Just at that, Lee came back with the tray of drinks. She set down Mack’s pint and handed Nikki her glass of wine, extremely carefully.

“Thank you, Lee. I was just telling my cousin how well you were doing on your first week.”

“Yeah? Really?” Lee blushed and put down Dexter’s bowl of water.

“Absolutely. Excellent work,” Nikki said. “Off you go then.”

Lee ruffled Dexter’s ears, then stood.

“Could you keep an eye on him, Lee,” Mack said, “in case he wanders off?”

“No problem.”

Once she left, Mack shook her head and laughed. “Seriously, is she why you’re in here instead of meeting me at the office?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. She’s probably ten years too young for me. Just having a little fun. Besides, I’ve been stuck in offices for all of my business trip, and back at home, it’s more relaxing to work here.”

“And fun?” Mack asked.

Nikki laughed. “Yes, you are right. Anyway, I want to get home to Isy on time for dinner tonight. In the office there are always more emails, more files coming across my desk.”

“I’ll let you off then.”

Nikki took a sip of wine and said, “So how is the new shop looking?”

“Perfect. We’re ready to open tomorrow. I can’t thank you and Uncle Thomas enough for making this happen.”

Nikki reached forward. “We owe you more than we could repay, Mack. This time is for you. Take a step back, and enjoy what you want to do with your life.”

Mack leaned forward and looked at Nikki seriously. “You know I will be there if you need me, at a moment’s notice. I would go through it all again if it was needed by our family.”

“I know that. You’re a Sharkey and always will be. I don’t anticipate any problems. Things have been very quiet since our last dealings with Mr. Drury, but I have plans for him. I’m just letting things settle.”

“Uncle Thomas said Isy’s not any better.”

A painful look crossed Nikki’s face. “No, her anxiety is terrible. The last therapist said she has PTSD. Sometimes I don’t know what to say to her. I haven’t been around anyone with mental health issues before. It’s not the way you and I are wired. Stress is like water off a duck’s back to us. So I’m having to learn every day how to talk to her, how to help her, but I’m worried about her.”

“I’m here to help. I’ll do whatever I can to help,” Mack said.

“I know. It’s not just Isy. I’ve missed having my best friend with me. There’s no one I can talk to like you. Which is why I want you to lie low and enjoy your new start. I want you on the outside with me.”