Page 24 of Beneath the Quiet

“What just happened?”

Roísin’s lips widen into a tooth-eating smile. “I’d say you’ve just gained a new friend.”

I gulp. “Isn’t it too soon to tell?”

She leans closer, and I mimic her pose. “That’s part of our village charm, Maeve. We’re friendly, and we make friends out of strangers easily.” She winks at me. “Especially the ones who need it the most.”

I lean away from her and push a lock of hair behind my ear. “I’m not used to it,” I admit, my voice soft. “But…thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Then she pushes off the counter again. “Now, what can I get you? Please try something new for once. None of my other customers will let me browbeat them to live on the edge today, and I bore easily.” She pushes her fists into her sides, widening her stance as if she doesn’t care if the line behind me is growing. “Come on. Give me your best shot.”

My lips twitch, and I grin. “Surprise me with my new favourite coffee, please. And a cream cheese-salmon sandwich.”

Roísin beams at me. “You’re officially my new best friend. I’ll get right on that.” She grabs the tongs from earlier, but then glances back at me. “When’s your next day off? I’m dying for a girls’ night out in Cork.”

My phone pings with a text, but I ignore it.

“Um, I think I’m free this weekend, but can we make it a brunch and shopping kind of day?”

Roísin shrugs. “Sure, we can do that instead.” She points with the tongs to the leaflets lying on the counter next to me. “My number’s on the brochure right there. Text me with yours later?”

I pick one of them up and nod. “Will do.”

“Brilliant.”

The nerves have settled down, and relief at finally relaxing long enough to make a new friend sends warmth through me.

Well, maybe two new friends, but it’s possible Katie only talked with me to be nice. I’m not sure if there’s a protocol I should follow, but I do know that I should text Aidan and let him know his daughter invited me home, especially since she looked to be about twelve years old.

Or should I just ignore her invitation?

Wait, is it weird that a child wants to be my friend? Will people think it’s odd?

I mentally shake my head at my thoughts.

Roísin hands me my order and rattles off the cost. I swipe my card to pay and offer her a smile as I turn to leave.

I’m already getting tired of myself and my erratic thinking. I open the door, pulling it hard. Roísin’s words from moments before return to me, and relief surges through me. If she doesn’t think it’s odd, then I’m not going to, either.

Suddenly remembering the text I haven’t read yet, I pull my phone from my jacket and swipe the screen to read it.

FARMER: Katie told me she met you and invited you to the farm. Texting to tell you that I don’t mind. 😊 Stop by when it suits your schedule.

I groan. It’s like he can read my mind even though he doesn’t know me. How the heck does he always have the right answer?

ME: You just saved me from my brain.

FARMER: What do you mean?

ME: I was off to start overthinking whether it would be okay for me to be Katie’s friend.

FARMER: Why wouldn’t it be? Katie’s friends with everyone in Cloonmara.

ME: Like I said, my brain being silly. Thank you for putting my mind at ease.

FARMER: Just being a good friend.

“Right,” I mutter. No need to worry about what he means. Aidan’s doing what he promised: he’s being my friend. Someone reliable who will be there if I need his help. But that’s all there is to our relationship.