“I don’t know...” He saw her skepticism. “Seriously... I don’t know what it is. I tried to explain it to Nana, but I couldn’t. I’m feeling restless, but I don’t know why. Anxious, but I don’t know for what.” He took a sip from his glass. “It’s like...nothing feels satisfying to me anymore. I’m not as sad as I used to be, but I’m not happy, either. I’m in this weird okay land. It’s not necessarily bad. I’m not hurting. I’m just not feeling...anything.”

Mary and Bridget glanced at each other across the bar. They were probably just as surprised as he was by this little speech. He pushed on, needing to just get it out. “Work is okay. I’m paying the bills. Clients are happy.” He looked around the pub. It was still early, so it was nearly empty. But after dinner—once the music started—it would be hopping with locals and tourists. “I enjoy working the bar on Fridays. It’s something different from the rest of the week. I know what I’m doing. We have good friends here. But...it’s not like it’s my passion or anything. It’s a job. I don’t hate it. It’s...”

“Okay?” Mary’s voice was low and soft. He nodded, sitting back in his seat.

“The dinner dates I go on are nice enough. Some are better than others, but none of them are exactly exciting. But that’s on me, not the women. Most of them are great, and I like the companionship, but...”

Bridget made a face. “Oh, please tell me you don’t mention companionship to your dates. If you want companionship, go get a dog.”

“I know how to behave like a gentleman, Bridget.” He emptied his glass as a group of diners came in. “Looks like you’ll be needed in the kitchen soon. Don’t worry about me. I’m just having a moody Friday.”

Bridget patted his hand before turning for the kitchen. “Well, I hope you can snap out of it. Baby Moira was fussy tonight, so Finn is staying with her instead of getting a sitter. It’s just you and Timothy on the bar while I handle the kitchen. Kelly’s working the tables.”

He grinned. “Being crazy-busy sounds like just the ticket. I’ll be fine. And holler if you need help in the kitchen—I took a few shifts while you were on maternity leave and no one died.”

He moved to the business side of the bar and took a quick inventory. As usual, everything was in order. Bridget ran a tight ship.

Mary continued to stare at him after Bridget left. Finally he rolled his eyes and turned to his twin.

“What?”