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I froze.
“No, I’ll leave you to it. Goodbye, Evie,” Keir said.
“I insist. It’s the least I can do,” Patrick added. “Right, Evie?”
I looked back at both of them. “I’m sure he has stuff to do.”
“I do,” Keir said. “I should get going.”
“You can spare a few minutes.” Patrick held the door open. “Please.”
“A few minutes, perhaps.”
I glared at both of them.
Inside, the pub was decorated with white balloons and streamers. And above the bar, someone had hung a sign that readMr. and Mrs.in gold sparkly letters. People stood around in small groups socializing and snacking on hors d’oeuvres.
Shite.
I had all but forgotten about the engagement party.
Cormac hurried over to me. “I thought you might not come,” he said, kissing my cheek.
“I came straight from the airport.”
His breath already reeked of alcohol.
“Well, I want you to meet someone.” He took my hand and ushered me to the family booth in the back. Donovan was sitting there talking to some other men. “This is my cousin from Ireland. He’s out for a visit,” he said, bringing me forward.
My eyes scanned the table before stopping. A gentleman stood up and held out his hand, and I found myself face-to-face with Aidan O’Donnell.
“Aidan, this is my fiancée, Evie Young, and Evie, this is my cousin Aidan.”
My throat had gone completely dry, and I felt my stomach roll. Unsure of what to say, I just stood there like a dummy.
“It’s a pleasure, Evie,” Aidan said, raising his brow slightly.
“L-l-likewise.” I offered him my hand, and he took it, kissing my knuckles.
“Evie, you’re looking a bit pale,” Donovan spoke up.
“It was a long flight.”
“We weren’t sure if you were coming. I tried calling you, but Patrick said you most likely turned your phone off.”
“I was working,” I explained.
He held his hand out. “Give me your phone.”
“What?”
“Give me your phone.”
I took it out of my purse and handed it to him. He powered it on and gave it back to me. The screen lit up with dozens of missed texts and calls from both Cormac and himself.
“Don’t turn it off again. Ever. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes.” My cheeks burned with humiliation. Between the shock of seeing Aidan and Donovan’s scolding, the knot in my stomach grew. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll freshen up.”
