Free A Celtic Knot by Ana Corman Page A

architectural marvel. My dads built the house in two identical wings. Each wing has four bedrooms, a sitting room, and a small kitchen. The focal point of the house is the common family room and huge kitchen, plus we have a big entertainment room, an exercise room, a library, and an indoor pool. Even with our own private wings we tend to spend whatever time we have together cocooned in the same room. I just wish I had more time to spend here.”
    “It sounds lovely.”
    Olivia was starting to recognize the aloof tone Catherine used when she became uncomfortable. “What about you, Catherine? Is your home your haven away from work?”
    Catherine hesitated. “It’s my oasis. It’s everything I want and need.”
    Olivia wished she could see Catherine’s eyes to try and understand what that really meant.
    “Did you enjoy the Chinese food the crazy roommates brought home for you?”
    “I sure did. I thoroughly enjoyed the fortune cookie they said you sent home for me.”
    “What did your fortune say?”
    “It said beware of a beautiful Irish woman with crystal blue eyes. She’ll challenge every fiber of your being.”
    “Liar.”
    “It’s all in the interpretation, my Irish friend. What it really said was you’re in for a wonderful surprise.”
    “Honestly?”
    “Honestly. I’ll show you the proof. What did your fortune say?”
    “It said to follow my heart.”
    “Now isn’t that interesting.”
    “Very. I’m putting it in the small treasure chest I keep on my desk with all my dreams and wishes. I’ll show it to you when you drop by the bookstore.”
    “Do you care to share any of the dreams and wishes you keep in your treasure chest?”
    “It’s an ever changing list but the current top three are my mom’s continued good health, the continued success of Cocoa Cream, and a trip to Paris. I’ve never been and would love to go someday.”
    “Your mom has certainly fulfilled her part. It sounds like Cocoa Cream is already a national treasure, so that leaves your trip to Paris. You’ve made the first two happen, so Paris should be a shoe-in.”
    “I really hope so. But if it doesn’t, I’m thrilled with the first two.” Catherine hesitated. “What’s in the top three on your wish list?”
    Olivia floated her hand through the sea of bubbles. “My current list is the safe arrival of my niece, a better balance between work and play, and last but not least a Maui vacation and an exotic island woman dressed only in a grass skirt serving me a tall icy Mai Tai.”
    Catherine laughed. “Your imagination knows no limits, Olivia. I like that. You must be starting to prune by now. Is the water getting chilly?”
    “A bit. I haven’t enjoyed a bath like this in a very long time. Thanks for joining me.”
    “Thanks for inviting me. Are you working this weekend?”
    “I’m afraid so. It’s my weekend on call. What about you?”
    “I’m opening the doors of the bookstore at seven a.m.”
    “Well then, I should let you go. Good night, Catherine.”
    “Good night, Olivia,” Catherine said, not wanting to hang up.

Fourteen

    O LIVIA WALKED ACROSS THE PARKING LOT to the large automatic glass doors. The patio tables across the front of the store were full of patrons enjoying their specialty drinks in the balmy evening air. She stopped in the entranceway and smiled at the plastic figurine of Friar Tuck dressed in a flowing green robe waving an Irish flag. He must have stood three feet tall and his chubby face and gregarious smile welcomed everyone.
    Moving through the glass doors, Olivia felt blanketed by the smell of freshly ground coffee and the hum of excited voices. All the tables and overstuffed chairs in the coffee shop were filled with people deeply engrossed in conversation. Sarah McLaughlin’s song “Fallen” filled the air with her ethereal voice and blanketed Olivia with a sense of belonging. As she worked her way through the crowd she noticed several pairs of men holding hands and a couple of