at Harper. While Harper chatted about work, Sandy kept an eye on Erin and Torin. “A lady never eavesdrops on someone else’s conversation. At least not overtly. If it can be done with no one else knowing, then in certain circumstances it can be acceptable.”
Sandy had developed the ability to listen to one conversation while someone else spoke to her, a skill honed during the times her grandmother droned on. Don’t worry, Grandmother, I can do this. Inwardly grinning at the idea that her grandmother would roll her eyes, she was disappointed that very few words were spoken between Torin and Erin but had to admit the looks were as telling as any mountaintop shouts. Every time Erin glanced down toward her drink, Torin’s eyes shot her way. Every time he twisted his head to glance about the bar, Erin watched him carefully.
After a moment, he passed his gaze around all of them. “Gotta get back to the bar. Watch your drinks and don’t go to the ladies’ room by yourself.” As they nodded, he turned to Erin, waited until she lifted her eyes to him, and said, “Let me know if you need anything.” With that, he started to turn away, but Erin’s hand on his arm stopped him.
“It wasn’t your fault, you know? You shouldn’t blame yourself.”
Torin held Erin’s gaze for a long moment, and Sandy could swear the sounds of the bar stopped all around as everyone waited, holding their breaths. Finally, Torin nodded and walked back to the bar.
Erin’s blush was deep, but no one mentioned it. It dawned on Sandy that for Caitlyn, Erin’s sister, and Bekki, the neighbor who’d known Erin since she was born, they must feel a tremendous relief as well as a tremendous sense of responsibility. Harper, as Erin’s new sister-in-law, would share in that. As the newcomer to the group and one who understood what it was like to smile though demons were nipping at your heels, Sandy smiled widely and led the conversation away from the undercurrents of male interest.
“So, Erin, Rory mentioned that you plan on running in the upcoming Hope City Marathon.”
“I love to run,” Erin replied. “Officially, I’ve only run in half marathons. This will be my first full marathon.”
Harper sighed heavily. “I’m so embarrassed. I never exercise. Seriously—never. I’m not sure I can run half a block, much less twenty-six miles.”
“Erin and I used to run together,” Caitlyn said, grinning at her sister. “A long time ago, though. I run some now, but just enough to try to keep the pounds off my hips. A marathon? I’d be puking after the first couple of miles.”
Erin laughed. “I like the freedom of running. In high school, I loved to run but also liked team sports. And in the military, we ran all the time, but often together. Now that I’m out, I just like to tie on my running shoes, pull my hair up in a ponytail, and go.”
After a few more minutes of chatting, Sandy glanced at her watch. “I hate to drink and leave so soon, but Rory’s getting ready to pick me up. Erin, you want a ride?”
“Yeah, if you don’t mind. Harper brought me so that would save her a trip.”
Goodbye hugs ensued, and a few minutes later Sandy and Erin were standing on the sidewalk outside the Celtic Cock. As Rory drove up, his eyes widened at the sight of his sister standing with Sandy. Sandy waved and shot him a quick head shake, hoping he’d get the hint to not make a big deal about Erin being out with them. As the two women climbed inside, she was grateful he’d taken the hint. The conversation was light as they drove to the McBrides’ neighborhood north of the city. After saying goodbye, she watched as Rory and Erin walked together up the path toward the house. Stopping at the door, the two hugged before he stayed in place as Erin headed inside. Before he had a chance to get back to the SUV, Erin came running back out, a wide grin on her face.
“Mom wants the two of you to stay for dinner!”
With a sheepish expression, he looked toward Sandy and she laughed. Climbing from his truck, she called out, “Looks like we don’t have to fix dinner tonight.”
He threw his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her. “Are you sure you don’t mind, babe?”
“Not at all. I love your family.”
They walked through the front foyer and down the hall into the