The Dream Trip - Chapter 1

The plane landed about 8:30 in the morning Ireland time and after immigration paperwork and luggage pick up, the girls headed for the taxis and their hotel in Dublin. They dropped off their luggage at the hotel and headed for the tourist office to set up some day tours for the next couple of days. Before they realized noon was upon them and they needed a place to eat. They were told that there was a great place for a small lunch and tea not too far from where they were staying. Their adventure was about to begin.

The girls headed back to the hotel quickly so they could change into some simple summer dresses and be properly dressed for tea. Then headed to the tea room in the hotel across the street. It was elegant and set up beautifully with fresh flowers and white linens. They were seated at a window that overlooked Grafton Street. After some instruction from their hostess they ordered their special teas and anxiously awaited the arrival of the assorted sandwich plate filled with goodies.

As they chatted and looked out the window, Mona noticed a handsome looking man at the table next to them. He looked up from his tea and smiled at Mona. She smiled back with a slight blush as she suddenly realized that she had been staring at him. He had a very refined look with sandy blond hair that had been highlighted with a lighter blond. He wore a smart fitting suit that had the look of one that was custom made. The rest of the girls were still chatting when Mona realized that the man was getting up from his seat and heading their way!

“Afternoon girls. I notice that you don't seem to be Dubliners here. When did you arrive from the America?” He continued to look at Mona as he addressed all the girls.

Briana and Caitlin couldn't wait to answer. They were so excited some strange Irish man had come up to them.

“My name is Paul, may I join you? I promise I'm not dangerous,” he said as he pulled up a chair next to Mona and winked at her.

Mona was beyond speechless. Up close this man was so handsome. He had a day old beard. Not overgrown, but just enough to add to his appeal. His style was very casual, but there was something about him that was so refined. While Mona was not looking for a man in her life, she suddenly realized that if she was, this was exactly the man she was looking for. Paul seemed to carry the conversation with lots of questions making some recommendations for sites in Dublin.

Before they knew it their lunch tray and tea had arrived. As Paul said his good-byes and excused himself he handed Mona some tickets and told the girls that there is a small concert they may enjoy on Thursday evening. Mona never looked at the tickets , but thanked Paul and put them in her purse as Paul left the tea room and the girls devoured their lunch.

They chatted through the rest of their lunch about all their plans and how this handsome stranger had joined them. They also all took note that he seemed to be particularly interested in Mona. As they finished and went to pay for their lunch, the hostess informed them that the bill had already been taken care of by the gentleman who had been seated with them! The girls all giggled at this and were thoroughly impressed with the first Irishman they had met.