Travels in Eire #55

As Cailin stepped off the bus in Derry Darren was waiting for her and greeted her by wrapping his arms around her and planting a big kiss on her forehead. They both laughed and shared a long loving kiss. Cailin hadn't realized how much she missed Darren and was anxious to share the last two days with him but she also realized how absolutely starving she had become on the bus ride home. Not to worry as Darren had anticipated how hungry Cailin would be and made arrangements to meet Keith for dinner and a little business on the side.

They headed into Derry chatting all the way about Cailin's ride with Ryan, her visit with Rorey, and the invitation by Ryan to attend mass at St. John's.

“Darren, I told Ryan that when he came to Derry I owed him a dinner for the ride and company from Dungannon to Mullaghmore. Rorey and I heard him sing and you really should see about Ryan performing at one of your fund raisers.” Cailin was feeling pretty good that she could make a musical suggestion to Darren.

Keith was already inside the restaurant with a Guinness sitting in front of him. He waved to Cailin and Darren and yelled out for two more cold ones. It was a casual restaurant, and not too many people were there. Cailin got the feeling they knew Keith as a regular. The conversation turned to music and Cailin brought up seeing Ryan sing in church.

“He's mostly done pubs and church, but he does have pipes. He's toured some in the US also.” Keith added to the conversation. “I could probably get him up here to give us a tune for the Hospital Festival Fund Raiser.”

“So Keith, are you going to help me produce this project? You have such access to the kind of musical groups that would be best for a festival. Especially since this will be a summer outdoor festival. No where near Glasgowbury, but something small at a park with about five or six acts during the day. And of course, you would be the headliner!” Darren was hoping that having Keith as the headliner would bring in a bigger crowd and more donations for the hospital.

“Yeow!! Of course I'd love it. Have to work around my other stuff. I'll be heading over to the States for a while. Probably about 4 months or so.” Keith sounded excited to be part of this.

“No worries, Keith, remember how far in advance I need to plan this. It will be next summer and I'll make sure to work with you on the dates. Just wanted to make sure you were on board for this. Now let's get this hungry lass something to eat!”

Dinner was full of conversation and laughter. Darren and Keith shared some stories about some of the groups they know and some of the crazy things they had done.

The evening ended with a last round of drinks and laughter and Darren and Cailin headed back to Cailin's flat. This had been an extraordinary evening and Cailin was just bubbling with energy as they headed up the stairs to her room. Maybe it was all the Guinness.

As always Darren reached around Cailin to open the lock on the door, like he had done since the first night they met. But this time was different. Darren leaned in for a long, deep loving kiss. Tonight was not going to stop at the door.