“Come on, Sean, it isn’t like I’m going to hunt her down and tell her my brother has a thing for her.”
“Katherine,” he nearly growled, “but,” he added, his irritation gone as quickly as it flared, “she likes to be called Katie.”
“And you’re attracted to her.” This wasn’t a question.
He shrugged, which told her it was more than a casual attraction.
“So, what’s the problem?” Not that Maisy was any good at giving advice when it came to romance. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been out on a date. Her social life revolved around meeting friends at the local pub once a month, if that. Between working long hours at the store, helping at home, and driving her grandmother wherever she needed to go, Maisy didn’t have a lot of free time.
“I want to ask her out,” Sean blurted.
Maisy didn’t see the problem. “Then do it. What’s the holdup?”
Her brother looked away. “She might say it’s not a good idea, since we work together.”
He made it sound as if asking her out would destroy any chance he had with Katie.
“Sean Gallagher,” she said, shaking her head and laughing softly. “You won’t know unless you ask. My goodness, I’ve never known you to be shy around women.”
“I’m not,” he insisted. “Katie’s special, and I don’t want to screw this up. It could make us working together awkward.”
“Then make it casual. Suggest a beer after work. Don’t feel like you need to wine and dine her the first time out.”
“What if she doesn’t drink beer?”
Maisy rolled her eyes. “Now you’re inventing excuses. Grow a pair, brother. My guess is poor Katie is waiting for you to make a move.”
“Okay, I will.”
“Good. I bet she’ll jump at the chance.”
Sean rolled his eyes and started to leave when Maisy stopped him. “Before you go, we need to talk about Patrick.”
Sean sat back down. “Sure. What’s the problem?”
“This isn’t a problem,” she said. “It’s more of coming up with a way for Patrick to join a Little League team. He wants to play baseball in the worst way. It’s all he talks about.”
Sean’s shoulders sank, as if this concern wasn’t a new one. “I know. What I can’t figure out is how we’ll manage getting him back and forth from practices and the games. With all of us working different schedules, it feels like it’s impossible.”
“Mom…”
“Mom has to take jobs when the school calls, so it’s iffy if she’ll be around. Besides, she’s got enough on her shoulders,” Sean said, sounding defeated. “I don’t feel we can add anything else right now. If you can think of other options, let me know.”
Maisy nodded. “We had such a happy childhood, and I want that for Patrick, too,” she said, feeling at a loss and deeply disappointed for her little brother.
“I don’t know if that’s possible now, with Dad gone.”
Maisy was afraid her brother was right.
Chapter Eight
Chase was busy going over the latest figures his father had given him to review when his assistant let him know Astrid had arrived. She’d never stopped by the office unannounced before. Something must be wrong.
“Send her in,” he said, letting his surprise show. He rose from his mahogany desk as she entered his plush office. As always, she was impeccably dressed, a figure of grace and charm.
“I hope I’m not interrupting something important,” she said, looking apologetic.
Holding out his arms, he welcomed her with a hug. “I’m surprised is all.”
