Lacie walked into Jake’s Irish Pub later that afternoon. She’d passed it hundreds of times, but had never actually ventured inside.
It was nothing like she’d expected it to be. Dark wood gleamed, accentuated by polished brass. The room was filled with the aromas of pipe smoke and lemon oil, mixed in with the heady scents of finely aged spirits. The bar took up half of the primary room, with comfortable-looking padded stools inviting patrons to step up and take a load off. Toward the back was a smaller room, only partially separated from the main area by a half-wall. There appeared to be tables there, old-fashioned high-backed booths, and a small stage. From somewhere farther out of her immediate line of sight came the muted sounds of billiards.
Behind the bar, countless shelves held bottles in every possible color size and shape, reflecting like stained glass in the mirrors behind them. Soft, muted lighting gave everything a decidedly homey feel, whether from the recessed tracks cleverly hidden above or the antique-looking brass lanterns spaced along the walls. In every corner, a flat screen was suspended, each showing a different sports-based channel.
The place was immaculate and well-kept. For someone who had never stepped foot in a bar before and was unsure what to expect, Lacie was pleasantly surprised and felt instantly at home.
*
Jake took one look at the young woman taking in every detail of his Pub with wide-eyed wonder and unmasked curiosity. Even without the tell-tale pink cast, he would have known exactly who she was. With the conservative skirt and blouse, the soft blonde waves held in check at the back of her neck, and a presence that exuded a patient gentleness, he would recognize Shane’s croie anywhere. She was perfect for his soft-spoken, organized younger brother.
The Pub wasn’t crowded at this hour, just a couple of locals. More would be stopping in as it got closer to evening. Those who were already there regarded the newcomer with interest. A woman like Lacie would have stood out, even if she hadn’t been standing in the middle of the bar looking around as she was. Jake chuckled.
“Looking for someone, sweetheart?” one of the patrons asked, rising from his stool. Jake allowed it. Stan Campbell was well into his seventies and a real old-fashioned gentleman.
“Yes, actually,” she said, smiling at Stan. “Shane Callaghan?”
Stan chuckled. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. Can’t shake a stick without hitting a Callaghan boy,” he winked. “No guarantee it’ll be the right one, though.”
She laughed easily, her eyes sparkling even as a hint of color rose in her cheeks. Jake instantly liked her, and decided to take pity on her.
“You must be Lacie,” he said, emerging from behind the bar. “I’m Jake.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Jake. This is a beautiful place.”
He acknowledged the compliment with a nod and a smile. “First time?”
“That obvious, huh?” she grinned. “I’m afraid my sister and I grew up with the ‘nice girls don’t go to bars’ lesson drilled into us from our father.”
“Smart man,” Stan nodded approvingly.
“I don’t think this is the kind of place he was talking about, though,” Lacie said, her eyes meeting Jake’s head-on for a long moment before taking in the room again. “This is really nice.”
The fact that she was able to look him in the eye without turning away was an encouraging sign; Callaghan women had to be made of strong stuff, regardless of how docile they appeared on the outside.
“Thanks,” Jake replied. “Shane’s not here, but I’m expecting him shortly. You’re welcome to wait for him.”
She looked around uncertainly. “Well, I really just wanted to give him something...” She pulled out the small notecard and handed it to Jake. He looked down at it, saw it sealed with stickers, and grinned.
“Sure. But before you leave, my wife would love to meet you. Do you mind?”
*
Caught by surprise – why would Jake Callaghan’s wife want to meet her? – she fumbled for words.
“Shane mentioned that you were the Kindergarten teacher, and our daughter Riley will be starting next year,” he explained. “My wife Taryn is a little anxious about the whole thing. Maybe meeting you will help.”
Lacie relaxed instantly. “Of course. I would love to. Your first, I take it?”
Jake nodded. “It’s always harder on the parents than on the kids,” she told him truthfully.
“Come on,” he encouraged, leading her to the private kitchen in the back and doing a few quick introductions. “Lacie, my wife, Taryn. Taryn, baby, this is Lacie McCain,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “I told her you were a little anxious about Riley starting school next year.”