Speaking in impressively fluent French, Ronanhad a detailed discussion with the pair, his expressionsympathetic. He patted Penny kindly on the shoulder and returned tothe table as the pair returned to the kitchen. The entire tablestared at him, waiting to hear the results of his conversation withbated breath.
Before sitting, he walked over to leisurelypour himself a glass of wine. He returned to his seat and took aslow, savoring sip. Finally, Aiden kicked him under the tablenone-too-gently, his eyebrows raised in question.
Ronan finally gave in. “Penny’s mother is onher way for a visit, but due to the weather she’s stranded on themainland. She was to arrive tonight, but they’re saying it may beanother 2 or 3 days before ferry services are back up again. She’sok, she’s just upset. She’s newly pregnant and was looking forwardto celebrating with her mother.”
The table all expressed sympathy, comparingnotes on how frustrated she must be feeling. Laura poked her headinto the kitchen, offering to help wherever possible.
Payson poked Ronan on the shoulder. “Youspeak fluent French. I didn’t know that.”
Ronan smirked across his glass of wine. “Yes,I do.”
And that was it.Argh. He was liketalking to a brick wall sometimes.
~
After dinner, everyone went to their roomsfor a quiet evening. Payson was restless, thinking of all the worknot getting done in her absence. She called Natalie from thelandline in the library.
“Hey, Natalie, how’s it going?” She tried tosound pleasant and nonchalant.
“Well, hello Payson. Going well, still atotal whiteout here. How are you enjoying New Sussex? I’ve neverbeen but I hear it’s a beautiful island.” Natalie’s voice wasfriendly and welcoming. Relaxed. Life at the gallery must be goodfor her.
“I’m wondering if I can ask you a favor?” Shebit her lower lip nervously; she hated asking for help.
“Of course. I would be happy to go and checkon the shop as soon as the snow slows down a bit.” She could hearNatalie’s smile in her voice.
“Thanks for reading my mind. The internet outhere was limited anyway, but it’s now totally out because of thestorm. I’m going crazy not being able to notify customers ofpotential delays. I know it’s a lot to ask; I know you’re busy.”Payson babbled, afraid of pushing too hard.
Natalie laughed out loud, “Please ask mefavors like this. You were so good to hire me on and be soflexible. I would make the time for you, but I don’t even need to;the gallery will be just as slow. Why don’t I just try to catch youup a bit once I can get out?”
Payson thanked her profusely and reassuredher that she would be back as soon as the weather permitted theirdeparture. She was about to head back to the room, when she caughta glimpse of a stack of magazines. Finding a very computer-nerdsort of magazine, she added that to stack of fun-looking magazinesshe’d found for herself to take back to the room. Maybe Ronan wouldtell her a bit about his work. Maybe even explain how a computerprogrammer ended up with gunshot wounds, and why he was so dodgyabout it.
As she entered their room, she saw Ronanstretched out across the sofa, fire blazing in the fireplace. Hedidn’t seem to notice her, so she tiptoed, hoping to scare him.Magazines gripped in one arm, walking as quietly as she could, whenshe was finally in arms reach, she leaned in and whispered, “Boo.”Not very clever, but she was at least going for a laugh.
He didn’t move, not even a twitch. Was heasleep? His chest rose and fell as if he were. Oops, startling himprobably wasn’t very considerate. Payson set the magazines on theottoman, feeling guilty now and trying to not wake him.
She turned slightly away from him as sheadjusted her skirt to sit down. Before she hit the couch, strongarms came around her. She indelicately squealed in alarm, andbefore she knew it, Ronan had her pinned beneath him on the couch,a huge grin on his face. “Boo,” he whispered.
Frowning, Payson reached up and pinchedRonan. “It’s not nice to scare people you know.”
He raised an eyebrow, grin still pasted tohis face. “Really Miss Roberts, I don’t think you’re one to talk.”He leaned down and kissed her with soft but brief contact andreleased her.
Returning to his end of the sofa, hestretched back out again, this time putting his feet on the ottomanso there was room for her on the couch. He glanced at the pile ofmagazines, sparing only a brief glance at the computer magazine onthe top before returning to his own book.
“Tom Clancy fan, huh?” She inquired.Naturally, she’d read a number of them herself. Jack Ryan was aparticular favorite of hers, in the books or on screen.
Ronan nodded, eyes glued to the book, “It’spretty good. I’d never actually read any. Fun piece offiction.”
Leaning back and putting her feet on theottoman snuggled against Ronan’s, Payson defended one of herfavorite characters, “It’s spectacular fiction. He’s an analyst forthe CIA, but always ends up in the field and saves the day. For allwe know that’s exactly what happens in the CIA. And Tom Clancy doesgreat research on his books.”
“I’m sure he does. Just some extra excitingscenes for the readers.” Ronan continued to read, pretty far intothe book considering he’d just started it today.
“And you don’t think the true, unfluffedstories of a CIA analyst would make for a good story?” She crossedher arms, a bit defensive.
“No, I’m sure that they would be interesting,but much less exciting.” He turned the page, eyes darting swiftlyacross the page as he read impressively fast.
Humph. Payson picked up the fashionmagazine she’d brought with her and started to peruse. She’d flip afew pages, then huffed again. Finally, she gave up and tossed themagazine back on the stack.
Without looking up from his book, Ronanasked, “Yes, Payson? Something bothering you?”
