Chapter 30
CHAPTER THIRTY
S ara had steered clear of drama classes in high school, leaving that activity to Lani. As she spent a tortuous evening with her family while trying not to act like she was sleeping with Kieran, she was convinced everyone knew and had decided not to bring it up.
More than once she was tempted to confess, just to relieve the pressure. But then what? Rance’s scheme would collapse. If they all saw right through her and had decided to look the other way, she could continue to enjoy a few hours with Kieran every night until the week was over.
She had a moment of panic when he started toward the front door at the end of the evening. He’d have to drive that little white car back to Rance’s cabin by himself. What if he ran into a problem? Or forgot and drove on the left when someone was coming from the other direction?
No one else seemed concerned, especially him. He promised to be back early in the morning so he and Desiree could prep for another call to his grandmother. On the way out he tipped his hat. Adorable.
After he left, everyone said good night. Desiree and Andy headed toward their bedroom and her parents split off toward the kids’ wing.
Sara braced herself as she and Lani trailed behind. If her parents planned to say anything, this would be the moment.
They didn’t. Bidding her and Lani goodnight, they went into their bedroom and closed the door.
She followed Lani in and pushed the door shut with a sigh of relief. “That was awful. I’m sure they all know.”
“They might, but they might not.” Lani sat on the edge of her bed. “I can’t tell for sure. I think you’re acting weird, but then I’m in on it. I’m probably seeing things they don’t notice.”
“Well, everyone can get an uninterrupted night’s sleep for a change, because Thunder’s in the shop so Rance and I won’t be doing the switch.”
“In the shop?” Lani sounded disappointed. Odd. “For how long?”
“Just until tomorrow.”
“That’s good.”
“Good? Why do you care?”
“Because… I hate to admit it, but you two seem to be right for each other. Which is sad because it can’t work out, but at least you’ll have this week to remember.”
“We’ll have more than this week.”
“What?” She sat up straighter.
“He has a new plan, although he didn’t bring it up tonight. He probably wants to speak to Desiree alone, first.”
“What plan?”
She outlined his strategy and included the part about weekend layovers in New Jersey.
Lani looked less than enthusiastic. “I can see why he wants to spend more time here, but trying to keep things going with you… that’s messed up.”
“I’d rather have him a few days a year than not at all.”
“Would you really? And what about the rest of the year? Will you date?”
“I’ll have to see how it goes.” The answer was no and hell no, but she wouldn’t say that to Lani. She couldn’t imagine wanting anyone else.
“Would you be okay with him dating?”
Her stomach churned. “If that’s what he wants.”
“I didn’t ask that. Would you be able to stand it?”
“He wouldn’t date. That’s not like him.”
“Oh, Sara. The whole thing’s a terrible idea. You’ll both be miserable for ninety-eight percent of the time. That’s not a life. You need to set each other free.”
“But how can I? He’ll follow through on his plan. I saw the look in his eye when he came up with the sweat equity idea. Angie will snap up that offer in a heartbeat. And he should do it. Spending short periods of time is a great compromise.”
“Except knowing he’s here will be hell on you. Not only that, but when you do visit, you’ll have to listen to the family talk about him. Even our folks will. If they build a cabin with Angie’s help, Kieran might very well work on it, too.”
Sara groaned and fell back on the bed. “This is a fecking nightmare.”
“Fecking?”
“It’s what they say over there, like we would say effing. I like it.”
“I kinda do, too. You’ve been fascinated by Ireland for a long time, even when we were kids. I always thought you took the job with Adventuring Travel mostly because it would get you to Ireland.”
“That was a big part of it. And next year I’ll get to go. I’ll see Kieran on that trip, too.”
“For all of one night?”
“Maybe more. Depends on what else I’m required to do.”
“You could marry him and live there the rest of your life.”
“No, I couldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m smart enough to know that I’ve romanticized the place.”
“Hard not to. You’re in the business of promoting it.”
“Yep. But living in a tiny village and trying to carve out a satisfying career like what I have now would be tough if not impossible. I won’t give up everything for a man. I’m grateful to our parents for teaching us that.”
“You know what? This is all Dallas’s fault.”
That made her laugh. “No, it’s not.”
“Yes, it is! He’s the one who had to move to a tiny rural fire department and was so excited to live in cowboy country. If he’d stayed in Trenton like a normal person, none of this would have happened.”
“I guess he did start it. And look at how happy he is. Trent, too. They’re both eating up this ranch life. So are Mom and Dad. I haven’t seen them laugh and joke this much in years.”
“Which makes us odd women out.”
Sara turned her head to gaze at her sister. “I won’t fold if you won’t.”
“I’m not leaving Trenton.”
Sara reached a hand across the space between the two beds. “Pinkie swear?”
“Pinkie swear.” She hooked her little finger with Sara’s. “That said, you’re still fecked, sis.”