Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
For a moment, the line was silent, then she spoke again.
“Are you still done?”
“Done and over.”
“Okay, then.”
“Sing for me tonight.”
“I will.”
“Is ceol mo chroí thú,” I murmured. Music of my heart. She always would be.
I hung up.
UNA
I hated that Finn was gone. And I hated the fact that I hated it even more. The hotel seemed dimmer, and somehow knowing he wasn’t checking on me occasionally made me feel oddly vulnerable.
He sounded so lost and alone on his call. A weakness I knew he would only allow me to see. I wished I could hold him. Let him rely on me for strength for a change.
I was tired of fighting my feelings. Fighting him. I hated his job, but I loved the man. He had been nothing but patient. Loving. Kind. Doing everything in his power to ensure my happiness, even as I kept him at arm’s length. His words, his powerful statements, rolled through my mind as I dressed.
“I’m half dead without you.”
“I’m done being patient.”
Not once, even the day I’d walked away from him, had he ever shown me anything but love. Understanding. And the bottom line was that I had accepted all his gestures, knowing deep in my heart why he was making them. Ever hopeful I would return to him. Waiting, his emotions on hold for me to grow up and realize that what I wanted was right in front of me.
That, between us, if I listened to him and we worked together, we would figure out our future.
I wiped away my tears. He was too far away for me to tell him. To apologize. To beg his forgiveness and let his love surround me. I had made him wait for so long, and I didn’t want him to wait anymore.
I knew in that moment I needed him as much as he needed me. I was his light, and he was the dark I was drawn to, because with him, I was safe.
The songs I chose that night were deep and sorrowful, the pain I was feeling bleeding through the notes my voice carried into the room. Roman Costas showed up at my dressing room door after the first show, looking concerned.
I was surprised to see him but allowed him entrance.
“Is there a problem?”
He frowned. “That’s what I’m here to find out. You sounded very emotional. You made my wife weep as you sang. Vi even got emotional, and that’s rare. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
He crossed his arms. “Miss Murphy, I was left with three very strict instructions from Finn. Take care of his casino. Make sure his territory remained peaceful in his absence, and above all, be certain Una Murphy was safe, protected, and happy. If I have to tell him you’re upset and despondent while under my watch, things aren’t going to go well for me.”
I waved him off. “Finn called and he was upset. I wish I were there.”
He studied me for a moment, then nodded as if making a decision.
“Would you join my wife and me for a drink before your next set? She would like to meet you, and I think you would like her. She is a ray of light in my life, maybe she can brighten yours today.”
Somehow I knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer, so I agreed. He excused himself, his phone pressed to his ear, and I took a moment to compose myself.
Then I joined Roman and his wife, Effie, for a drink. His right hand, Aldo, was present with his wife, Vi. She and Effie were obviously close although they were two exact opposites. Effie was petite, with long, dark hair and stunning blue eyes. She spoke quietly, but her smile could fill a room with light. She was kind and effusive, and her love for Roman was obvious. He, in turn, looked at her as if she was his entire world.
Vi was tall. She towered over me, and she had short hair that hugged her head and gleamed under the lights. She was funny and droll. Laughed loudly, teased Aldo and Roman. She praised my voice, informing Roman he should have me come to Niagara and give a special performance.
“She would pack the house!”
I smiled and waved off her praise. “I’m happy here.”
The others started bickering and teasing, but Effie leaned close, her voice a pleasant hum. “You don’t seem happy tonight, if I may be so bold. Roman told me your Finn is away, dealing with family issues. You are missing him?”
I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. But her blue eyes were kind and patient. Friendly.
I nodded. “He is, and I hate the fact that I’m here and he’s there. That I can’t do anything for him.” I rubbed my hands together. “Not that I could do much.”
“Your presence would be a great comfort to him, I’m sure.”