She dashed out the way she’d dashed in and left Darcy rubbing her mouth. “And what was all that about?”

“I haven’t a clue. But she’s something up her sleeve, and Shawn’s not to know.”

“Secrets. I could get it out of her in five minutes.”

“No doubt you could,” Aidan agreed. “But let’s let her have her surprise.”

“I’ve already had mine.” Darcy went behind the bar for her change apron. “She’s in love with him.”

“Does that trouble you?”

“No, but for the fact that the Gallaghers are tumbling like ripe fruit from a tree.”

Aidan moved behind the bar with her to check the till. “Afraid it’s catching, darling?”

“I would be, was I not immune to such weaknesses.” She heard the back door open again. “And speaking of clueless, there’s himself now.” Filled with affection and sentiment, Darcy headed for the kitchen to torment her brother.

“What do you mean I can go?” Up to his elbows in potatoes, Shawn turned his head to stare at Aidan. “Go where?”

“On your way. Kathy Duffy’ll be right along.”

“Well . . . why?”

“To cover for you.” Aidan had thought of a way, and saw no reason not to have a little fun at his brother’s expense while he was about it. “You have the evening off as you asked. Though it’s damned inconvenient.”

Shawn shoved peelings into the garbage. “I never asked for the evening off.”

“Well, it must’ve been your evil twin, then, or I’ve just had a brainstorm.” Fixing a scowl on his face, Aidan pulled open the refrigerator and plucked out a bottle of water. “I told you two days past when you asked that I’d work it out.”

“But I . . . you’ve been dreaming. I’ve ten pounds of potatoes here to deal with. Why would I be making stovies if I was planning on having the evening free?”

“That’s a question I can’t answer, but I’ve Kathy Duffy coming in, and there’s no need for both of you tonight.”

“I’ve no plans but to do my job here. You’ve mixed something up.”

Enjoying the timing, Aidan turned to Darcy as she came in. “Darcy, did Shawn ask for this evening free or did he not?”

“He did, a couple of days back. Selfish bastard.” Not one to let an opportunity pass, she flashed a challenging look at Aidan. “And since you’re so bloody accommodating with our brother, I’m wanting Saturday afternoon off for myself.”

“Saturday afternoon.” Aidan nearly choked on his water. “You can’t have a weekend day off as we’re heading into spring.”

“Oh, so it’s all right for him.” She pointed a finger toward a baffled Shawn. “But it’s a different matter entirely for me.”

“I don’t need the evening off.”

“You’ve got it,” Aidan snapped, and ground his teeth as Darcy folded her arms. “A weekday evening’s a different matter from a weekend afternoon.”

“All right, fine, then. I’ll take the evening off Monday next. Unless me being female means I don’t get the same considerations as this one.” Satisfied that she’d boxed Aidan in, she flounced out.