Night Of The Blackbird by Heather Graham Page B

show,” Moira reminded them.
    â€œThat’s right. The long-suffering siblings get to wash dishes offstage,” Patrick said.
    â€œHey,” Colleen protested, “I’ve got the kind of face they say can launch a thousand ships.”
    â€œNaturally you’re invited to cook with us on camera,” Moira told her sister.
    â€œThanks. I’ll have to check with my agent.”
    â€œColleen Mary!” Katy said indignantly.
    â€œJust kidding, Mum.”
    â€œThat is a face that could launch a thousand ships— sis, ” Danny told Colleen. “Congratulations. I’m seeing it more and more every day now.”
    â€œReally, Danny?” Colleen asked, her voice a little anxious. For a moment Moira reflected that her sister was really just a nice kid. She was doing exceptionally well, yet she was still amazed that people really thought her looks worthy of attention. She had managed to develop enough confidence to go forward and retain enough humility to remain grounded.
    â€œReally. And I’ve heard from Patrick and your folks that there’s a budding romance in the west?”
    â€œJust budding,” Katy said firmly. “So my daughter tells me.”
    â€œAbsolutely just budding,” Colleen said, laughing. “Mum, I’d never get serious without bringing the poor guy home first and making sure he had the stamina for a real relationship.”
    Patrick looked at his sister without the twitch of a smile. “Um, stamina?”
    â€œHe’s a nice guy?” Danny asked. “Nothing else would do for my, uh, baby sister.”
    â€œThe nicest. Hey, you come to California now and then. Maybe you’ll be out there soon. I’d love for you to meet him.”
    â€œDan can size him up for you just like that,” Patrick told her.
    â€œColleen has a good head on her shoulders. I’m sure he’s a fine fellow,” Danny said. “Now, as to Moira…”
    â€œMoira and her Michael,” Katy said.
    â€œHe’s great, Mum, and you know it,” Moira said.
    â€œHe does seem decent,” Patrick acknowledged.
    â€œHe’s a hunk,” Colleen said decisively.
    â€œBeady eyes,” Danny said, shaking his head.
    â€œOh, God, that again,” Moira said irritably.
    â€œWell, I think his eyes are fine,” Katy said thoughtfully, taking the comment entirely literally.
    â€œLook again—they’re beady,” Danny said, staring at Moira.
    â€œFine, I’ll take another really good look at the man, Danny,” Katy said, setting strips of bacon into a huge frying pan with incredible precision, getting more bacon into the pan than Moira would have thought possible. “But really, he’s courteous, and very handsome. And he does adore Moira.”
    â€œYes, I guess he does,” Danny said grudgingly.
    â€œA vote of approval at last?” Moira inquired.
    â€œI’m withholding final judgment.”
    â€œAnd he’s been so effusive with his comments regarding you,” Moira said.
    â€œReally?” Danny asked.
    â€œActually, no. He hasn’t mentioned you at all.”
    â€œWell, I’m just an old family friend. Not a real member of the family who he needs to impress.”
    â€œBut you’ll definitely be on top of the guest list for the wedding,” Moira said over the rim of her coffee cup.
    Her mother gasped. “Moira Kathleen!”
    â€œNo, no, no, Mum,” she said quickly, with a sigh. She had to watch this sparring with Danny in front of her parents. “We’re not planning anything—yet.”
    â€œI truly wish you every happiness,” Danny said. His eyes were steady on hers; his voice was sincere.
    For some reason, that made her more irritated.
    Maybe she didn’t want him to be happy for her. Yup, that was it. Completely. She wanted him to be sorry he’d blown everything himself.
    â€œThanks.” She forced herself to