In Too Deep

Their mom scoffed. As if Ronan was incapable of doing anything honorable.

Anger bubbled up in her chest. “As a matter of fact, he was. He didn’t like seeing some other guy wrap an arm around me because we’re seeing each other.”

Erin let out a whoop and her mother froze. Even Dad looked up from the paper.

With all eyes on her, she swallowed. “No, we’re more than seeing each other. We’re a couple and we’re in love.”

She held her breath after the last words rushed out, waiting for a reaction.

Nothing. They just looked at her for a few seconds. Her dad opened the cookie container and grabbed one.

“Well,” her mom said. “There’s something to be said for a man who would protect a woman he cares about.”

“What do you mean?” Erin said. “That’s downright hot.”

Chloe stifled a laugh as Mom said, “Erin.”

“What? We’re all adults here.”

Mom simply shook her head and sipped her coffee. Chloe waited. She knew better than to think this was over.

“Are you happy?” Mom asked.

“Yes.”

“That’s all that matters, then. I can’t make decisions for you. Would I choose such a man for my daughter? No. But he works a job and seems to care for his family.”

“He does.” She nodded. “I’m going to get a cup of coffee now.”

“Good. Then you can fill us in on the details of this secret relationship you’ve been having,” Erin said.

In the kitchen, as she filled her cup, her father walked in. He set his cup next to hers for a refill.

“Does he treat you right?” Dad asked.

“Yes.”

“Then I guess he’s better than Tim.”

Her father didn’t talk much, and she hadn’t thought he considered anything about her breakup with Tim. But thinking back now, she realized that he had been happy when Tim was gone.

“You know about Tim?”

He picked up his cup. “I know that when you were with Tim, the light in your eyes was dimmed. Like your mother said, we can’t make choices for you. But lately, I see your bright eyes again, and that’s enough for me.”

He left the room and Chloe took a shaky breath. For so long, she’d been keeping so much of herself hidden out of fear. But the people who cared about her saw through. It was time to be herself. She wasn’t quite ready to tell them what happened with Tim. After talking with Ronan, the next time would be easier. But today wasn’t the time.

When she took her seat at the table again, she said, “I’m going across the street for Nessa Doyle’s birthday party. That’s what the extra cookies are for.”

“Is there anything else?” her mom asked.

“I’ve been thinking about my job.”

“You’re finally getting a new one?” her mother asked hopefully.

“Not exactly. As you know, Mr. Byrne is semi-retired. Mrs. Byrne wants him to sell the bar. I wanted to talk to you about helping me buy it.”

Her father put his paper down again. Her mom followed suit with her cup of coffee.

“You want to buy the bar?” Mom asked.

“Yes. I know you think the job is beneath me, but a business owner is a step up, right?” she said with a smile. Then she sighed. “I love it there. And since it’s an established business, it’s not as risky as starting a new venture. I know almost everything about running it.”

Her parents were silent.

“I don’t need a decision this second. But I’d like it if you’d think about it. I don’t need your help running the business, but I’ll need a co-signer for a loan.”

“It would be a good investment,” her father said. “I’ll talk to Alastair and see what kind of numbers he’s thinking.”

“Really?”

“We’ll have to talk some more, but we can look into it.”

Chloe smiled. That’s more than she’d been hoping for.