"Goodness, no!" Emma waved her hand in the air. "I'm saying we should hit the town and celebrate the new lives this paper has given us." Emma had been working for a few months and Rina had just recently started.

The young woman obviously wanted to make a good impression, arriving early and leaving late. But even the most dedicated worker had to have some fun.

"What did you have in mind?" Rina asked.

From the corner of her eye, Emma saw her car approach with her good-for-nothing driver, hired by her son, at the wheel. She might as well make use of his time and let him earn his money. "I thought we could go to O'Dooley's and have a beer."

Rina burst out laughing. "I'm sorry. I just can't picture you, an eighty-year-old woman, drinking beer."

"Phooey. You shouldn't make fun of an old lady. Would you prefer I have a shot of tequila?"

"I'll do one with you," Rina offered, her eyes twinkling with the challenge.

"You're on." Emma stuck out her hand for a shake. "At least I don't have to worry about drinking and driving. And if you come with me, neither do you. Leave your car here. I'll drop you off at your home tonight and pick you up on the way to work tomorrow."

Rina pretended to give the idea some thought, but Emma caught the smile on her lips and knew the young woman had already decided.

Finally she nodded. "Okay. I'm up for partying." She slid her chair back so she had room, and pushed herself in a circle, hanging her head back and spinning the chair around before letting loose a loud whoop.

"What was that for?" Emma asked.

"I just wanted to act as free as I feel." Rina giggled girlishly. "I'm just so happy to have this job and so excited to start life over in Ashford."

Emma took in the young woman's pink flushed cheeks and wide smile. With her carefree attitude, she was the perfect candidate for Emma's matchmaking skills. She rubbed her palms, warming them together. "So we're off to O'Dooley's."



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