“This is it,” Jaime said.
“Wow, this is beautiful.” I studied the quaint home surrounded by green and gray hills.
We climbed out of the car, and I saw a large body of water in the distance behind the house. “Is that the ocean?” I asked.
“It’s called Salt Lake. It eventually empties into the ocean, but not for a while,” Deirdre said.
The many shades of green and blue stripes swiped across the landscape like an oil painting and it stopped me in my tracks. The rolling hills looked fluffy to the touch, and gray rocks below the clouds created a rough texture. The blue water mixed with the green reflection transported me into the images in my travel guide. “It’s gorgeous. I can’t believe this is your backyard,” I said.
“Thanks.” My ears heard ‘tanks’ and I smiled warmly. “Jaime says this is your first time in Ireland,” Deirdre replied. Based on her intonation pattern, I didn’t know if she was making a statement or asking a question.
“Yes, it’s so beautiful, I am in awe.” A warm blush crept up my neck, as I realized Jaime had spoken about me to his parents.
“You want true Irish life?” Deirdre asked. “You’ve come to the right place.”
Jaime and I followed her into the house, and a small, white, fluffy dog raced to greet her. “This is Clover,” Deirdre said, picking up the dog and rubbing her head. “She’s a good girl.”
I leaned over and gave Clover a head scratch, her soft mop-like fur tickling my fingers. “I always wanted a dog,” I said to Jaime. “I never got one though. My parents said it would be too much work.” My body relaxed at the cozy feel within the home, and I smelled something unfamiliar but comforting. “What’s that smell? I can’t seem to place it.”
“Ah, that’s the remnants of peat. It’s been a bit nippy this past week. You get used to it.”
“It smells like Ireland.” I smiled at Deirdre. “Thank you for welcoming me into your home.”
“Any time, dear. It’s not like I could leave you at the abbey.” She put down Clover, who ran to Jaime. “Connor, are you here?” Deirdre yelled into the next room. “Your da was cutting peat when I left. I suppose he’s still outside.”
I looked around the charming home with the tiny square rooms. The sitting room contained one loveseat, a rocking chair, and a fireplace, and the floral wallpaper reminded me of my grandmother. Jaime and I settled on the loveseat, and Deirdre asked, “Would you fancy a cuppa?”
I didn’t, but I also didn’t want to be rude, so I obliged. “Sure, a cuppa would be lovely.” I felt like a child playing dress-up, rolling the Irish adjective and slang for tea off my tongue as if I was a local.
Deirdre entered the kitchen through the narrow doorway, and I heard her fumbling in the cabinets.
“I appreciate the place to crash,” I said to Jaime.
“No worries.” He flipped on the television and settled on RTE. “Wanna watch football?”
I leaned back against the couch, my shoulders melting into the body-imprinted crevices only a well-loved couch could show. Deirdre returned with a tray holding a small ceramic teapot and three miniature cups. The cups rested on saucers, and a sugar bowl and milk container sat behind it. She placed it on the rectangular coffee table in front of Jaime and me.
“So, Rory, tell me about yourself,” Deirdre said.
I focused on perfecting my beverage, dropping a dash of milk and a spoonful of sugar into my cup. “Well, I am Jaime’s roommate, uh, I mean flatmate. There was a bit of a mix-up, and they placed him in my apartment. There are two other American girls living there. I’m only here until Christmas, and then I’ll return to Boston.” The boiling water scalded my lips as I slurped my tea. I wanted to spit it out but forced myself to swallow. The heat traveled down my throat, and my eyes watered.
“Ma, are you sure you can bring us home tomorrow?” Jaime interrupted.
“Yeah. I have church in the morning. You’re welcome to come, Jaime.”
He made a face.
“Rory?”
I wanted to experience everything related to Ireland, but I hadn’t considered attending church. I didn’t know if I was ready to stick out like a sore thumb in a tiny village. “Thank you, but can I let you know in the morning?”
“Sure, that would be grand. I can bring you back after lunch if that’s good for you?” She looked at me for confirmation.
“Sure, that would be great. Thank you.”
“Brilliant. I’ll let you relax. I know you’ve had a crazy day.” She hummed on her way back to the kitchen.
“Oh, Deirdre?” Her name stuck to my tongue like glue, and I worried I had mispronounced it. “Can I use your phone to call my roommates? I need to let them know I’m here.”
