight. Only the light gave Fin’s presence away. When no one answered, she went in.

“I need to get my purse.” Katie frowned at the open bottle of whiskey on the desk and the glass in Fin’s hand. “Drinking on the job? I guess my dad can’t fault you for that.”

“But you can,” he said before draining his glass. He stood and approached Katie.

She had tried to deny her feelings, deny he sent trembles through her when she gazed at him, but something about the reckless look he had, the close space, made her tingle. She couldn’t move her feet. He slid his arm around her waist, caressing her hair with his other hand. She gave an involuntary shudder when he kissed her. Tasting the alcohol on him at once excited and disgusted Katie. She pushed him away.

“Fin…”

“Turn about’s fair play, innit love?” he said. “Isn’t this what you expect from me? I’d hate to disappoint.”

“Really? What, are we going to have a quickie on the desk?”

“Didn’t want you to feel left out, sweetheart.” His grin wasn’t the Dunbar grin. It was twisted and made Katie feel dirty.

“Go to hell,” she said, grabbing her purse and running out.

Katie had to remind herself to breathe all the way home. She didn’t think Fin capable of such meanness. She could only hope her dad would find out what she’d been up to and forbid her from going back. Or maybe she’d tell him herself.

Her dad waited in the family room, watching television. He shut it off when Katie came into the kitchen.

“Come here, Katherine.”

Katie went and sat in the cozy chair, her favorite for reading or sitting with a cup of tea. She’d miss it.

“Well, what have you to say for yourself? I hope that look is because Fin gave you what for. I thought you two were getting to be friends? Didn’t you give him a thought when you put together your plans? Didn’t you think I might blame him?”

“No, why should I? He can do no wrong with you, unlike me. I have nothing to lose, so I figured--”

“Don’t you? And what have you gained?”

“I think it shows what can be done. These nights were successful. They could help you turn a profit.”

“Two nights prove nothing, girl. Fin and I were working on things. Why couldn’t you trust us?”

“You don’t trust me. You won’t listen.” Katie heard her own sullen voice and hugged herself.

“You don’t listen to me. Don’t bother going back there, Katie. Fin can manage, especially now your mom says you hired two new waiters. I suppose your mom is right, you deserve a vacation, but it’ll have to be at home. When do you think you’ll find a job?”

“I was going to talk to Fergus this weekend. He said he might have something if things didn’t work out.” Katie studied her father; his calm chilled her. She’d rather he yelled at her. Then she’d know where she was.

“Good. Get to bed, now.” He turned the television back on. Katie watched him a moment in the shifting darkness, wondering where she had gone wrong, or when he had.

Katie spent the next day at the Dunbars’ with Rose and Mary. She couldn’t remember Mary laughing so much and neither she nor Rose seemed affected by the impending divorce. Mary’s skin glowed and her giggles matched Rose’s. Katie realized Mary’s youthful exuberance wasn’t just her regained physical health but a serenity in her new situation.

 In the early evening, Maureen came to pick up Rose, with only a frown for Katie. When Maureen hugged her, her sister whispered: “Don’t drag Fergus into your little schemes.” She then smiled brightly.

Katie clasped her hands behind her back so she wouldn’t smack her. Instead, she hugged and kissed Rose, hoping Maureen never became so spiteful with Rose. Katie moved to leave as well, but Mary asked her to stay.

“Would you stay to dinner, Katie? I hoped we could talk. I have some old photos I’d like to show you.”

“I’d like that.”

After dinner, she and Mary sat talking in the living room. Mary pulled out a photo of her and Maura, taken by James Dunbar when he and Mary first got engaged. Katie drew in a breath. She and Maura could have been twins.

“What happened between you and my dad?”

“We’d loved each other a long time, but I was afraid. Your father couldn’t really understand that, he’s practically fearless. He was restless, but he stayed a long time. Finally, when we were of age, I, well…after, he got angry when I still wouldn’t leave home unless my father gave us his blessing, so he left. I don’t know why he never got my letters. When he came back, he found out where I was and came to Cork with Seamus. He took Maura to make me talk to him. After the accident, I suppose Aleen told you. We were never the same.”