Chapter 11
QUINN
In order to distract myself from Kane’s silent brooding and Darren’s obnoxious behavior, I’ve been throwing myself headfirst into festival preparations and finding comfort in recreating the vibe of Kavanaugh’s from the old days.
Ever since I accused Kane of sabotaging me, he’s been quiet, so different from the friendly, but aggressive, personality I first saw.
Contrast that with Darren Kennedy. He continues to pressure me about a business relationship, as well as actively campaigning against any involvement I might be considering with Kane or his pub.
I’m taking a break from all of that drama today by meeting up with my old schoolmate Joselyn Vargas, who’s now married to her high school sweetheart, Brennen Murphy.
Over a fabulous catered lunch at the Celtic Knot winery, where she works as an event planner and is an integral part of the management team, we’re catching up on our respective lives.
I learned that she also returned to Pelican Point after many years of building a successful career in a large city.
The winery that I knew growing up as the place where both Brennen and Joselyn lived is a far cry from what I see before me today as an adult and a marketing professional. “Joselyn, this place is amazing! You and Brennen have built quite a brand here.”
She blushes in response. “The family business had some rough years. But what we have today is all Brennen’s hard work, truly.
I feel blessed that I was able to return here and become a part of it again.
Now, enough about me. How are things going at the pub and how is it working with a competitor right across the alley?
I remember in high school when we were lowly freshmen that all the girls had a crush on Kane O’Brien. ”
“Everyone except for you. As I recall, you always only had eyes for Brennen. Kane is…interesting. I don’t think he remembers me from high school. We’re actually working together on the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, but we could still use some help.”
“I’d be happy to help out. Both personally and on behalf of the Celtic Knot. What do you need?”
“Actually, it would be a big load off our plate if you could take over managing the parade. For some reason, we haven’t received the permit for that yet and I haven’t had time to chase it down. Not to mention lining up all the participants.”
“Consider it done.”
As I walk back into the pub from lunch, my mind spinning with new marketing ideas for the celebration and feeling like a huge burden has been lifted thanks to Joselyn, my phone rings, signaling a video call.
I immediately press the accept button. It’s Claire Clarkson, my old boss and mentor from Boston.
“Claire! It’s so nice to hear from you, how are you?”
“Quinn! I’m fine. Everyone here at the firm misses you so much!”
“Aww, I miss everyone there, too. But being back home has been nice. I thought it would be really difficult without my grandfather, but I feel his presence all around me in the pub.”
Like a warm hug, I say to myself.
“I’m glad to hear you’re doing well. This isn’t just a social call, however; so I’ll cut to the chase. Management has been doing some restructuring, and a new VP position has been created, which you would be perfect for. What do we need to do to get you back in Boston?”
What? A month ago, I would have jumped at the opportunity, but now?
I’m firmly entrenched in my old hometown and committed to preserving the Kavanaugh family business.
And as much as I hate to admit it, the competition with Kane has been fun.
For the most part. “Honestly, Claire, I don’t know what to say. ”
“Don’t say anything right now. Think about it, and let’s talk soon.”
Wow. That was so unexpected. My thoughts are a jumble as I perform the tasks to get ready for our evening crowd on autopilot.
As I’m bringing out some clean glasses to put behind the bar, I glance out the window.
The wind is kicking up and the sky is darkening.
Looks like we’re in for a storm. A loud crash of thunder and a blinding jolt of lightning almost cause me to drop the glasses.
The lights flicker a few times. Please stay on, please stay on, please stay on.
Unfortunately, my chant doesn’t work. The power goes out and stays out.
Great. We don’t have a generator, so if the electricity remains off, we’re dead in the water.
I reach under the bar for a flashlight. One of the things on my to-do list, which I haven’t gotten around to doing yet, is to order some of those rechargeable emergency lights to put throughout the pub.
Then later, once I turn the business around and become more financially stable, I plan to invest in a generator.
I shout toward the kitchen. “Maeve! Can you make sure everything gets powered down, please?”
“I’m already on it, hun. And letting everyone know not to open any of the cool storage so we can try to preserve the perishables.”
Just as I’m preparing to tell our customers we’re going to close down for the night, my cell rings. It’s Kane.
