Aileen's Song Read Online Free

the rapidly cooling afternoon. “Are you OK?”
    Her shoulders slumped but her lips tugged into the curve of a tentative smile. “I am now. I’m just glad your arrival called a halt to the comments I’m sure would have come next about me indulging in a slice of cheese cake.”
    Liam slung an arm around her shoulders and tucked her close as those quiet words drifted into wood-scented air and they wandered. “Aileen, you look fantastic.”
    Her shoulders went stiff against his hold, and she firmed her chin. He could tell at once she wanted nothing to do with the compliment. Liam knew the score. Aileen didn’t believe in her impact, therefore, she refused delivery on praise. For now, he let that fact be and they rested in a comfortable silence.
    Before long, she drew a stuttered breath. “So…”
    “A needle pulling thread.” Liam delivered the line in a comedic way, like he used to do when they were kids and they began a conversation with the word ‘So.’ They both fell into a bout of easy laughter.
    “Ah, Liam, that one never gets old.”
    “Yes it does, but that’s OK. Bad jokes are part of the story of us.”
    “Indeed. Bad jokes. A love of music. Years and years of history.” She slipped an arm around his waist to complete their affectionate connection. “The story of us. I like it. You still know how to phrase words like a poet.”
    “Blame my heritage. And you still know how to sing like an angel. It was great to see you at the front of the church again. Great job today.”
    “Thanks.” She peered at him, and he detected the sly glint in her eyes. “That’s high praise coming from one of the top producers at Zion’s Peak Records. Maybe I should be begging you to sign me up, hmm?”
    This was the playful, sassy Aileen he adored. “The thought occurs to me…but I’m not all that. Not yet, anyway. I’ve got a lot to learn, and despite my every effort, I’ve already discovered many segments of the music industry aren’t all together kind to people of faith.”
    Beyond that, he refused to elaborate. Not yet. Today was about homecoming. A renewal of bonds. A chance to capture the joy and passion he had always found in music. Plus, Aileen’s furrowed brows and concerned features were enough to warn Liam off the topic. “Enough of that. On to the real reason I’ve dragged you away from the warmth of the house.”
    Aileen folded her arms against her midsection and gave an elaborate shudder. “Yes, fill me in before hypothermia sets in.”
    “Did you have a chance to look through the bulletin from church yet?”
    “No, I went straight to the apartment after church. Needed to check on a few things.”
    “That’s right. I nearly forgot you’re now a leaseholder. Are you having fun settling in?”
    “Ugh.”
    “That good, huh?”
    “I smell paint vapors in my sleep. And don’t even get me started on refinishing the hardwoods.”
    Liam laughed, pulling a folded sheet of paper from the back pocket of his jeans.
    Aileen continued. “Laugh if you will, but it’s no joke. My apartment is in a fabulous old brownstone in the middle of town. The location couldn’t be more perfect, and the space is enormous. I’ve got the entire second floor. But the amount of prep involved is crazy. Thankfully, I can stay with Mom and Dad until things are situated. Shouldn’t be more than a few days.”
    Aileen watched him smooth the paper and asked, “What’s that?”
    “Take a look. I pulled it from this week’s edition of the Holy Spirit News. Let me know what you think. We can sit on the swing for a minute or two if you’re not too cold.”
    She claimed the page then followed the direction of his gaze. A two-seat, wooden swing hung from a sturdy A-frame and faced a sweeping expanse of flowers that were still colorful and lush despite the coming change of seasons.
    “That’d be perfect. I was only teasing about hypothermia. Mostly.”
    Liam led the way and Aileen read. Judging by the way her eyes