‘Are you asking me on a date?’

Ruby shook her head. ‘I wouldn’t dare. The competition’s far too stiff.’ She shot a glance at Imelda, who glared back at her.

‘So why am I going?’

‘To be honest, I’m worried that Marty’s bright idea to open up Larkins to young singles is a recipe for disaster. It’s always been just families – nice and friendly – no trouble other than the occasional lost child and that granny who got tipsy on Campari and stood on a table in the entertainment lounge waving her roll-on girdle. These youngsters have a different idea of fun. They drink more than they can handle and that’s when the problems start. We’ve already had a couple of dodgy incidents in the bar and the staff aren’t happy. This weekend almost half the new guests are groups of singles. The disco will be their first chance to let their hair down, and I just want to make sure that there’s no trouble.’

Cillian flexed his biceps. ‘So, what? I’m to be the hired muscle?’

Ruby laughed, a little embarrassed. ‘Well, yes, except you won’t get paid any extra. I know it’s cheeky to ask but I need some real men around to keep the boys and girls in order.’

‘What about Marty? Will he be on security duty too?’

Ruby snorted. ‘I said men, not mummy’s boys! But if you see Titus before I do, would you ask him too?’

‘It’ll be my pleasure. But on one condition: that Imelda comes too. I’ll ask her for the last dance. The guy who gets the last dance always gets to kiss the girl.’

‘Again?’ Ruby asked with a grin, as she got up and left them alone. As soon as Ruby had gone, and before Imelda had the chance to say anything at all, Cillian kissed her. Again.

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Now