Page 91 of One Night Only
“Good clean fun, Sarah. And whatever decorations we have in the back.” He turns to Claire. “I remember you.”
“Yes, you slept with my roommate.”
He looks delighted. “I did, didn’t I?”
They’re both in on it.
“Claire’s tagging along,” I say. “She wants to practice flirting.”
Declan only smiles as Clare shoots me a glare. “Well, you’re in the right place. I really appreciate you guys helping us out this morning.”
“Helping the charity out,” I clarify.
“Don’t worry. Every cent is going to the Irish in New York association. It helps people down on their luck, offers mental health support to those who need it. You’re doing a good, selfless thing. And you also get a free T-shirt.”
I catch sight of Elena exiting the kitchen with two large water jugs. A couple of other volunteers arrange tables around us.
“Where do you need us?” Claire asks.
Declan dumps the plates on the table and directs her to the kitchen before bringing me to the back, whistling as he goes.
“I didn’t think you were going to show today,” he says, propping open the door to a storeroom.
“You said I’d get a free drink.”
“I did. And also this. I’m going to need you to put it on.”
He holds up a T-shirt. A large green heart is on the front withsingles brunch!written in Comic Sans. It is awful.
“Why can’t I wear an O’Shea’s T-shirt?”
“Only staff wear those and, to confirm, I am not paying you a cent for your time today.” He holds out the shirt. “Arms up.”
“I’m not wearing that.”
“Elena’s wearing one.”
“So?”
He shrugs, arms still outstretched.
“I’m not… She’s…” I gape at him. “Fine.” I snatch the T-shirt from him and pull it on over my head. “Happy?”
“Very.”
I shimmy it down my waist and free my hair. It’s at least two sizes too big for me.
“I look ridiculous.”
“Yes,” he says fondly and hands me a box of crepe paper before bringing me back out front.
“Antonio’s on our sound system,” he says, introducing me to a skinny, balding man sorting through the wires by the bar.
“I have one speaker and one microphone,” Antonio corrects.
“No expense spared.” Declan checks his watch. “First few should be arriving any minute now.”
I frown as the volunteers put the finishing touches to the room. “How many are you expecting at this thing? I didn’t even know people still did singles events.”
