her number and press the phone to my ear as I watch Shawn changing the oil in his car.
I didn’t know men still did that. Apparently, he does.
“Hello, Lexi.”
“Hi, Mom. You know, if you want to talk, you can always call me. I’ll answer and everything.”
“Well, I don’t know if I’m interrupting your work.”
So, I send texts filled with parent guilt. Got it.
“How are you, Mom? What’s new?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Your aunt Darla and I went to the farmer’s market this morning, and I found some fresh strawberries, so I’m going to make some jam. I’ll be sure to save you a jar.”
“Yum, sounds awesome, thanks.” I sip my lemonade and watch as Shawn lifts something that must be heavy. I can’t tell what it is, but the muscles under his shirt bunch deliciously with the effort.
Goodness, he’s a sight to behold.
“How are things in Seattle?”
I have to look away from the gun show happening just outside the window so I can concentrate on the conversation at hand.
“I’m actually staying just outside the city on an island with Shawn O’Callaghan, the screenwriter I’m working with.”
“Oh, I thought you were staying in the city.”
“Well, I was, but we weren’t getting much done because of distractions and noise. This is much more comfortable.”
I don’t mention that we’re still not getting much done because he’s a stubborn ass and we can’t seem to agree on anything when it comes to the project.
“So, you found a nice hotel, then?”
“No, I’m actually staying at his house. He lives on the island.”
She’s quiet, and I can hear the disapproving side-eye.
“I’m staying in his guest room, Mom.”
I mean, as of last night, I’m staying in his bed, but my things are still in his guest room, so it’s not a complete lie.
“And his family owns a really fun Irish pub here on the island. I’ve been helping out in the kitchen.”
“You’re working in a bar?”
She sounds scandalized. It’s awesome.
“I guess so. But I’m just helping out. Shawn took me with him the first night we were here, and I really enjoyed it, so I’ve been tagging along. They’re nice people, Mom. You’d like them.”
“You sound different,” she says.
“In what way?”
“Honestly, you sound happy. Maybe even more confident. My daughter doesn’t enjoy leaving her house for much, let alone working in a bar.”
I shrug a shoulder, even though she can’t see me.
“I’m having fun. And I’m happy.”
“Well, that’s all that matters, then. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, honey. I’m going over to check on your condo in just a little while. I’ll let you know if anything is wrong, but I’m sure it’s fine.”
“I appreciate you checking on it for me. I’m sure it’s fine, too, but you never know.”
“It’s good to hear your voice, Lexi. Let’s not wait so long to chat next time.”
“Just call me, Mom. Honest.”
She laughs in my ear, and it makes me miss her. “I will. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Okay, bye.”
I hang up and tuck the phone into my pocket. We’re about to go to the pub for the evening. I never would have thought that I’d look forward to helping out at O’Callaghan’s the way I do. Shawn’s siblings are awesome, and the music is fun.
Maybe my evenings there are what’s bringing me out of my shell a bit. I’ll have to think about it more later.
“I just have to take a quick shower, and then I’ll be ready to go,” Shawn says as he walks into the house, wiping his hands on a rag. He stops when he sees me. “You’re wearing that?”
I glance down at my jeans and Henley top. “What’s wrong with it? Is this shirt stained already? I just bought it before I came to Seattle.”
“It’s tight,” he says. “It fits you like a glove.”
I blink at him, and then realization hits. I look too good in it. “Yep, definitely wearing it.”
He sighs. “Good to know so I can mentally prepare to break a bunch of necks tonight.”
I laugh and shoo him with my hands. “Go get your shower so we’re not late.”
“Bossy woman.” But he’s smiling as he hurries into his bedroom.
“Why are you back here alone?” Maggie asks as she bustles into the kitchen.
“Because Shawn is manning the bar while Keegan talks to the police,” I reply. “I guess he had to call the cops on some guys fighting?”
“Oh, right. Is he still outside?” She frowns and blows a stray lock of red hair off her face. “Okay, I need two cheeseburgers and