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“He’s looking for help?” I blurt.

“Manual labor. Pay is okay.”

“Finn’s in construction,” I toss out, a bit too eagerly, so I tone it down. “Needs a steady paycheck to pay for all that Viagra.”

They laugh, and I give myself a mental pat on the back.

“Yer wan is a laborer then?”

“Back in the States, he is,” I continue with my lie. “Heavy lifting. Laying bricks. Stirring concrete even, when the mixer is broken.”

“By hand? That’s how he’s got those biceps?” Lucy coos.

I roll my eyes.

I watch them eyeing Finn. He catches on quickly, and our eyes meet. “He likes to be hands-on.”

“I bet his big, manly hands are on you frequently.”

“When those magic pills kick in, they are.”

They break out into a fit of giggles. Finn offers me a cheeky smile, assuming his manliness is what has everyone flustered. Cocky and certain of the female attention he draws. Not a humble bone in his body. Wonder what he’d say if he knew his prowess, or lack of it, was in question?

“I’ll talk to Johnny on yer behalf.”

My grin is broad enough to fill the room. “Thank you, Fiona. Finn will be thrilled.”

For a heartbeat, it feels like I’ve struck gold. Plan B is now in full force. If Finn fails to draw the mob’s attention through fighting, he can make contact through work.

We’re all watching Finn when he says something to Edward.

For crying out loud.

Lucy’s boyfriend drops the weights he’s been struggling with, then charges over to him, clearly agitated by what was said.

I wave at Finn in an attempt to get his attention.

He’s too busy tossing barbs at Edward to notice.

“I’m going to the bar,” Lucy says, and saunters off. Annoyed at me, for my boyfriend upsetting hers?

“Johnny won’t like him much if he antagonizes his baby brother. You might want to have a word with your wan. Just saying.” Fiona stalks off after Lucy.

Edward takes a wild swing at Finn.

Finn easily sidesteps but keeps on taunting him.

And the progress I’ve made tonight goes up in smoke.