“Holy fuck, Bran. Did you not just meet the girl?”
It was true, so Bran didn’t take offense, but itdidgrate to have one of his best friends call him out in front of his dad. “Iwasn’t aware I needed your approval.” The surprise and then hurt that passed across James’ face instantly made Bran regret the cold words.
“I know you mean well, James,” Bran began, “and I don’t mean to be short, but in this, with Raven... I won’t tolerate interference. From anyone.” Patrick and his dad lifted their heads to look Bran in the eyes. Both nodded and looked away without a word, for which Bran was thankful. He was feeling too off-kilter and sensitive to have a family dust-up.
“Understood.” Bran knew he and James were good when his friend clapped him on the back and smiled.
“What did you think of Rowan, Jamie?” Patrick used his childhood nickname to rib him and lighten the mood.
James smirked, not rising to the bait. “I wasn’t aware River wasn’t up for grabs too. So, we’re allnotbeing business professionals right now?”
Patrick’s jaw clenched, barely, but it did. Bran knew his brother well enough that James’ comment hit a tender spot.
“I would prefer, that is...” Patrick cleared his throat and looked at their dad. He must have gotten some signal from the old man because he ended with, “I’d ask you to keep your distance from River, James.”
“Jesus, fine! I never dreamed the O’Faolain boys were the Love at First Sight type, but hey, I thought Jane was the one too. Just be careful. That’s all I ask.” James went from jovial to pensive in a blink. He was going to have to tell them what was going on sooner rather than later.
Patrick quickly exclaimed that he was miles from in love but thought he and River would be friends.
Bran was about to reply when the Byrnes walked in.
7
“So, what do you think, James? Will you or Jo have time to meet us at the site next week?” Fifteen minutes into the meeting, Bran knew they’d hired the right design team. After an hour and a half, he knew they were brilliant. Each sister had their own strengths, but they flowed beautifully together. Where one excelled, the other two gave them the floor. It was quite something to witness. From the looks Pat and his dad threw Bran’s way, they, too, were impressed.
“Sure, Bran. I’ll text Jo and have her send me our schedule.” James smiled at the sisters saying, “My sister will really love meeting you three. Jo will try to kick me out of the entire project and gang up with you guys.”
Raven and her sisters laughed.“I can’t wait to meet her and see the space. If it’s possible to let us know by Monday or Tuesday when everyone’s free to meet, we’d appreciate it.” She glanced at her sisters, who nodded their agreement. “We’ll rearrange our schedules accordingly.”
“Jo works seven days a week.” James tried for amusement, but there was a grimness to his words that belied his smile. “Before you leave tomorrow, I’ll have some options for you.”
Raven felt Rowan’s fingers touch her thigh under the table. Something or someone was putting her on edge. Tonight, she’d get it out of her. For now, Raven covered her hand with her own.
“Mr. O’Faolain.” Rowan stuttered to a stop at Hugh’s sharp look.
Raven squeezed her sister’s fingers tighter and noticed River scooted a fraction closer to her other side.
“Yesterday, you mentioned Wolves wasn’t only a new business venture but a tribute to your late father. I... I... I’m quite good at finding just the right pictures or mementos to serve as a remembrance wall.”
Hugh stared at her sister for a touch past comfortable before answering. “I’ve things you can go through.”
Good Lord, that man needed a serious attitude adjustment, Raven thought. To turn attention from Row, she brought up the last few items that would need to be addressed sooner rather than later.
“I think we’ve got everything we need for now. Iwouldlike to discuss poured concrete bar tops with your contractor and if they believe an epoxy coating will hold up under continual use and cleanings. It’s durable and looks high-end without costing a premium.
“Perhaps when we meet later next week, it might be arranged.” Raven looked over her notes one last time. “My sisters and I discussed earlier that a nontraditional, more sleek approach to the bar tops would be a lovely foil against warmer wooden beams and paneling.
“Now that we’ve seen this house, it is a very similar concept. Old and new. Sleek but approachable.
“One only has to look at how distilleries have modernized their whiskey bottle labels. Keeping up with the times while still appreciating the past. Exactly what a good Irish pub should be, unless you’re in Ireland, of course, and then it’s all ‘Ye get what ye get, and ye don’t throw a fit, lass.’” The last thing Raven wanted to address, she hesitated over, but, for heaven’s sake, this family had the means.
“The last thing on today’s list— absolutely not a must-have: if any of you are traveling to Ireland in the next few months, there is a company that designs the most gorgeous wooden platters made from whiskey barrels. Perfect for tasting menus, charcuteries, desserts, even flights of whiskeys.
“The company is situated outside of Dublin and crafts all sorts of items perfect for Wolves. They don’t ship to the US, but I imagine shipping could be arranged if someone were to buy directly.” Before any of the owners present could yea or nay her idea Raven added, “We will, of course, begin sourcing craftsmen in the states as well.”
The ownersof Triskelion Territory Designs knew their business. No denying that. “We can all agree that in the coming few weeks, there will be a hundred more Q&A meetings. Between Triskelion and O’Connors. However, work time is over.” Bran stood up and stretched. “Let’s all change into pond wear and meet out back, I’m ready for a drink and some barbeque.”
He noticed Raven glance at her sisters with wide eyes as they started moving toward the stairs. “So, pond wear?”
