Page 21 of One Night Only
“I got an early flight. Have you met Sarah?” he adds, turning to me. “Annie’s maid of honor. Or so she keeps telling everyone.”
“I haven’t,” Robert says, offering me a smile. “It’s lovely to meet you.” But I’m not why he’s here. “Things going well in New York?” he asks Declan. “Harry never stops talking about you.”
“I can’t complain.”
“That’s good, that’s good.” He pauses. “You know, if you ever need it, I’d be happy to—”
“I appreciate it but I’m grand.”
Robert nods at once and silence falls between them, one I know better than to try and fill no matter how confused I am. The way Declan is speaking to him is verging on rudeness, the strained politeness only making it worse. Now, he invites no further conversation and though Robert looks disappointed, he takes the hint. “I’ll let you get on with your dinner,” he says as he stands. “It was nice meeting you, Sarah.”
“And you,” I say meekly as he retreats to his table.
“What was that about?” I ask when he’s out of earshot.
“Family feud,” Declan says instantly. “He stole our cattle. We stole his sheep. You know how it is around these parts.”
I sigh as he goes back to ignoring me.
“Maybe you should take it easy,” I say as he reaches for the whiskey again. He doesn’t listen.
The other guests are still milling about. Paul and Annie are speaking with a group of people across the room and Mary’s only a table away, fawning over a small child.
Still, no one else comes near us and I’m wondering how drunk I’m allowed to be before it gets embarrassing when Declan abruptly finishes his drink and pushes his chair back.
“You want to get out of here?”
I can only stare at him. I can’t keep up with the change in his moods. “We’re still waiting on dessert.”
“I’ll buy you an ice cream in the village.”
“I have to stay for Annie.”
“Fine,” he says, the word clipped. “Enjoy your meringue.” He stands, dumping his napkin on the table but before he can take one step, Mary is there, smiling broadly.
“What did you think of the salmon?” she asks. “I thought it was only gorgeous.”
“We had the soup,” Declan says, barely sparing her a glance. “I’m just popping out. Need some air.”
“A great idea! Why don’t you show Sarah the fountain?”
“Sarah’s staying here.”
“But you can—”
“Mam,” he interrupts. “Please just stop.”
She rears back, one hand fluttering to her necklace. “Stop what?”
“You know what,” he says, sounding exasperated.
I send a pleading glance to Annie. Thankfully she’s already looking my way and tugs Paul away from his grandmother as they start toward us.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Mary continues.
“No? You don’t have any clue why Sarah has been stuck dealing with your second cousins all night instead of sitting with Annie like she wants to?”
“I don’t mind,” I say quickly. “It’s fine,” I hiss at him.
