‘Oh.’ Lou didn’t follow rugby, but even she knew the name of one of Ireland’s top players – which was about the closest thing they had to royalty in the country.
‘What about you, Lou?’
Lou relaxed as the chat flowed easily and they got to know each other. Victoria still did some modelling work and was the ‘face’ of a local jewellery brand. Erin was an architect, who worked from home and Trina was a former solicitor and stay-at-home mum. They were all so friendly and chatty, Lou quickly felt at home in their company. In her turn, she told them about the inheritance that had brought them here, which had all the women gasping in delight.
‘So what’s it like working at Coast?’ Victoria asked when they were on their second round of coffees.
‘It’s good. The team are all so lovely.’
‘And you get to ogle Aidan all day. Bonus!’
‘Yeah, nice perk of the job,’ Trina agreed and the three women shrieked with laughter.
Lou felt her mood shift as she was reminded of Aidan. But she smiled and said, ‘Yeah, the view’s not bad, I must admit.’
‘What’s he like as a boss?’
‘Good,’ Lou admitted grudgingly. ‘He’s firm but fair.’
‘I wouldn’t mind him taking a firm hand with me,’ Erin said and they all laughed again.
‘Sorry, you must think we’re awful,’ Victoria said. ‘We love our husbands really. But Aidan’s a bit of a heartthrob around here.’
‘I hear he’s started dating recently,’ Trina said.
Victoria nodded. ‘Apparently, Sheena’s decided it’s time he settled down and she’s been putting her feelers out, looking for suitable candidates. So if you know of anyone…’
Erin hooted. ‘As if he’d have any trouble finding someone. He’d only have to click his fingers and they’d be lined up for him.’
‘I’d throw my hat in the ring if I hadn’t already hitched my wagon to Neil.’ Victoria sighed. ‘But you’re single, Lou.’ Victoria gave her a gentle dig. ‘You should go for it.’
‘I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean, he’s my boss for starters.’
Victoria shrugged. ‘I wouldn’t let that stop me. Anyway, we’re not in an American TV drama. I think we’re still allowed to shag the boss, aren’t we?’ She looked around the group questioningly. ‘Trina, you could weigh in on this?’
‘Absolutely. There’s no law against it. As long as it’s what you want, go for it.’
‘You’d want to act fast, though,’ Victoria said. ‘If Sheena has the bit between her teeth, he won’t be on the market for much longer.’
‘And if you got married, Sheena would be your mother-in-law,’ Erin said dreamily. ‘What I wouldn’t give to swap my battleaxe for her.’
‘I used to dream of Sheena adopting me,’ Trina said with a laugh. ‘Not that I wanted to lose my parents,’ she added quickly. ‘I think I wanted her to be a kind of adopted aunt.’
‘Sheena is great,’ Lou said warmly. ‘She’s been so kind to me, helping me clear out the cottage. And she got them all to come over and do my garden.’ All the McBrides had been so helpfuland generous to her – including Aidan, she thought, her mind going back to the herbs he’d gifted her. The whole family were so warm and down to earth. Could Aidan really be so different? Maybe she’d overreacted just now. She hadn’t heard the full conversation and she might have got the wrong end of the stick. He’d never seemed snobbish before, and she couldn’t imagine any son of Sheena’s being allowed to get away with that attitude.
‘It’s too late for us,’ Victoria said briskly. ‘But you should go for it.’
‘No, I’m not interested.’
Victoria’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Seriously? You don’t find him attractive?’
‘He’s obviously good-looking,’ Lou began.
‘He’s bloody gorgeous!’
‘But I’d rather keep our relationship professional.’
‘Where’s the fun in that?’ Victoria said with a mischievous glint in her eye.
