Page 13 of Wild Rush
Chapter Four
Reena waved at Padraig and Slade, both busy behind the bar, as she led Rush through the pub. Every bar stool and booth were taken, however there were a few empty tables at the back of the room. Weaving her way through, she reached the first empty one and slid into a seat. Rush took the chair next to her instead of across and shuffled it close before leaning toward her.
“You’re right. This place is great. I feel like I’m in an authentic Irish pub.”
She smiled, glad he liked Pat’s. She was even happier he sat so close their legs and arms brushed together. “Mr. Collins is proud of his Irish heritage. He and Sunday wanted the place to have all the characteristics of a true Irish pub. They both worked in one before they came to America.”
“I’ve been in a few Irish pubs over the years, and other than the couple I visited during my one trip to Ireland, this is the best one I’ve come across.”
Pride flooded her. She might not be a Collins and this might not be her place but she felt a connection to it and she was delighted Pat’s impressed Rush.
“Hey. I thought you’d gone home.” Caitlyn materialized beside her, a huge smile on her face. “And who’s this?”
“I thoughtyouwent home too,” Reena said.
“Nope. Mom needed a hand next door and she volunteered me.”
“Oh. It’s still busy? Do they need me to work?” Reena tried to look through the opening into Sunday’s but from this table, the angle wasn’t right, and she couldn’t see more than a couple of tables. All of them full. “I could do another shift if necessary.”
“Nah. It was just some prep work. They’ve got it under control.” Caitlyn nudged her with an elbow. “And don’t think I didn’t notice you avoided my question.” Her friend held out her hand and leaned across the table. “Hi. I’m Caitlyn Wallace.”
“Rush.” He pushed to his feet and shook Caitlyn’s hand. “Rush Whelan.”
“Well, well, Mr. Whelan, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Caitlyn’s smile and knowing glance had Reena stumbling to divert what would certainly be an inquisition. “We’re here for dinner. Any chance we’ll get a table next door?”
“Sure. I’ll put your name on the list then bring you a drink. On the house, in honor of your special guest.”
Reena groaned when Caitlyn added an exaggerated wink to her offer.
Rush remained silent until Caitlyn walked away.
“She’s exactly how you described her.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah, to a T.” He grinned. “I’m expecting some lawyerly type cross examination to go with the drink.”
“Oh god.” Reena closed her eyes. “This was a bad idea.”
“No it wasn’t. It’s perfect. I get to meet the people you’re close to and experience the best pub in Baltimore.”
“Good to hear you say that, son.” Mr. Collins clapped a hand on Rush’s shoulder. “Who’s your friend, Sabreena?”
“Mr. Collins.” Reena lifted out of her seat and reached for the older man’s elbow.
“Stay where you are, missy, I don’t need help to stand on my own two feet.” Mr. Collins pulled out the seat on the other side of Rush and sat down while muttering about young whippersnappers and not being dead.
“Now, Pop Pop, don’t go making a fuss because people care about you.” Caitlyn appeared with four pints of Guinness expertly balanced on a tray.
“Caitie-bug, caring ain’t the same as mollycoddling.” Mr. Collins folded his arms and aimed a penetrating stare at Rush. “We’ve not seen you around here before,” he said, the words holding a challenge.
“No. I’m not from around here.” Rush’s smile showed amusement, which eased Reena’s anxiety. “I live in New York.”
“The city?” The Collins patriarch reached for one of the pints Caitlyn set on the table.
“No, upstate. A small lakeside town in the Adirondack Mountains to be exact.”
