Page 40 of Niall

“Do you work here too? Is that how you know each other?”

I hesitated, not wanting to say too much. She was a little forward. “Yes.”

“Work friends are the best. I met my bestie at work. I’m going to miss her.”

“Where are you moving from?” I asked.

“Calgary.”

“Ah.”

A server arrived with a tray of tea for me. I smiled in thanks. Heidi eyed it with longing. “I love tea.”

It felt wrong to pour myself a cup and not offer her one. I did, and she took it, settling back in her chair. I searched for something to say.

“How was your condo hunting yesterday?”

“I saw a couple of places I liked. But my husband is particular. I sent him some pictures.”

“I see.”

“Where do you live? Close by?”

I took a sip of tea. I didn’t want to tell her I lived here in the hotel. It felt too private. “Yes. A short walk away.”

She nodded. “It seems the best way to get around here—on foot or public transport. Is it always this busy?”

I relaxed, realizing she was just making conversation. She was alone in the city. Missing her friend and husband. That was all. I needed to chill.

“I’m fairly new to the city, but yes, it is always busy.”

“Maybe we can discover it together,” she suggested. “Find our favorite coffee place and yoga studio, that sort of thing.”

She saw my hesitation and frowned. It changed her features, making her almost ugly, but then she smoothed out her expression.

“Una can join us if you want.”

“Um.” I cleared my throat, suddenly anxious at the thought of stepping outside the hotel without Niall.

She shook her head. “Sorry. I’m being pushy. You and Una just seemed so nice.” She stood. “Never mind.”

I shook my head, feeling bad. “No. Sorry, it just caught me off guard. I’m a little shy around new people. Maybe we could do coffee next week.”

“Oh, I’d love that.” She looked around, then her eyes went wide. “Oh, my Realtor is outside. I’m late. I’ll see you later.”

She hurried away, and a moment later, Una and Finn appeared. She grinned at me. “Was that Chatty Cathy again?”

Finn frowned. “Who is that?”

“One of your guests. She’s staying here and came over to chat with us yesterday.”

“Room?” Finn asked.

Una frowned. “I didn’t ask her that. She said her husband was transferred here, and she came ahead, looking for a place for them.”

He frowned and pressed a kiss to her head. “Okay. I’ll see you later.”

He headed to the front desk, and I chuckled. “He is checking on her, isn’t he?”