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The words echoed hollowly in her own thoughts, bouncing untruthfully against her actual desires.

“That’s probably for the best,” Fiadh said.

Maisie wouldn’t rise to the bait the woman was clearly dangling in front of her. Just as she expected, Fiadh continued when Maisie didn’t.

“I’ve known Finn for a long time,” she said. “He’s a difficult fish to reel in all the way. Usually gets off the line quick.”

Maisie simply smiled. “It’s a good thing I’m not fishing, then,” she said simply.

The girl’s smile shifted to one of annoyance, but she said nothing more as Finn reappeared.

“Ready?” he asked, his eyes solely on Maisie.

She nodded, glancing at Fiadh. Finn followed her gaze and surprise registered across his features as he saw the woman for the first time.

“’Bout ye, Fiadh,” he said.

“Great show tonight, Finn,” Fiadh said, her stance shifting as she popped out a hip and balanced the tray with ease on one hand.

Finn nodded with a polite smile. “Tell your da thanks for the venue. Hope he enjoyed it, too.”

She ran her fingers through her hair with her free hand. “He’s always happy to have you sing here. You always bring in the crowds. I noticed you’re not signed up for tomorrow, though.”

“Naw, I’ve got other things to do,” he responded, taking a step closer to Maisie and looking down at her. “Ready?”

Before Maisie could respond, Fiadh spoke again.

“I’ll see you at Dunluce?” she said as Finn inched away, his hand gently guiding Maisie toward the door.

“’Course,” he responded.

“Maybe earlier?” she asked, hopeful.

Maisie looked away, scratching the side of her temple absentmindedly.

“Naw, I’ve got work all week, too,” he said shortly. “See you later, Fiadh.” Then he turned to Maisie. “Let’s head out.”

Maisie nodded, waving goodbye to the woman whose smile had already faded before Maisie and Finn exchanged the warm pub for the cold air outside.

She drew her coat tighter around her, raising her shoulders to warm herself as Finn fastened his own jacket, seeming slightly distracted. She could only assume why.

“You can stay and talk with her if you want,” she said, motioning over her shoulder toward the pub. “Seems like she didn’t get in enough chatting at the ice cream truck.”

He blew out a breath in a hybrid laugh and sigh. “She never gets enough bant.” Then he paused, seeming to regret his words. “Fiadh’s kind. We met a few years ago when her da first let me band play at the pub. He owns it, see. She just won’t take no for an answer, though.”

“Is that a humble brag?” she teased.

His shoulders visibly fell as he relaxed. “I was just hopin’ to see more of that jealousy of yours. It looks good on you.”

“Eh, I’m not the jealous type,” she said casually.

He gave her a look that showed how much he didn’t believe her, and she grinned.

They walked down the street, moving past couples lingering outside pubs with bouncers standing nearby.

“Thanks for walking me back,” she said. “My dad will appreciate it.”

“’Course.”