Read Online Wednesday's Child by Clare Revell - Free Book Online Page B

thought. “No. It’s not even ringing any bells. Why?”
    “They’ve rung twice now asking for you. Maybe you’re being head-hunted.”
    “Not likely. Can you find out about them for me—see if they’ve got a website? Just don’t give them my number until I know a little more about them. I’ll be in the office at some point tomorrow, to draw these plans up. And before you ask, no I’m not thinking of moving on.”
    “Miss Dorne?” Mr. Forbes appeared in her field of vision.
    “I’ve got to go, Eve. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow. Bye.” She closed the phone and slid it into her pocket. “I was just coming to find you. Would you like to see what I have come up with so far?”
     
    ****
     
    Liam arrived just after six.
    Jacqui answered the door, still dressed in jeans and she promptly got flustered. “Hi…I, ummm, I’m not ready yet. I still need to change.”
    “I know I’m early. I’m sorry.”
    “Yeah, you said seven. It’s only six.”
    “When you’re with me, you’re on Irish time.” He laughed. “You’re just fine for what I have in mind. Have you been to the steam fair yet?”
    “No. It’s not something I ever fancied doing on my own.”
    “Would you come with me? I used to go each year with Niamh before she got married. Now she’d rather go with Jared, and it’s just not the same going as a threesome, or even going with Patrick. Mind you, Patrick’s a workaholic—hardly ever takes a day off.”
    He’d never gone with Sally.
    “So I’m your third choice?” Her eyes sparked and there was a hint of a teasing tone in her voice, but he wasn’t sure and hesitated.
    “No. For one thing you’re far prettier than Patrick.”
    “Thank you—I think. Sure, I’ll come with you. I should change first though.”
    Liam shook his head. “Really you look fine. So, how did your day go?”
    “Fine. Come in a sec while I find my shoes.” She grabbed her trainers and sat on the floor to tie them. “Mr. Forbes liked my ideas. I’ll spend tomorrow in the office to draw up the plans. I can get the plants and so on fairly fast so should be able to start on Thursday.”
    “Wow. You don’t hang around, do you? What do you have planned?”
    “That would be telling. You’ll just have to wait and see like everyone else.”
    Liam laughed. “Fair enough.”
    Jacqui stood. “Right, I’m ready.”
    “Then let’s go. Thought we’d walk as it’s a nice evening and it’s not far.” He opened the front door for her and followed her out.
     
    ****
     
    Jacqui had hoped Liam would hold her hand as they walked and was disappointed that he didn’t.
    They could hear the music from two streets away. The huge rides and shows spread out all across Victoria Park with colored lights dancing in the air.
    Jacqui pulled out her purse as they reached the payment booth.
    Liam’s hand closed over her wrist.
    “Liam?”
    “I’ll pay. I asked you, remember? I can’t ask someone out, even on a ‘just friends date’, and expect her to go Dutch. Or offer to pay for us both before you say anything.”
    “And you bought dinner the other night. Both dinners come to think of it.”
    “And? Please don’t tell me you’re one of those women who don’t like men paying for stuff when they go out.”
    “It’s my turn to pay for something. It has to be. Isn’t that what friends do?”
    “Aye, but I’m paying this time. Don’t argue with me, Miss Jacqui, as no one wins an argument with me.”
    “Is that so?” She moved up in the queue. “Has anyone ever tried?”
    “Several times, but puppy dog eyes have been known to break down my resistance on occasion.”
    Jacqui immediately turned puppy dog eyes on him.
    His laughter was infectious.
    She laughed with him.
    “Fine, Miss Jacqui, you can buy the candy floss.” He handed over the entrance money.
    “Sounds good. You can’t go to the fair and not have candy floss.” She let Liam lead her inside the fairground. “So where first?”
    “That