“Are we seeing it today?” he asked.
“I think driving through it. I couldn’t find a tour that stopped there.”
He chuckled. “Feck. I hoped to hop off and stay the night.”
My eyes bulged. “Really?”
He half-shrugged. “It was a thought.”
We rode in silence, and the scenery transitioned from flat, rural roads to rolling hills of green, brown, and gray. The fog disguised the mountaintops, and the muted colors blended together as they sped past.
The bus pulled to the side of the road overlooking a small pond. “Snacks, sweets, and drinks,” Declan said, pointing to a small country store on our left. “Take a fiver and stretch ye legs.”
We climbed off the bus and stood on the side of the road overlooking the pond. The mountains reflected in the water, and I pulled my camera out. “It’s beautiful,” I said, gazing ahead.
It had just started to sprinkle and I shivered under the dismal sky. Marissa scanned the horizon. “You almost can’t see where the trees end and the reflection begin.”
We stood frozen in awe at the beauty surrounding us. I smiled wide, feeling the gentle breeze push back my hair. The robins and wrens sang and it no longer mattered that it was gray, raw, and brisk. When I inhaled the clean, misty air, my insides chilled. I had never experienced such an immersive moment in nature before, and looking at my roommates’ glistening eyes, they hadn’t either.
“Anyone want a drink?” Jaime interrupted the tranquil moment, and I turned and glared. “What? I’m heading into the shop to grab something. You want anything?”
“I’ll go with you and get us some good snacks,” Zoey said.
Marissa and I stayed at the edge of the road facing the quiet pond. “I can’t believe I’m in Ireland,” she said. “This feels so weird. It’s different from anything I’ve experienced back home. I kind of like living with an Irish guy. It makes the entire semester feel more authentic.”
I pictured the mountain of dirty clothes, the toothpaste-coated bathroom sink, and the messy bed. “Yeah, I guess so. I’m still not thrilled that I’m sharing a room with a guy, but it is nice knowing he’s there in case something goes wrong.”
“Like what?”
“Like…an intruder, or I don’t know, alcohol poisoning? I’m a lightweight.”
“Or when you need a quickie,” Marissa said.
I smacked her playfully on the arm and fought a smile. “Um, no. He’s totally not my type, and if you recall, I have a boyfriend.”
She leaned forward and stamped her feet to warm up. “Sure, but your boyfriend doesn’t seem too concerned that you’re living with a guy.”
Her words ran through my mind on repeat. I hadn’t told Scott about Jaime because it hadn’t come up in conversation. I planned to, but first he had to respond to my emails.
We stood in silence, staring at the water and watching the clouds roll over and away from the mountain peaks. Every way I turned, the green, luscious mountains enveloped me. I felt like a four-leaf clover hidden in a pasture of treasure.
Turning slightly, I saw fire-red hair from the corner of my eye. Jaime held two bottles of water and two bags of candy. “For you,” he said, handing me one. I didn’t know if it was from him or Zoey, but my heart warmed at their thoughtfulness.
“Time to go,” Declan said, walking around the bus. “Time to move onto Roundstone. Everyone, on the bus.”
We filed onto the bus and returned to our same seats.
“The harbor of Roundstone sits on the rugged backdrop of Errisbeg Mountain. See the village, check out the mountain, and search for a Galway Hooker.” Declan burst out laughing. “Just a wee bit of Irish humor for you. A Galway Hooker is a traditional Irish fishing boat. Get your minds out of the gutter.”
I leaned into Jaime and whispered, “Have you ever seen a Galway Hooker?” I couldn’t stop the mischief from seeping out of my eyes and upturned mouth.
“Almost every day.”
I grinned. “You’ll have to show me next time you see one.” Leaning across, I grabbed the unopened bag of potato chips. “I think these are mine.” As I gazed out the window, I rested my body against his fuzzy sweatshirt, alerted to his warmth transferring to my chilled bones.
Living my fantasy, I wondered if I would ever be the same.
Chapter 9
