“Oh, you’re one of those unfortunate souls with weird tastebuds.”

I chuckle and shake my head. “Come on. We have work to do. Unless you’d rather go home for the night.”

“No.” She squares her shoulders. “Like you said, we have work to do. My mother doesn’t have the privilege of interfering in my life anymore.”

I follow her down to the pub, relieved when no one stands to make a big deal out of the earlier scene. We easily slip back into our roles, me pulling taps, and Izzy seeing to her tables. My da offers me a wink as he pulls the handle for the Guinness.

“Everything okay, then?”

“It is.”

And that’s all that’s said about it for the rest of the evening.

“Good morning, my love,” Ma says as she and Da walk into the pub the next morning. Despite a long workday yesterday, they’re both fresh as can be and look ready to start another busy day.

“And a good morning to you.” I kiss Ma’s cheek and then hug my father. “You do know that you don’t have to come in every single day. You can enjoy your time here on the island without working it away.”

“We enjoy it,” Ma replies. “And I want to get a batch of apple muffins into the oven this morning for you.”

“I don’t want you to work too hard.”

She pats my cheek and then saunters off to the kitchen. “Don’t you worry about me, Keegan. I’m doing exactly what I want to do.”

“And she always does,” Da says with a smile as he watches her walk away. “I’m going to Shawn’s in a bit to help him with a project at the house. But your mother wanted to come in and get some baking done and start on the stew and meat pies.”

“There’s nothing like having Ma in the kitchen,” I admit. “Maggie’s wonderful, and her stew is delicious, but it isn’t the same. Don’t ever tell her I said that.”

Da laughs and pats me on the shoulder. “I understand your meaning, son. Fiona has a way with food. I think it’s the love she pours into it. She’s been looking forward to being here for weeks, just so she can spend her days back there. But don’t worry, I’m keeping an eye on her. If I think she’s overextending herself, I’ll say so.”

“I know. And now I’ll sound like a hypocrite because I need to ask you a favor.”

“Anything, if it’s in my power. You know that.”

“I need you to cover the bar for me tonight.”

His brow furrows in surprise. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, everything’s fine. I’m just taking Izzy out on a date.”