I didnt mean to snoop, she said with a light laugh. Im just a curious person. I always have been.
He shrugged. Its not finished yet.
I know, Amy said, picking up the pages and flipping through them. If you ask me, the book needs a bit more depth. I wanted to know more about the personal lives of these men, what they wanted to be when they grew up, what their dreams were. Why they decided that fishing was their only option in life. And their wives and their friends, I wanted to know them, too. Did you ever think about interviewing them? It might add more color to your story. She stopped short, realized that she might have insulted him. Why was she always so quick to give her opinion, even when it wasnt requested? Not that it needs more color. Its very colorful as it is. She drew a deep breath. I really dont know what Im talking about, so just ignore me. Besides being a snoop, I often stick my foot in my mouth.
Brendan stared at her for a long moment. You know something about writing, he said. You have good instincts.
She smiled at the compliment. I studied American literature in college. The smile wavered. Before I dropped out, that is. And I read a lot. Fashion magazines, mostly. It wouldnt do for him to think she was too smart. He might start to ask questions.
Where did you go to college? Brendan asked as he moved to pour himself a mug of coffee.
A small junior college near Los Angeles, Amy lied. She made a mental note to keep her story straight. Her family was on the West Coast, though she hadnt named a definite location. Now, she claimed to attend a nameless junior college in California. You know, I could help you with your book. I noticed that you have all these notes and theyre very disorganized. I could type and proofread and make suggestions. I could be your assistant.
He laughed. I dont need an assistant, Brendan said, raking his hands through his hair as he took a place across the table from her.
She picked up the notes hed scribbled on Longliner cocktail napkins. I think you do. From what I can tell, you still need to check facts and there are some gaps in your research. And once you finish this book, you must have other projects. I could help you with all of that. Besides you do owe me.
His eyebrow rose. Owe you?
Its because of you that I lost my job. And my place to stay.
He stared at her for a long moment and hope began to grow in her heart. Was he actually considering her proposal? And if she did become his assistant, did that mean she could continue to stay on his boat? All right, he finally said. Just for grins, lets say I did need an assistant. What sort of compensation would you expect?
Three hundred dollars a week, Amy said firmly. Cash. Plus a place to stay.
Brendan shook his head. Three hundred dollars a week? Im not a rich man. Besides, if I paid you that much, then Id sure as hell want to deduct it on my taxes. One hundred dollars a week in cash.
Two-fifty, Amy countered, then quickly amended it to two hundred. Cash and a place stay. And thats my final offer.
Two hundred cash and a place to stay?
Yes, she said. Thats what I was making at the bar.
Brendan drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. Amy waited, silently praying that she hadnt made a mistake by asking for too much. All right, he said. But for two hundredcashyou do anything I ask.
She frowned, her eyes narrowing. Oh, no, Amy said, pushing to her feet. I may be desperate, but Im not that
Thats not what I mean, Brendan said.
What do you mean?
Im not talking about sexual favors, he replied. If youre going to be my assistant, then I may ask you to take care of some things that might not be writing-related. Like grocery shopping or running errands or cleaning up the galley. An assistant needs to be prepared to do anything to make a writers life easier.
I can do that, Amy said.
And you sleep in your own cabin. Ill get you some new blankets and a space heater. And you ask before you snoop through my things. I value my privacy. Im not used to having people around and I dont want you to get underfoot.
All right, Amy said. Though she made the promises, she didnt intend to keep all of them. Shed always been a naturally curious person, so snooping was part of her nature. She was also gregarious, so getting underfoot was just her way of socializing. And after one night in Brendan Quinns bed, Amy had the distinct impression that it wouldnt be her last. But I have one request. I mean besides two hundred a week and a place to stay and a new down comforter of my own.
What is that? Brendan asked.
She stared down at her coffee mug, trying to decide exactly what to tell him. Or whether to tell him at all. If anyone comes around here, looking for me, no matter who it is, I want you to say that you dont know me and that youve never seen me before in your life. Can you do that?
Someones going to come here looking for you? he asked. Who?
Never mind, she said. Can you do that for me?
Whats this all about? Brendan asked, a suspicious edge to his voice. Are you in trouble with the law?
No. I can honestly say, swear to God, that Im not in trouble with the law. Its just a private matter that will work itself out over time.
All right, Brendan said. Its a deal.
With a tiny scream of joy, Amy jumped up and grabbed him across the table, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a fierce hug. I would have done it for nothing, she cried. Anything so I wouldnt have to take another waitressing job. She stepped back. But Ill do a good job. I swear. You wont have any complaints.
I hope not, Brendan murmured. He picked up his coffee and stood as if he needed to put some space between them.
Amy gave him an apologetic smile. Right. Youre a very private person and I probably shouldnt have done that.
