Read Online The Mighty Quinns: Kellan by Kate Hoffmann - Free Book Online Page B

a sharp breath. Was he referring to the kiss they’d shared all those years before? Did he remember her? She’d been so young. Eleven years old and all arms and legs. And so flat-chested she was sure she’d never grow breasts.
    “Sure,” Gelsey said. “It’s always very clumsy at first. But you obviously got the hang of it. In fact, you’re quite an expert now.”
    She glanced into a shop window as they passed by and then stopped short. “Look,” she said, pointing to the hand-lettered sign: Help Wanted. Enquire Within. Gelsey stepped back to look at the sign hung above the door. “Maeve Dunphrey’s Potions and Lotions,” she read.
    “You don’t want to go in there,” Kellan said.
    “It looks nice. And she’s looking for help.”
    “Trust me, there are lots of other places that would be better suited.”
    “But this looks like fun. She sells soap and hand lotion and perfumes. I know about those things.”
    “All right. But before you go in, you should know that she’s crazy. A complete nutter. Gone in the head. She thinks she’s a Druid priestess. She makes all sorts of potions. She almost poisoned Billy Murphy with a love potion once.”
    “Really?” Gelsey reached for the door. “She sounds very interesting.”
    “And I doubt that she has any money to pay you. She barely scrapes by and no one really visits her shop anymore. Those who do, buy her things just to be charitable.”
    “Then she really needs my help,” Gelsey said. She pulled the door open and stepped inside. It was apparent from the outset why her shop wasn’t doing well. It was a top-to-bottom mess. Beautiful old display cases were overflowing with jars and tins and boxes of homemade beauty products. Some looked as though they’d been there for years and others were wrapped in brightly colored paper and tied with little bits of string.
    “Hello.” An elderly woman dressed in a long tapestry robe appeared from the back of the shop. “Welcome.” She tipped her head and smiled, blinking at Gelsey through horn-rimmed glasses. “You must be the one they’ve been talking about. The one who came to us from the sea.”
    “And you must be the priestess,” Gelsey replied.
    “That I am.” Maeve motioned her forward. “Let’s have a look at you. I must say, I have been a bit curious since I first heard your story from Doc Finnerty. He comes in for my sea-salt scrub. His wife loves it for her feet. Keeps them soft.”
    Maeve made a careful study of Gelsey, then nodded. “You’re quite a beauty. I expected nothing less. It’s a fortunate thing Kellan found you when he did.”
    “I’d like to inquire about the job,” Gelsey said. “The sign in your window says you need help. And I think I could help you.”
    “Oh, dear. That sign has been there forever. And you’re the first person who’s come in.”
    “What are the job requirements?”
    Maeve looked around. “I suppose organization would be crucial. As you can see, I’m not much with that. I need someone who is creative. I’ve always thought I could do a better job with my displays, but I haven’t the patience or the time.”
    “I could do that for you,” Gelsey said.
    “I can’t pay much and I’m not sure how long I’m going to keep the shop. I’ve wanted to sell it for a while now, and move to Galway to live with my sister. But with help, I might be able to shine the place up a bit.”
    “I’m your girl,” Gelsey stated.
    Maeve reached out and took her hand. “I do believe you are.”
    “When would you like me to start?”
    “How about next week? We’re closed on Mondays, so Tuesday morning. How is ten?”
    “I’ll be here at nine,” Gelsey said. She shook Maeve’s hand, but then couldn’t control herself and threw her arms around the elderly woman. “You won’t regret this. I promise.” Embarrassed, Gelsey stepped back. “Sorry. I’m just very excited. I didn’t expect it would be this simple.”
    “Yes. Well, having a mermaid in the shop