Through A Magnolia Filter

“This is purely professional,” Dolley added. “Besides, I’m on a dating hiatus.”

She should tell her sisters she wanted a new career. Dolley bit her lip. A career change that involved travel would affect the B and B and her family.

Staying in Savannah wasn’t in her future, but she wasn’t ready to break that news to her sisters. “Liam’s helping me improve my pictures.”

“If you’re his apprentice, why aren’t you with him today?” Abby asked.

“It’s part-time. He’s in Statesboro. Georgia Southern has an Irish Studies program, and he’s interviewing the department head.”

“I do have homework.” She pushed away from the desk and dug out her camera. Her assignment was to take pictures of people, inanimate objects and scenery. “I feel like I’m back in school.”

“You always loved school,” Abby said.

“I can also use the shots for the B and B’s blog.” Standing on the opposite side of the table, she said, “Work, slaves.”

Her sisters laughed.

Dolley snapped a series, hoping to capture camaraderie and joy. Then she arranged the sconce she’d polished behind all the dirty lamps. Hope was what she wanted to capture, shining through the tarnished wasteland.

“Our last long-term guest was pretty fantastic.” Abby flashed her ring. “Liam is here through next year. I wonder what will develop.”

“And if it will be in black and white or Technicolor,” Bess said.

“I shutter to think,” Abby replied.

“Good one!” Bess fist-bumped Abby.

“You two should take this act on the road.” Dolley rolled her eyes, but she smiled as she cleaned tarnish. She’d told her sisters about the apprenticeship. Her loss of income could wait until she had a plan to replace the income or reduce her expenses.

* * *

THE SUN WAS setting as Liam parked at the B and B. He pulled his equipment out of the car, tugging on his overcoat. He’d made it back in time to catch the wine tasting. Then he planned to head to his room and review the tapes.

“Hi.” Dolley came out of a carriage house. “How was the interview?”

Her smile warmed him more than his jacket.

“The professor was great.” Professor Aiden had highlighted how different the FitzGerald immigration to America was compared to others. James had come with money. The men who had built canals and railroads had come with little more than the clothes on their backs. His breath caught in his chest. This was the core of his story. The difference between Dolley’s family and the poor immigrants Aiden had described.

Dolley hopped up on an iron table, her legs swinging. “Good info?”

“Fantastic stuff, but the poor man was nervous.”

Her eyes glittered like polished emeralds as if she had joy bubbling inside her. Something fluttered in his chest. What would that feel like? He knew peace when a photo turned out exactly the way he’d planned, but joy? His had died with his parents.

“So, did you have techniques to help him?” she asked.

“Some.” She smelled of—silver polish? “What have you been up to?”

“Cleaning old lamps.” She rolled her eyes. “My least favorite job of a restoration.”

“Ahh.” He sniffed. “You smell of metal cleaner.”

“It’s gross.” Even in the dimming light, he could see her blush. “I’m heading home to scrub off the stench.”

An image of her in the shower, soap lather streaming down her naked body, had him taking in a sharp breath.

“The smell isn’t so bad,” he choked out. “Actually reminds me of helping clean my mum’s tea trolley.”

“That’s a nice memory.” She hopped off the table. “Do you have plans tonight?”

“Trying to catch some of your sister’s offerings, and then I’ll review today’s film.”

“You need to see Savannah.” She touched his shoulder, the heat seeping through his coat. “I’m meeting friends at a pub. Do you want to tag along?”

He should say no. But sitting in his empty room sounded lonely.

“It’s just friends getting together.” When she grinned, her curls danced. “I’ll tell them they can’t mob you.”

“Oh, well—” He should work.

“It’ll be fun.”

Fun? He couldn’t remember the last time his name and fun were mentioned together. “What time?”

* * *

THE WALL OF noise enveloped Dolley as she and Liam entered O’Gara’s pub. The yeasty scent of beer and fried food hit her along with the heat. Lights twinkled above the bar, and glittering snowflakes hung at intervals from the ceiling.

“Fantastic.” She bounced onto her toes. “I didn’t think it would be this busy.”

Liam’s eyes had glazed over, his face frozen in a resigned grimace.

“Smile,” she insisted.

He didn’t.

Tonight she wanted to see him smile at least five times. A happier man would be a better teacher.

“Do you want people to know what you’re doing in Savannah?” She leaned close so he could hear her. Close enough to catch his crazy scent that made her insides melt.

“Yes, that’s all right.” He rubbed his chin, and his seven o’clock shadow rasped under his hand. “Is the pub always so loud?”

“It’s a holiday.” She tugged his arm. “This way to the fun.”

He followed, dragging behind her a little. What was up with that?

“Dolley!” Zach picked her up by the waist and spun her in a circle.