“Hey. Looks like the power will be off for a while. Would you guys like to come over here and hang out with us? We’ve got a backup system, so we can stay open.”
“That’s very generous of you. I was just about to shoo everyone out the door. I’ll let them know they can come over there.”
“The offer applies to you, as well. Join us after you shut everything down.”
Within twenty minutes, Maeve and I secure the pub and run across the alley, dodging raindrops and puddles along the way, to Kane’s place.
Since his generator is only powering the essentials, the bar area is softly illuminated by candlelight as the rain drums against the windows, creating a cozy scene.
Maeve sits down beside Deputy Finn, who is obviously smitten with her, while Kane motions me over to a seat behind the bar with him.
As he charms the regulars from both pubs with tales of old coastal Florida handed down from his great-grandparents, Kane’s smile and the subtle looks toward me warm my insides.
I can’t help but think back to the kiss we shared, and I’m starting to realize that some of life’s choices are made with the heart, rather than the head.
And right now, my heart is telling me I belong in Pelican Point.
The next day, my brain is still mulling over the Boston job offer. There’s really only one person I can talk to about it. I place the call and Cara picks it up on the first ring.
“Quinn! How’s everything going down there? Especially with your hot-looking rival?”
It’s a good thing she can’t see me, because I’m not sure I can hide my reaction to her question. With each passing day, I get more and more drawn in to Kane and he’s looking less and less like a rival.
“Festival prep is going well, and Kavanaugh’s is getting busier by the day, thanks in large part to your help.”
“And Kane?”
“Let’s just say, it’s complicated.”
“Girl, you know you’re not getting off that easy.”
“Honestly, I’m trying to figure it out. Figure him out. One minute, he’s the sweetest, most helpful guy, and the next, I feel like I can’t trust him.”
“Look, I’ve got a great bullshit detector, and I honestly did not get a negative vibe about him when I was there. Sure, he’s ambitious and wants to be successful. So are you. But there’s a spark between the two of you. Don’t deny it.”
And I won’t deny it. I’m not saying any more about that. Time to change the subject.
“The reason I called…you’re not going to believe this. Claire offered me a promotion to come back to Boston.”
“What?” The screech from the phone is deafening.
“Yeah. I was really caught off guard.”
“What did you tell her?”
“I told her I need to think about it.”
“I don’t know. Girl, as much as I’d love to have you back here, you’re in your element in Pelican Point. I saw it with my own eyes. It’s your home. Kavanaugh’s belongs to you now. You are definitely turning that place around.”
I expel a deep breath. She’s right. I just needed the confirmation.
Later, long after closing the pub down, I’m sitting in the darkness deep in thought, my heart and head still battling amongst themselves with the dilemma of returning to Boston or staying in Pelican Point.
One minute, I’m firm about my decision to stay, and the next minute, a little voice in my head asks what if… ?
I pull out my note pad, making two columns on the page so I can begin listing the pros and cons. Making lists like this is an old habit from back in college whenever I was struggling with a decision. The first word listed on both sides of the page is the same.
Kane.
It’s as if writing his name summoned him to appear. I look up when I hear a light tap at the front door. After turning the notepad over to hide it from view, I make my way over to let him in. My breath catches at the sight of him, still managing to look handsome after a long night of work. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself. I’m wide awake after shutting down for the night and thought you might still be awake.” He holds up a bottle of whiskey. “Care to share a drink with me?”
I take a look at the distinctive green label and let out a low whistle. “Wow. You brought the good stuff.”
“I only share this with family and close friends.”
“Yet you brought it over here. I don’t know what to make of that.”
“How about considering it a peace offering? Or a toast to our working relationship?”
“Call it whatever you like, but I don’t plan to turn down an opportunity to sip on that amber nectar of the gods.”
His chuckle warms my insides as I usher him in and lock the door behind him. I step behind the bar, grabbing two rock glasses. “Ice or no ice?”
“Ice, please.”
I fill both glasses. “Since you’re here, how about we go over the latest plans for the festival?”
“Sure.”
He follows me back to Gramps’ office with the bottle of Jameson.
I set the two glasses on the desk, then turn toward him with a warning.
“Don’t let the door…”