Her companions watched her efforts with great amusement, bursting into laughter. Neither was any help as she tried to recover her dignity.
“Glad I could provide the entertainment,” Penny said, her tone dry and her cheeks flaming with humiliation. Even so, she was happy to see Bonnie smiling again.
“Ah, you tried. That’s the main thing.” Finn was still holding his stomach with one hand; with the other, he reached out to rub her arm comfortingly.
It did more than comfort. She was glad her cheeks were already red and couldn’t betray her anymore. “Thanks,” she said sheepishly.
“Right, another round,” Bonnie said, hopping up. “Guinness for you?” she asked Finn. As soon as he nodded, she was heading to the bar. “And gin for us,” she called over her shoulder.
“Bonnie,” Penny called after her, her voice conveying her concern.
“Gin does go equally well with seafood,” Finn said blandly.
Penny swiveled, “But after the other night. She hasn’t been out since, and I don’t know how she’ll….”
Again, his hand was on her arm. “She’ll be okay. She needed an out-of-control night. She won’t do that here.”
Penny’s look was doubtful. “How can you be sure?”
“She’s a smart girl. She learns from her mistakes. And she already told me she wants you to have a good time. She’s dealing with stuff. But she doesn’t want you to have to babysit her.”
“If you think so.” It was enough to relax her for the moment.
Finn seemed to be correct. They finished the food, with Penny finding she enjoyed everything except the oysters. Then it was Bonnie who suggested they go for a walk along the water.
“I still owe a round,” Penny said guiltily. “I didn’t mean for you two to pay for everything.”
“Shhh. There’s always tomorrow. No worries,” Bonnie reassured her, already standing and heading across the street.
Penny fell in behind, aware of Finn’s presence beside her. “See. All good,” he whispered.
The two drinks were just enough to give Penny a happy buzz. She was content to follow wherever they led. The fact that it was along the sea, on a path with a stone wall that was who knew how old, in a small town in Ireland, made it all the more magical. A light breeze came off the water from her right, and off to the left, she could hear music and laughter echoing out of another pub across the street.
“I still can’t believe I’m here,” she voiced the thought that had been with her daily.
Bonnie dropped back to link arms with her. “We used to come here every summer and stay for two weeks. My dad and Uncle Sean would rent cottages right next to each other. We’d spend days here in town or at the beach. Oh,” she turned back to Finn, “Beach tomorrow, right?”
“If that’s what you want to do. I thought we might also head into Kinsale while we’re down this way.”
“Yes! Perfect!” Bonnie practically squealed. All signs of her melancholy were gone.
This was the girl Penny remembered from college—all excitement and plans. She squeezed her arm, conveying her happiness.
They returned to their cottage a little after dark. The moon was full in the sky, but they were so far removed from the city that the stars shone brightly as well. Penny didn’t have the urge to go to another bar, but she wasn’t tired either. Her senses seemed to be waking up to everything around her.
“Think I’m off to bed. I’m wrecked. Do you mind?” Bonnie asked.
“Oh, no. Of course not. I might stay up for a bit, though.”
“No problem. We’ll take the room on the right if that’s okay, Finn? I think the bed is slightly larger.”
“Honestly, I can take the couch. It’ll be grand, just make yerselves comfortable.”
Penny found herself eyeing the couch, then eyeing Finn’s over six-foot frame. “I just can’t see that happening.”
“I’ll be grand,” he reassured again. “Believe me. I’ve slept on worse. Night, Von. Sleep well.”
“I’m sure I can squeeze in with Bonnie. We’ll make it work.”
