Page 49 of Niall

Una covered her mouth, and Heidi’s eyes widened. “Wow. That ring is a stunner!”

Una glanced at her hand with a soft expression. “It is.”

“So, you’re getting married?”

“Yes.”

“Well, we need a celebration lunch. A condo for me, a ring for you. You need to let me take you to lunch one day.”

“Not necessary,” Una said easily. “But maybe one day up in the pub.”

“There’s a wonderful bistro down the street,” Heidi insisted. “You must get tired of eating here.”

Una shrugged, noncommittal. “We both start work on Monday.”

Heidi sighed and stood. “We’ll figure out which day.” She paused, her gaze on me. “Pretty bracelet. A gift from your beau?”

I only smiled.

“Isn’t it just so sweet,” she said. “Delicate.”

I bristled at her tone, but before I could speak, Una did. “Anna is pretty tiny. A big bracelet like yours would look ridiculous on her.”

I looked at her, seeing she was as put off by Heidi’s tone as I was.

“Oh. Of course,” Heidi said. “That wasn’t a dig. I think it’s lovely. Romantic.”

“Niall is very romantic with Anna,” Una informed her. “He adores her.”

A strange expression crossed Heidi’s face. “Who doesn’t? Oh, I must go. My driver is here. Later, ladies!”

She hurried away, and I turned to Una. “Well.”

“Seriously,” she muttered. “She was insulting you.”

“I think, to her, this is a plaything.”

“She’s a plaything,” Una retorted. “Bigger isn’t always better.” Then a grin pulled at her lips. “At least in jewelry.”

We shared an amused look.

“She’s a bit nosy,” I admitted. “It bothers me.” I studied Una. “You don’t like her?”

“No, I do—I think. There’s just something…” Una shrugged. “I can’t explain it.”

“I know. I feel it too at times, then wonder if I’m being too…” I trailed off.

Una nodded in understanding. Strangers made us both a little jumpy. Even seemingly friendly ones.

“She’ll be gone soon if she and her husband are buying the condo. You won’t have to see her again,” I offered. “Neither of us will.”

“Then let’s not worry about it,” Una said, sounding relieved.

“Good plan,” I replied.

Una looked around. “I’m going for a run tomorrow.” She pointed to the window. “Outside. I’m tired of running on the treadmill.”

I lifted my eyebrows. “Does Finn know that?”