I am completely mortified.
“Hey!” Alicia snaps as she sets Rowan’s beer in front of him. “What are you doing to poor Norah?”
“I’m okay,” I cough out. I’m pretty sure my face is actually on fire.
“No worries, Alicia. Just trying to keep your friend here from choking to death,” Eamon says in what would be the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard if not for the words that come out of his mouth next. “Looks like the Guinness is a little strong for her. Maybe you should give her something a bit watered down next time.”
Bristling at the insinuation that I can’t hold my drink, I turn to tell him exactly what I think of that comment when Alicia cuts in.
“You’ve never seen our girl drink, then. I reckon she could give you a run for your money, Eam.”
The Irishmen swing their attention back to me, doubt marring their faces.Assholes.Trying to regain some of my dignity, I turn back to the bar and say something really stupid.
“Line ‘em up, Alicia.”
She stares at me for a moment before raising her arm in the air to beckon my friends. All of them rush over immediately.
“What’s happening? Are we doing shots?” Myra asks hopefully.
“Looks like Eamon here has slighted Norah’s honor and she feels inclined to demonstrate just how capable she is,” Alicia informs them, one side of her mouth quirking into a smirk.
“Nor, are you sure you want to do this? You did say that you have to work tomorrow,” Charlie says, her eyes begging me not to do this.
“Shut up, Charles!” Amelia says, calling her by the nickname she knows Charlie hates. “This is the most exciting she’s been in months! Alicia puther drinks on my tab!”
What the hell am I thinking? I haven’t done this since I came back from Ireland, and it was not my finest moment.
“Uh, my apologies, lass, for questioning your drinking ability. I was only slagging you. Please don’t feel like you need to prove yourself,” the gorgeous Eamon drawls.
I glare at him. “Let’s see if you can keep up, Irishman.”
Three shots of Jameson and three Guinness draughts later, Eamon and I are surrounded by everyone in the pub. The supporters are divided equally with the women cheering for me, while naturally, the men are encouraging Eamon. So far, we’re evenly matched in terms of drink consumption. I’m definitely feeling it, but I’m determined to show this cocky Irish bastard that I’m no prissy girl. My head is swimming, and Myra is making all sorts of remarks that have me laughing so hard my sides hurt. Alicia is pouring round four when Pat walks up and grabs the beer glasses from her.
“Now, listen here, you two,” he says, looking at us disapprovingly. “I don’t know what the feck is going on, but this isn’t like either of you. You know I’m all for a lively drinking game or two, but when my two most sober customers are up here drinking like fish, it’s time for me to step in. Now, go sit down and drink some water. Alicia, grab them some chips to soak up the alcohol. You eejits.” He walks away shaking his head, and I suddenly feel like a child being scolded for tracking mud through the house.
While the crowd groans in disappointment, I’m thanking my lucky stars. Glancing over at Eamon, he doesn’t even appear tipsy.
Damn Irish.
“Do you really feel that way, then?” he asks, eyes wide in amusement.
Shit. Did I just say that out loud?
“Yes, lass. You did,” he chuckles.
Awesome.
“Uh, sorry. Must be the booze talking.” I flush and look down at my feet.
He laughs loudly. “Eamon Kennedy.”
I raise my head to see his hand outstretched in front of me. I gingerly take it and give it a quick shake. His grip is warm and firm, and I’m immediatelyimagining those hands on me in a less formal way. What is wrong with me? I clear my throat and introduce myself.
“Norah Grady.”
“Sounds Irish to me,” he says with a shrug. “No wonder you’re able to keep up with me.”
I snort a laugh and roll my eyes.
