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She laughed, then did as she was told, entering the hotel before turning around once she reached inside. She found his eyes still on her, so she waved.

He tipped his head in departure, then walked away, and Maisie stared after him with another untamable grin before making her way to her room.

After a quick shower, she climbed into bed, curled up with her blanket, and nestled into her pillow, ready to sleep on the pleasant dreams Finn’s smiles would surely elicit, only to be nudged awake again by a buzz on her phone.

Instantly, her eyes flew open as she hoped to see a text from Finn, but when Daphne’s name appeared on her screen, her stomach dropped.

Daphne. She’d completely forgotten about Daphne tonight.

Daphne

Things are finally working out here. It really was the best decision for me to come home. I’m positive Mr. Johnson would’ve backed out by now otherwise.

But I am so missing you! Please tell me you’re having a good time.

Maisie reread the text, laying back on her pillow. They’d messaged each other a little bit that morning, Maisie updating her on any potential menu items, but other than that, they hadn’t really caught up since Rathlin Island, when Maisie had had to settle Daphne’s concerns about the bike ride with Finn.

What would Maisie have to say to calm Daphne down if her aunt found out about her time with Finn tonight—and that she was going to his mom’s house tomorrow?

Honestly, Maisie wished she could tell the truth, that she was living out her best life with a tour guide from Northern Ireland who was not only driving the bus, but was also driving Maisie crazy due to the crush she’d developed on him that was growing stronger and stronger by the minute.

But she didn’t want to drag Daphne’s mood down when she seemed positive for the first time in a while.

Maisie

I’m so happy to hear that things are working out. One step closer! I’m having a great time, too! The food today wasn’t great, but I got to see a live band tonight, which was stellar. And yesterday, I went across the rope bridge!

She only had to wait a minute before Daphne responded.

Daphne

MAISIE! Oh my heck, that’s incredible! Never in a million years did I think you would do that.

Maisie frowned, her heart twisting at her aunt’s lack of faith in her. She knew Daphne hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings, but Maisie couldn’t help but compare her words to Finn’s on the rope bridge.

She began to type out a text to share what an incredible experience it had been, cathartic and empowering. Daphne would definitely be proud of her. But when another text from her aunt came in first, she paused.

Daphne

So how’s that bus driver?

Maisie erased the message she’d been drafting. Daphne didn’t care about Maisie’s time in Northern Ireland. The only thing she cared about was Maisie not falling for some tour guide so she could have her little companion back.

Well, there was no avoiding the truth for Maisie any longer. She was falling for that tour guide. And that meant that she needed to tell Daphne about it, to warn her that if it was up to Maisie, the second this tour ended, she’d be going out with Finn, messaging him day in and day out, and planning her next trip back to Northern Ireland the second she finished with the restaurant.

But her fingers refused to type out the message. Instead she tried another.

Maisie

He’s still super fun! Everyone on the tour thinks so.

Three dots immediately popped up.

Daphne

And what do you think of him? Any flirting going on?

Maisie pressed a finger to her temple. Just do it, Maisie. Just do it. She held her breath as she typed out her words.