Certain Sure by Reina M. Williams

can manage out here.”
     
    Katie exhaled a shaky breath when she reached the sanctuary of the kitchen. She felt inept both because she couldn’t handle the situation herself and because she didn’t even thank Fin for his help. As she washed dishes and cleaned, Katie tried to think of how she could thank Fin and hoped for an opportunity to talk to him later.
     
    By twelve, Katie, Fin, and her dad were the only ones left in the pub. Katie and Fin finished cleaning and restocking for the next day while her dad sat having a pint--one too many in Katie’s opinion--talking to them.
     
    “Katie, I’m sorry I was hard on you. Fin told me what happened.”
     
    “It’s okay, Dad, I shouldn’t have let it get to me. Sally wouldn’t.”
     
    “Fin took care of it. You did real well tonight, me boy. Even Jim complimented you, and he’s not one for praise. What did you think?”
     
    “I really like it, thanks. Could we talk about the details tomorrow?” Fin yawned.
     
    “Of course. I have something I want to propose to you. But we should get home now, kids.”
     
    He stood up slowly and Katie and Fin followed him during the closing up, Katie to be sure he didn’t forget anything. Katie’s dad kept up a flow of talk on the ride home which Katie didn’t pay much attention to, alone in the back seat. All the time she’d had to think, between the mindless kitchen chores and this, wasn’t helping her mood. She tended to let her negative thoughts run on and on and Katie was to the point where she wanted to cry. She tried to talk herself out of it as they went into the house. Saying goodnight to her dad and Fin, she trudged to the kitchen for a drink of water. As she leaned by the sink drinking, Fin came in, stretching. He appeared so spruce and cheerful, while Katie felt grimy and tearful.
     
    “Are you sure you’re okay, Katie?” Fin walked over, putting a hand on her arm. His touch warmed her. Her breath caught for an instant. “You’ve been awfully quiet, even for you.”
     
    Katie studied his concerned face and burst into tears. Fin pulled her to him, holding her gently. Katie sniffed and sighed into his firm chest. An unexpected calm enveloped her in his embrace, yet guilt gripped her for her upset, when he was the one going through the rough time. Pushing herself away to get a handkerchief out of her pocket, she gave Fin a watery smile.
     
    “Sorry. I shouldn’t be crying on you when you’re the one who should be upset, with your dad throwing you out and all.” Katie knew as the words left her mouth she’d said the wrong thing again. Fin tensed and stepped back.
     
    “I’m sorry, Fin. I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I meant I was being stupid and…”
     
    Fin held up a hand. “No worries. Well, it’s late and I’m sure you want to get to bed. Rose’ll have you up early, no doubt.” He sounded so flippant she thought maybe he didn’t really care.
     
    “Okay, but I hope you know how grateful I am for everything tonight,” she said.
     
    Fin shrugged saying “No problem, goodnight” and turned to get a glass down from the cabinet.
     
    “Goodnight,” Katie said as she went out to go up to bed. She frowned to herself, not sure what to make of Fin’s reaction. Katie only knew she wished she hadn’t said anything, but had stayed in Fin’s arms instead.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
     
     
    Katie stood at the stove the next morning, cooking pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Katie’s mom had left for work. Fin was still in bed, Katie guessed. Her dad sat at the table reading the paper, a cup of coffee in hand, while Rose cut up strawberries at the island counter.
     
    “Good morning,” Fin said jauntily as he entered the room. Katie’s stomach jumped. He kissed the top of Rose’s head, who proudly showed him all the strawberries she’d sliced. “Sorry if I overslept.”
     
    “You didn’t. Mavis and Rose can’t let Katie and I sleep, but insisted