The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy

get you a beer, then, or some tea?”
    Their turf, Trevor reminded himself as he sat. “A beer’d be great, thanks.” He glanced at Jude. “How are you doing?”
    “Good.” She didn’t think he’d want her to mention she felt as if she had a semi parked on her bladder. “Aidan said you didn’t stop in the pub for lunch today. Why don’t I fix you a sandwich?”
    “I’m fine.” He reached over, laid his hand on hers. “Sit. I appreciate you all taking the time to meet with me on such short notice.”
    “It’s not a problem.” Aidan put the beer in front of Trevor, then sat. Head of the table. Advantage, Gallagher. And they all knew it. “Not a problem at all. Brenna tells us the building’s going up right on schedule, and I have to say that’s a bit of a surprise in these parts.”
    “I have a good foreman.” He toasted Brenna, then sipped. “I think we’ll be ready by next May.”
    “So long?” Darcy looked both shocked and horrified. “And will that noise be part of the whole for a year?”
    “What noise?” he replied nonchalantly. When she sputtered, he simply rolled over her. “I hope to scatter in a few performances, primarily for the locals, by next spring. Warm things up. But I’m aiming for the third week in June for the grand opening.”
    “Midsummer,” Darcy commented.
    “The middle of summer is July.”
    “Don’t you know your pagan calendar? Midsummer’s June twenty-second, and a fine choice. A night for celebrating. Jude had her first ceili on that night last year, and it turned out well, didn’t it, darling?”
    “Eventually. Why the month delay?” Jude asked him.
    “Basically to cover our asses, to build anticipation, to book acts, generate press. My plan is to have a small,intimate opening in May. Exclusive. Invited guests, which would include the village, family, and a select number of VIP’s.”
    “That’s very clever,” Darcy murmured.
    “It’s part of my job. It’ll generate interest, and publicity, in the official June opening. And give us time to tweak any details that need tweaking.”
    “Like a dress rehearsal.”
    He nodded at Darcy. “Exactly. I’d like your help with the guest list for the area.”
    “That’s as easily done as said,” Aidan told him.
    “And I’d like you to perform. The three of you.”
    Aidan reached for his own beer. “In the pub.”
    “Onstage,” Trevor corrected. “The main stage.”
    “In the theater?” Aidan set his beer down again without drinking. “Why?”
    “Because I’ve heard you, and you’re perfect.”
    “Well, now, Trev, that’s flattering to be sure.” Thoughtfully, Shawn reached for one of the tea biscuits Jude had set out. “But all you’ve heard from us is a bit of fun. It’s not as if we’re a professional act or anything of that nature. The kind you’re looking to have in your theater.”
    “You’re exactly what I’m looking for.” His gaze skimmed to Darcy, lingered a moment, then moved on. She’d yet to say a word. “Showcasing local talent is part of what this project is about. Mixing that, together with new and established acts. I can’t think of anything more appropriate than having the Gallaghers perform, and perform a selection of Shawn Gallagher’s music, at the first showing.”
    “Mine.” Shawn went very pale. “At such a time? I don’t mean to tell you your business, Trev, but that’s surely a mistake.”
    “It’s not.” Brenna rapped a fist on his shoulder. “It’s brilliant. It’s perfect. But you’ve only bought three of his tunes so far, Trev.”
    Trevor angled his head. “He’s only shown me three so far.”
    “There.” Brenna socked Shawn again, with more enthusiasm. “You moron. He’s dozens more. If you come by the house you can have a look. He can play them for you. He’s got his piano crammed in what there is of our front room already. And his fiddle and—”
    “Quiet,” Shawn muttered.
    “Don’t tell me to be quiet when—”
    “Quiet.” This time the order was sharp, and Brenna seethed, but subsided. “I have to think about it.” Flustered, he dragged a hand through his hair. “It’s a lot to think about.” At his wife’s annoyed hiss he simply looked at her. “Brenna.”
    She quieted. His look was a plea for patience and understanding. How could she refuse? “I’ll just say this. You’ve so much to give, Shawn, and it shouldn’t worry you. But the fact that it does is likely part of why you’re brilliant in the