Page 106 of Lumi

Lumi gave a small jump and grinned at me before speaking into the phone. “And where does he live?”

“That’s the downside. Owen still lives up north. He told me that he worked as an accountant for more than fifteen years, but then two years ago, he bought a tiny farmhouse and remodeled it. He says it has a beautiful view of the ocean and that it’s peaceful and quiet.”

“He’s a farmer then?” Lumi asked.

“No. He’s writing a book. Owen said it’s almost like Sherlock Holmes but not historical. It takes place in modern-day Ireland, and the main character is a female detective.”

“He’s writing a book about ye?” I laughed. “Did he know that ye’re a private detective?”

“He did know. I started workin’ with Da back when I dated Owen. Do ye think that’s what inspired him?”

“Yes!!” Lumi exclaimed. “Seems he didn’t forget you either.”

“That’s what he said. He answered on the first ring, and I’m tellin’ ye that felt like we hadn’t been apart for all those years.”

“I’m so happy for ye, sis. Are ye goin’ to visit him then?”

“Perhaps, but I’m waitin’ until he suggests that we should meet. I don’t want to seem desperate.”

“Good for you,” Lumi said. “It’s only fair. You made the first move. Now let him take the next one.”

“Why don’t ye invite him to join us this Saturday for Lumi’s birthday? I want to meet the mysterious Owen whom I’ve heard about forever.”

“That’s a great idea,” Lumi said in support.

“Naw, it’s a terrible idea. I haven’t seen Owen in more than twenty years. When we meet again, it’ll be only him and me. No brothers or Robertson family members around.”

“Come on. We’ll be nice.”

“I know ye will, Lumi, but Damian will embarrass me with stories that I don’t want Owen to know right now.”

“Awk, come on. I’d never do that to ye.”

“Ha!” Kit clearly didn’t believe me. “I’ll talk to ye two lovebirds on Saturday. Have a grand birthday, love. I hope Damian spoils ye rotten with foot rubs and Australian kisses all day.”

“Thank you. See you soon, Kit, and let us know what happens with Owen.” When Lumi hung up, we’d reached my building, and as we walked up the stairs to my apartment, she asked. “What is an Australian kiss again?”

I smiled. “Ye don’t know?”

“I think I do, but I’m not a hundred percent certain.”

“It’s like a French kiss, but down under,” I said over my shoulder.

“Oh…”

“What did ye think it was?”

“Not that.”

Opening my door, I laughed. “Yer face is all crimson now. What did ye think an Australian kiss was?”

“I always assumed it was a sort of cuddling or hugging, like kangaroos, who cuddle up in their mum’s pouch.”

Pulling Lumi into my arms, I whispered in her ear. “I love how innocent ye are, but Kit is right, you do deserve to be spoiled all day — so how about that foot rub?”

Lumi smiled and let her finger run down my chest. “I think I prefer the kissing.”