Erin’s blush was deep, but no one mentioned it. It dawned on Sandy that for Caitlyn, Erin’s sister, and Bekki, the neighbor who’d known Erin since she was born, they must feel a tremendous relief as well as a tremendous sense of responsibility. Harper, as Erin’s new sister-in-law, would share in that. As the newcomer to the group and one who understood what it was like to smile though demons were nipping at your heels, Sandy smiled widely and led the conversation away from the undercurrents of male interest.
“So, Erin, Rory mentioned that you plan on running in the upcoming Hope City Marathon.”
“I love to run,” Erin replied. “Officially, I’ve only run in half marathons. This will be my first full marathon.”
Harper sighed heavily. “I’m so embarrassed. I never exercise. Seriously—never. I’m not sure I can run half a block, much less twenty-six miles.”
“Erin and I used to run together,” Caitlyn said, grinning at her sister. “A long time ago, though. I run some now, but just enough to try to keep the pounds off my hips. A marathon? I’d be puking after the first couple of miles.”
Erin laughed. “I like the freedom of running. In high school, I loved to run but also liked team sports. And in the military, we ran all the time, but often together. Now that I’m out, I just like to tie on my running shoes, pull my hair up in a ponytail, and go.”
After a few more minutes of chatting, Sandy glanced at her watch. “I hate to drink and leave so soon, but Rory’s getting ready to pick me up. Erin, you want a ride?”
“Yeah, if you don’t mind. Harper brought me so that would save her a trip.”
Goodbye hugs ensued, and a few minutes later Sandy and Erin were standing on the sidewalk outside the Celtic Cock. As Rory drove up, his eyes widened at the sight of his sister standing with Sandy. Sandy waved and shot him a quick head shake, hoping he’d get the hint to not make a big deal about Erin being out with them. As the two women climbed inside, she was grateful he’d taken the hint. The conversation was light as they drove to the McBrides’ neighborhood north of the city. After saying goodbye, she watched as Rory and Erin walked together up the path toward the house. Stopping at the door, the two hugged before he stayed in place as Erin headed inside. Before he had a chance to get back to the SUV, Erin came running back out, a wide grin on her face.
“Mom wants the two of you to stay for dinner!”
With a sheepish expression, he looked toward Sandy and she laughed. Climbing from his truck, she called out, “Looks like we don’t have to fix dinner tonight.”
He threw his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her. “Are you sure you don’t mind, babe?”
“Not at all. I love your family.”
They walked through the front foyer and down the hall into the large kitchen and living area. Rory’s father, Colm, was coming in from the backyard, garden gloves and pruning shears in his hand. Sharon was stirring a pot that smelled deliciously like homemade spaghetti sauce, and a whiff of toasted garlic bread wafted past.
“Erin said you two gave her a ride home, and I’m so glad you decided to have dinner with us!” Sharon beamed toward them before adding, “Sandy, honey, would you get some plates, and Erin, can you drain the noodles?”
“Damn, Mom, we just walked in and you put us to work?”
Turning toward Rory, Sharon lifted an eyebrow. “And since when did my children expect me to wait on them hand and foot?”
“She’s got you there, son.” Colm walked back in from the laundry room, his hands now empty and obviously washed.
Soon, the five of them were enjoying the meal, conversation flowing as it always did in the McBride house. Sandy never felt like the newcomer, the McBrides having a way of enveloping others into their family.
“How’s the apartment hunting going?” Sharon asked.
Sandy blinked in surprise, looking toward Rory. He blushed and shot his gaze toward her as well.
“I’m still looking.”
“You should consider buying a place instead of renting,” Erin said. “Of course, I’m still living here so I’m hardly one to give advice.”
“You don’t want to buy unless you’re sure,” Colm threw out. “A one-year lease gives you more time to decide.”
“You could get a roommate,” Sharon added, then scrunched her brow. “But then you have that now, so I suppose that doesn’t make sense.”
Stunned that he hadn’t mentioned looking for a place to live, Sandy lifted an eyebrow as she watched him squirm.
“Let’s talk about something else,” he begged.
“Perfect,” Sharon chirped. “I wanted to ask Sandy about the Partridge Tower. Is it almost finished? And is it as glamorous as the article in the newspaper indicated?”
Caught in the middle of a large bite of spaghetti, she quickly chewed, swallowed, and took a sip of water while Sharon apologized.
“I’m so sorry. The kids complained that I would quiz them about school right when they were trying to eat!”
Laughing, she shook her head. “My grandmother always told me that a lady would never take a huge bite of food. Apparently, that’s one of her lessons that I ignored when presented with your amazing spaghetti.”
She took another sip, then said, “The Partridge Tower is going fine. In fact, so much progress has been made recently that a grand opening is scheduled soon. Not all the condos and offices will be finished, of course, but the Partridges want to have a formal affair so that they can show off several of the model condos and offices to hopefully encourage others to begin buying or renting. For me, I’m almost finished with all of the offices. The ones that are not currently under lease will not be decorated until clients have signed paperwork. My biggest issue now is
