Chapter 27
The days leading up to Thanksgiving were a glorious blur. I attended classes learning about Irish history, the Conflict, and Irish culture, and spent time with Jaime at night. We knew we had only a few weeks left, so we opted for quiet nights at home or traveling throughout the country together to make memories before he disappeared like a dream.
I hummed cheerful tunes as I walked to and from town, eating scones and other Irish sugary desserts. Jaime listened to me talk about nothing in particular, giving me his undivided attention. He treated me like a princess, which turned me into a new woman: confident, sexy, and laid-back.
Marissa and Zoey commented on how annoying Jaime and I were to hang out with because we acted like little puppy dogs in love, but I reassured them it was only because I knew I was leaving. It was like we each had a timer clicking above our heads, and one false move would blow up our perfectly curated existence.
Marissa and Zoey became one duo, while Jaime and I became another, and our apartment contained an invisible dividing line.
Since our trip to the Aran Islands, I’d only seen Aoife briefly at the pub. She inserted herself into a new group of football players, and Owen rotated between Jaime and Aoife, keeping the connection between his old group of friends secure. They were still coming for Thanksgiving, and I was looking forward to it, but I felt pleased that Jaime prioritized little ole’ me over Aoife’s long legs and ample bosom.
Things finally felt right, like I was in the right place at the right time. I knew deep down I was living a fantasy, which wasn’t sustainable or going to last, but I couldn’t protect my heart any longer. The beauty and mystique of Ireland had grabbed hold of me and encapsulated me in a joyous bubble. I knew when it popped, I would be alone but more beautiful because of the magic I had endured.
My heavy blankets rested on my lap and I doodled in my journal, excitement bubbling inside me at the thought of Marty coming to visit. I tapped my foot against the wall as I debated if I should share Jaime with her.
I had crawled out of his bed about an hour before. Wide awake and slightly uncomfortable, I couldn’t sleep with excitement for the upcoming holiday. Kissing him on the cheek, I crawled over to my bed and let him rest while I snuggled under my blankets with my notebook.
I looked at Jaime, and one eye stared back. “Morning, sunshine.”
“Morning, how’d you sleep?” His froggy voice broke in three places, and I admired his wild hair and reassuring eyes.
“Pretty good. Woke up about an hour ago. I’m thinking about Thanksgiving. I have to meet Marty at the bus station around lunch. Is it okay if I go alone? I’m not quite ready to share you with her just yet.” I looked away, unsure if he would feel offended.
“No worries. I told Owen I’d meet up with him for a rugby match in the park. I’ll catch up with you tonight. Enjoy your friend.”
He’s so understanding. I swallowed and sat straighter. “Hey Jaime.” My serious tone alerted him to sit up and give me his full attention. “I know this will sound weird, but I’m not ready to tell Marty about you. Yes, she’s my best friend, but she has a way of sticking her nose in other people’s business, and I don’t want to let her meddle in our personal lives.”
He looked down, and I recognized the hurt that flashed across his face and then disappeared. “Ah, I see. You’re ashamed of me, aye?” His fun-loving eyes taunted me, and I threw my pillow at him.
“Never.” I climbed out of bed and sat beside him. “I think we’re perfect, and I don’t want anyone to mess it up.”
Marty’s flirty personality attracted men, even when she wasn’t trying. The flick of her hair, the jut of her hip, and her damsel-in-distress stories turned guys on, and their reactions gave her power, which encouraged her to continue. Eventually she required rescuing, and I was always there to bring her back to safety. There were too many moments over the past year when I had exclaimed, “What were you thinking?” as we rehashed the night before.
“Marty and I have our roles. She’s the irresponsible one who pushes me to have fun, and I’m the responsible one who reels her in when things get out of control.”
Jaime scrunched his lips and cocked his head. “She doesn’t really seem like that great of a friend, if you don’t mind me saying.”
I shrugged and sighed. “I’ve only known her for less than two years, but she was the first friend I made at college. She pushed me out of my shell. If I hadn’t met her, I might still be hiding in the library on Friday and Saturday nights, afraid to get out and meet people. She’s a handful, so be aware. I love her and would do anything for her, but she doesn’t always have the filters or manners you’d expect. Guys love her, and girls hate her but pretend to like her. I think I’m the only real friend she has.” I leaned down and kissed him again. “I’m going to shower and get ready.”
“Is she bringing a friend?” Jaime called through the bathroom door.
“Yeah, she never told me who, though. I guess I’ll find out later. Prepare yourself. Tonight might be wild.”
Chapter 28
I hustled to Eyre Square wearing the cutest outfit I owned. My new flare jeans squeezed my thighs, and my belly button peeked just below the hem of my black crop top. It wasn’t warm enough for this November day, so I threw on my jean jacket before I hurried downtown.
It was a beautiful day for a walk, but there was no way Marty could walk up the hills while juggling a suitcase. She was only coming for a few days, but I imagined she had packed her entire closet. I had told her it rained every day, and the weather often changed on a dime, so she probably packed double in case she had to change out of wet clothes.
Busses pulled in and out of the station as I arrived, exchanging riders coming and going, and I saw Marty standing alone on the street corner. Huh, maybe she came alone. She looked up and down, observing the Irish architecture and possibly judging European fashion. I wasn’t close enough to yell to her so I picked up my pace and speed-walked. She gripped her luggage and scanned the hundreds of people walking by.
“Marty!” I waved my arms over my head, but she couldn’t hear me. “Marty!” I called again as I hurried across the busy street. “Marty!”
When she saw me, she jumped up and down, waving her arms over her head like an S.O.S call before running toward me. Her luggage trailed behind her, thudding over each crack in the sidewalk. She threw her arms around me and spun me in a circle. “Rory! I can’t believe I’m here. I’m exhausted, but so excited.”
It was lunchtime, but Marty had pulled an all-nighter. Jet lag would hit her in a few hours, allowing me time to prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I narrowed my eyebrows at her. “Are you alone?”
“No, no, bathroom.” She tipped her head toward the bus station entrance, and I nodded. “How have you been? You look great!” She eyed me up and down, and I spun in a circle.
