“That’s what they label all of us.” Sara grabbed another handful of popcorn. “I led a four-day New York City tour for a bunch of people from Dublin. It was quite an education.”
“That puts you ahead of the rest of us,” Oksana said.
“Not by much. So Rance, what do you think of Kieran? Devious move, by the way, putting on music so he can’t hear us talk about him.”
“You wound me, dear lady.”
“Come on, Rance,” Oksana said. “We know your tricks. Tell us what you think.”
“I’ll cut to the chase. Kieran needs to switch countries.” He gave Sara a meaningful glance before returning his attention toOksana. “And bring his cute-as-hell granny. I doubt he’d up and leave her there and we’re low on grandmas, anyway.”
“Desiree’s a grandma.” Oksana took a sip of her ale.
“Yeah, but she doesn’t look like one. That Irish lady does. I’ll bet she bakes cookies and lets you lick the spoon.”
“They’re called biscuits over there.” Sara had learned that from the Dublin group, but her mind wasn’t on cookies. Why had Rance immediately suggested that Kieran relocate? And what was with the piercing look he’d given her?
“Biscuits, cookies, whatever. She’s the type who bakes them. It would be like having a second Marybeth, only she’d have an Irish accent and be spouting all those funny Irish sayings.”
Time to put a stop to that daydream. “It won’t be happening. According to Kieran, his sweet-looking granny’s never traveled except on her honeymoon and that wasn’t far from home. There’s virtually no chance she’d leave Ireland.”
“Yeah, well, what does he know?”
“A lot, considering he’s her only close relative.”
“Which means he should have plenty of influence when push comes to shove. Wouldn’t you like it if he decided to live in the good ol’ US of A, Miss Sara?”
“If you’re trying to matchmake, forget it. Too many moving parts.”
“Some more important than others.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Oksana grinned. “Don’t tease her. She just met the guy a few hours ago.”
“That’s what’s impressive. They just met, but if you didn’t know that, you’d think they’d been together for weeks. Maybe months. That’s a situation that should be nurtured.”
Sara gazed at him. “I appreciate the thought, but it’s a non-starter.”
“Are you sure about that? Because after only ten minutes of watching you two I was thinking you’d found the one.” He turned to Oksana. “Am I wrong?”
“I could see it, too.”
“Look, you guys, I’m not quitting my fabulous job to move here. Kieran has built a life in Ireland and his granny, who’s gotta be around eighty, has never set foot outside of the country. I don’t see a happily-ever-after in this scenario.”
Rance threw up his hands. “My mistake. Guess I’m imagining things.”
“No, you’re not. I’m attracted to him.”
“Then what are you gonna do about it?”
She sighed. “I don’t know. It’s complicated.”
“If you want my help, let me know.”
“What does that mean?”
“It’s not as complicated as you’re making it, but you will need help. I’m offering.”
“I’ll think about it.”
