“I’ll get you some stew. I’m Maggie, by the way.”

“Izzy.” She smiles. “I’m Izzy.”

Maggie bustles to the kitchen to fetch the stew, and Izzy continues watching me.

“What’s your name?” she asks.

“Keegan O’Callaghan.”

“You’re a handsome one,” she says, then her eyes go wide. “And that’s the whiskey talking. But it’s true. But I’m off all men, so you’re safe from me. No need to throw me out or anything.”

I laugh and decide not to give her any more whiskey.

“I’m not throwing you out of here.”

“Good.”

Maggie returns with the stew, and Izzy digs in. “This is delicious.”

“Thanks.” Maggie smiles. “It’s a family recipe.”

“Our ma used to be in charge of the kitchen here at O’Callaghan’s,” I say.

“You two are siblings?” she asks.

“That’s right,” Maggie says. “And three others come in and out from time to time. Shawn and his wife are manning the kitchen today.”

“Where are the other two?” Izzy asks, seeming enthralled by the story.

“Kane is probably working on something in his barn,” I reply, “and Maeve is likely showing houses.”

“So, you all live around here?”

“Aye. Where are you from, Izzy?”

“Salem, just south of Portland.” She sighs. “And I’m not going back for a while.”

“What are you going to do?” Maggie asks.

“I don’t know.”

I’ve never been able to turn away someone in need. “I can use another waitress.”

Izzy’s eyes light up. “Really? Can I apply for the job? I know I’m not exactly dressed for an interview, but I’m a hard worker.”

“Have you waitressed before?”

Her expression falls. “No. But I learn fast, and I’m totally trustworthy. And I could really use the job.”

Maggie walks behind Izzy then gives me a grin and a thumbs-up. She wants me to hire her.

“Can you start this evening?”

“I can start right now.” She looks down at herself. “Wait. I don’t even have any clothes. I left the church so fast, I didn’t take anything but my purse with me.”

“I have some things you can borrow,” Maggie offers. “Keegan, I’d like to take her home so she can shower and get into something much more comfortable.”

“I can handle things here for a while.”

“Does that mean I can start tonight?” Izzy asks.

“I do believe you just got yourself a job,” I reply.

Izzy claps her hands and hops off her stool. “Thank you. So much. You won’t regret it.”

Six hours later, I already regret it.

Not having Izzy around. With all the makeup cleaned off her face, and after a shower and some clean clothes, she’s absolutely gorgeous. And she’s kind, funny, and good with the customers.

But she’s a horrible waitress.