Brendan turned and grabbed a leather case from a locker in the main cabin and set it on the table. You can use this laptop, he said. You do know how to use a computer, dont you?
Of course, she replied, unzipping the case.
He grabbed two microcassettes and a recorder from the counter in the galley and set them down beside the case. These need to be transcribed. Typed, doubles-paced. After youre done with that, you can arrange these interview notes by subject. Then you can take this list and run to the grocery store. Were going to be working late and well need a lot of coffee. And youll need to buy whatever you like to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Can you cook?
No. But I have a very good instinct for takeout. I can tell by just reading the menu whether the food will be great or mediocre. Youre paying for my meals, right?
Brendan chuckled. You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Aldrich.
She sent him a sly grin. I suppose I do, Mr. Quinn.
Ive got to run into Boston, Brendan said. Ill be back sometime later this afternoon. He reached in his wallet and pulled out fifty dollars. For the groceries. With that, he took his coffee and walked back to his cabin. When she heard the door snap shut behind him, Amy did a little jig around the room, giggling with excitement.
This was perfect. It was everything she could have hoped for. She had a job and a nice place to stay. Her employer was just about the most handsome man shed ever met. And though he refused to admit it, there was a tiny spark of attraction between them. Who knows where that might lead, she mused. Wherever it eventually did lead, it sure would be an adventure getting there!
BRENDAN HEFTED the box of books onto his shoulder, balancing it carefully before he started up the front steps of Dylans flat. This will be something new, he called to Conor. Books in Dylans apartment. I guess hell have to throw away his collection of girlie magazines to make room.
Meggie Flanagan, Dylans fiancée, stood on the porch, her hands braced on her hips, her cheeks rosy from the cold. We already got rid of them, she teased, slapping Brendans arm playfully as he passed. Now if I could only get rid of that awful leather recliner, Id be happy.
Dylan emerged from the front door and grabbed her from behind, giving her a playful kiss on the neck. I havent really showed you what we can do in that recliner, he teased. You may come to appreciate it much more.
Moving day had been planned for almost two weeks and it was a tradition in the Quinn family that hiring professional movers was a waste of moneyespecially when a guy had five strong and willing brothers to do the job. It had never been a chore, since the six brothers enjoyed each others companyand they didnt change their addresses that often. Besides Brendan hadnt seen any of his brothers since Conor and Olivias wedding and it was nice to catch up.
Brendan grinned at Meggie. Yeah, wait till he shows you how he can balance a beer can on one arm and a bowl of chips on the other while he wields the remote. Youll never love him more.
Meggies giggle followed him as he slowly climbed the stairs to the second-floor flat. Though Brendan hated to admit it, the more time he spent with Dylan and Meggieand Conor and Oliviathe more he was beginning to feel like an outsider in his own family. Just a few months ago, all six Quinn brothers were happily unattachedand planning to stay that way. Now, it was as if some disease had befallen the two oldest sons. Conor had already made a trip to the altar and Dylan was due to march to his doom sometime in June. But they didnt act like men who had succumbed to some disaster. Instead, they behaved as if they shared a special secret that they werent telling anyone else.
Brendan certainly didnt begrudge his brothers their happiness. But he had to wonder how they could have turned from confirmed bachelors into lovestruck fools in such a short time. Brendan couldnt imagine the same thing happening to him. Hed always been able to keep the women in his life in proper perspective separate from his career and the life he had chosen to lead. He had thought his brothers possessed the same talent, but hed obviously been wrong.
You havent said much today, Conor commented, stepping up behind him to help him lower the box of books to the floor. Everything going all right with the book?
Fine, Brendan said, wiping his hands on the thighs of his jeans.
No problems getting it all done?
Not anymore. Ive hired an assistant to help me out.
Conor blinked in surprise. Youve never had an assistant before, he said. Why now?
Brendan smiled. He really hadnt intended to tell anyone about Amy. But there were certain concerns he had, concerns that Conor, a police detective, might help to alleviate. She just stumbled across my path and she needed a job, so I gave her one.
Conor stared at him for a long moment, then walked into the kitchen and retrieved a couple of bottles of beer from the refrigerator. Using the front of his T-shirt, he twisted one open and handed it to Brendan, then opened the other for himself. You just gave her a job?
Brendan nodded, taking a quick sip of the cold beer. Even though the temperature outside was below freezing, climbing up and down the stairs with heavy boxes had worked up a decent sweat. Yeah, I know it sounds a little rash. But I was partly responsible for getting her fired from her regular job. And getting her kicked out of the room she was renting. I felt a responsibility to give her a place to stay for the night. He shrugged. Then, all of a sudden, she talked me into offering her a job. I pay her in cash, give her a place to stay and shes at my beck and call.