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They continued in silence.
Her hands were in her coat pockets, but she wondered…if she just let her hand out, would he try to hold it? Or had that only been during their singing?
“Tonight was craic,” Finn said, breaking through her thoughts.
“It was,” she responded, fairly certain she knew the meaning of craic now.
“Thanks for singin’ with me,” he stated, still looking forward.
“Of course.”
He fell silent again as they crossed another street together. Why was he acting so strange? Uncomfortable, almost. Was he nervous about something?
“Monday’s a long ways away,” he eventually said.
“It is.” Her heart hammered against her chest. She hoped she was right about where this was leading.
“So I’ve been thinkin’…What if we don’t wait ’til Monday?” He finally looked down at her. “What if we happen to bump into each other again, say, tomorrow evenin’?”
Maisie could hardly breathe. “And just where would we bump into each other?”
“Me ma’s place.”
She laughed, then saw his genuine expression. “Wait, seriously?”
He nodded.
“I’m pretty sure if going out with each other is against the rules, going to your mom’s home definitely is.”
He smiled. “Naw, see. It’ll be the same as tonight. We’ll be with me mates still, but this time, me parents and grandparents will be there, too. That’s absolutely not a date.”
His reasoning was absolutely solid, as if he’d given it a great deal of thought, which only made her smile all the more.
“What’s that look for, then?” he asked.
“Oh, nothing. It’s just entertaining watching you bend the rules.”
He grinned. “It’s a talent I’ve always had, unfortunately.” His footsteps slowed, and she matched his pace until he stopped altogether and faced her. “Really, though, I just thought it would be nice for you to try me ma’s stew. I told her about your restaurant idea and menu, and she’s keen to meet you.”
Nerves swarmed her. She hadn’t really considered what he was proposing. Yes, she would get to see him for longer, but if she thought she’d been on display tonight for his friends, that was nothing compared to his family.
“No pressure, though,” he said.
“You keep saying that,” she returned. “I don’t think you know the meaning of that phrase.”
He laughed, then stared down at her with a focused gaze. “I’d love it if you were able to come.”
How could she say no to that? “You’re sure you won’t get into any trouble?”
“Absolutely.”
His words weren’t as forceful as she’d expected, but she brushed it aside, and in the next moment, nodded. “Okay. I’ll come.”
He smiled in silence, a very Irish smile with no lips, then the two of them continued toward her hotel. By the time they reached there, Maisie had stifled two yawns, and the cold air had reached her bones.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” she said, smiling up at him.
“Tomorrow,” he said with a nod. Then he tossed his head toward the doorway. “Now get inside ’fore you fall asleep out here…granny.”
