The woman’s intense gaze ran over every inch of her body before she turned and high-fived Audrey.
“Told you.” Audrey winked.
“Are you through already? I feel like a horse at a sale standing here,” Sassie said before Audrey pushed her toward their table.
“Don’t mind Alice. She really is a lovely person and probably my best friend. She’s been trying to find someone for my brother forever.”
“Why on earth would she bother?” Sassie sat and dropped her purse to the floor, kicking it under her chair.
“Because at school they were besties in the same class, and she hated his love ’em and leave ’em attitude.”
“Yeah, well, don’t go getting any ideas. You know how this one works. Now, I need a drink. It’s been a busy, busy day.”
“Your busy, busy day wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with my brother, would it?” Audrey leaned her chin on her hand, elbow on the table. “Remember, I’m living vicariously through you. I haven’t had sex for way too long.”
Sassie threw back her head and roared with laughter, her earlier pique gone. The sound filled the bar and many a patron turned to watch her before turning back to their companions and their own conversations. “Oh, Audrey, my lovely. You are so funny.” She chortled and wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes.
“So I take that as a yes then?”
“For sure, for sure.” She sighed. “That man is so damned good in bed. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to let him go when the time comes.” A flicker of pain shot through her chest. She would make the most of it and move on as best she could. But it would hurt.
“So why say good-bye then? Why not stay together?” Audrey made circles on the table using the moisture from her glass.
“You know how this works, Audrey. It’s a no-ties relationship. Isn’t that the way he works?” She looked toward the bar. “I’m getting a drink. What do you want?”
“I’ll have another white wine, thanks. This one’s almost dead. And this conversation isn’t over.” Audrey glared at her.
“Fine.” Sassie grabbed her handbag, rummaging to find her wallet, when a man walked through the door, closely followed by the two ranch hands who worked for Audrey. They pointed out their boss and headed for the bar.
“Sassie? Sassie O’Leary? As God is my witness, it is you in the flesh!”
“Finn?” She dropped her purse on the table and stood. “Finn, I don’t believe it.” She let out a squeal and ran toward him, garnering the attention of everyone in the pub. Sassie leapt forward and clung to him, her arms around his neck and her legs wrapped around his waist. Tears poured down her face.
Finn held her close, rubbing his hand over her back, whispering soft words of love against her hair as she cried in his arms.
“Sassie, girl. Come on now, you’re making a spectacle of yourself in front of these fine folks. Calm yourself down now, please.” But Sassie couldn’t help it. Seeing him had unlocked something deep inside of her, something she’d been holding back for years. “Sorry.”
“I didn’t expect this kind of welcome, girl.” He walked over to a chair and sat. “Not that I ever thought I’d see you again though.”
Sassie rearranged herself around him to sit comfortably on his knee, and after a short time her tears turned into hiccups. Finn continued to stroke her on the back, flicking her hair out of his face as fast as it fell back. Being held in his arms brought back memories of home.
“Sassie, I think that’s enough now, don’t you? I think your friends here are wondering what’s going on. Get a grip, love, and give me a proper welcome.”
She wiped her hands over her face and grinned at the man who had been her best friend since they were in diapers together. She hadn’t been homesick, and never thought of herself as emotional either. Why was she so emotional now?
“Sorry about this, she’s kind of emotional, you understand. I haven’t seen her for such a long time, and it doesn’t look like much has changed since I held her last. I could always make her cry, whether it was for stealing her toys or scaring off a boyfriend.” He held out his hand. “I’m Finn, Sassie’s best friend. How do you do?”
They watched him warily and reached out, shaking his hand.
“Audrey Cooper.”
“And I’m Alice Wilks. You certainly know how to bring out the worst in her.” She sat at the table and stroked her hand over Sassie’s hair. “Hey girl, you okay now?”
“I don’t know what came over me.” Sassie sat up, sniffed and wiped her hand across her eyes again. “Oh my God, this is so embarrassing. Forgive me, please.” She slid off of Finn’s knee and sat in her own chair, taking a sip of wine.
“I know you love me, kiddo, but even for you that was an over-the-top welcome. Perhaps your friends here wouldn’t mind if I join you since I haven’t seen you for so long.”
“Please, feel free.” Audrey smiled. “I was just going to get another drink. What can I get you?”
“That’s very kind of you, Audrey. I’ll be having a whiskey, if you don’t mind. No water.”
“Sassie, wine?” Audrey stood.
“Thanks. I’ll get the next round then.” She turned to her childhood friend. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“I did call you, but as per usual, you probably had your phone turned off. Gets me why you even have one.” He lifted a lock of hair and tucked it behind her ear. “I’ve missed you, Sassie, really missed you.”
“Missed you more, Finn. So, tell me, why’re you here? Surely, it’s not just for a holiday?”
“Well, yes and no. I gave myself a month to have a look around, catch up with you, and see if I liked what I saw. I figured since you never came home, it must be an all