Aileen's Song Read Online Free PDF Page A

flashed the girls a wink. “Who knows her besties?”
    “Saint Aileen, that’s who.” Maeve yawned again, and sipped long from her cup.
    “Since you’re properly stationed, Maeve, why don’t you take care of unpacking the dishes and silverware? The boxes are marked and on the counter right next to you.”
    “Got it.”
    Aileen continued. “The floors are cleaned and restored. The painting is all finished—”
    “And I love the buttery color of the walls.” Kassidy studied the great room with approval. “Those nature canvases over there will really pop once they’re hung on the walls.”
    Aileen fished through a stack of supplies tucked into a far corner of the room. In seconds, she returned to Kassidy bearing a hammer and nails. “That’s precisely why I’m recruiting you to put them in place, KC. Feel free to make use of your artistic eye.”
    “Are you charming me because you mean it, or because you need to fill empty space?”
    “Yes. Absolutely.”
    “Well played,” Siobhan murmured in passing. She began to sink into a chair.
    “Not so fast, dancing queen.” Aileen snagged Siobhan’s arm and spun her in the direction of a rolled area rug presently propped against the wall. “See that? You and I are taking care of placement so the furniture can be moved.”
    Siobhan gave a mocking pout. “I thought I was delegating.”
    “You are, my darling. You’re going to delegate that rug into place right here in the middle of the great room.”
    “Dancing Queen. Abba. I crave music.” Inspired, Kassidy swung toward Aileen’s portable stereo unit and plugged it in. While Aileen and Siobhan hauled the rug to the middle of the room, Kassidy connected her phone and pulled in selections from her playlist. Before long, the Abba classic filled the air and they started to sing and dance as they worked.
    The moment became Aileen’s perfect segue.
    “You know…umm…Liam has a plan. Did I happen to mention?”
    Siobhan straightened from a crouch now that the intricately woven Oriental rug was properly positioned. Her arched brow and slow-motion movements warned Aileen her every word was now being deeply scrutinized for meaning and intent. Curse the pixie.
    “Put that look away, Siobhan. This has to do with a quartet, not a romantic duo. He wants the four of us to perform at the Catholic school tuition fundraiser.”
    “Well, I can dream about the two of you getting together, can’t I?” Siobhan sighed.
    Aileen forced herself to ignore that idea. “I’m serious, and so is he. Do you all think we could pull together a couple musical selections for the gala?”
    “Sure, we could.” Maeve’s reply was somewhat muffled since she was half-hidden by an open cupboard door. Dishes made a subtle rattle as she settled them inside.
    “Besides, can you blame me for wanting to share the stage with my friends one last time before life calls us to more practical pursuits? I think it would be great fun, a lark, a fond tip of the cap to our friendship and how much we enjoy performing.” Aileen aligned shimmery white sheers across a long, thick curtain rod. Soon the curtains would hang perfectly across the width of the floor-to-ceiling window that stretched stem-to-stern. From one story below came a lively view of the civic park where people walked and lounged. Trees were lit with autumn’s fire and highlighted by grass of deep green. A block of sunlight poured into the room, warming Aileen’s face. “The show will be a blast. We’ll scout resale shops and pick up some fabulous gowns on the cheap. Siobhan will work out the stage presence, we’ll choose a couple songs to sing and enjoy the opportunity to sing, dance, and have some fun.”
    Siobhan paused from arranging throw pillows on the couch. “We can position the end tables now. By the way? I’m beginning to think my brother just might be insane.”
    Aileen smirked at Siobhan. “At first, I thought so, too.”
    Kassidy and Maeve exchanged looks.