The week flew by. Grace was quickly becoming familiar with all of Aine's recipes and was adding a few of her own when guests asked to have diner provided. She constantly needed to make sure she had enough of all the ingredients on hand and had become such a regular at a local market that they made sure to have some special things that only Grace would need. They also helped out by delivering when Grace was too busy and unable to leave the cottage to pick up supplies. The farmer who delivered the eggs was another life saver when the cottage was busy and Grace was making breakfast for a full compliment of guests daily. She was going to have to think about getting a second fridge, or a larger one, to handle all the perishables.
Before Grace had much time to think about it, Friday arrived and she could not wait for Quinn to get there. They had talked each day for a few minutes, but with his job, and as busy as Grace was with the cottage, it was just not long enough. Grace wanted to make a special dinner for the two of them, but Quinn had told her he wanted to go out and treat her this night.
Swatragh was a small town and there was not much other than Rafter's, and maybe a small Chinese restaurant to eat. They would have to go further. Grace wondered what Quinn had in mind. Quinn also told Grace that she needed to dress to fit the occasion since this would be no pub visit.
Grace chose a rose colored skirt with a matching print blouse. Pretty enough for cocktails, but not too formal. Her dark hair stood out with the outfit and she wore it down and loose rather than tied back as usual when she was at the cottage. A little touch of blush and some shadow, and she glowed. Grace was not sure if Quinn had ever really seen her dressed up.
All the guests were out for the evening and none expect dinner tonight, so Grace had the evening free. At 5:30 she heard a car pull into the drive. As she opened the front door of the cottage, she smiled as she saw Quinn exiting his car still in his suit from the work day. She decided right then that he could have pursued a career as a male model and would look exceptional in anything that he wore.
As Quinn started to walk to the front door, he looked up and saw Grace. He stopped in his tracks as he was in awe of her natural beauty. She glowed from inside out and this is the first time he had really seen this. After this momentary stop he charged up the steps and grabbed Grace in a huge twirling hug followed by a long passionate kiss. No words were needed between the two.
“You look absolutely ravishing,” Quinn smiled as he pulled himself away form Grace to look her over once more.
Grace blushed, “Not so bad yourself, mister.”
“Are you ready to go? We have some reservations and I don't want to be late for this special evening,” Quinn turned to head back to the car.
“Special evening? Where are we going? What's this all about?” Grace was full of questions.
“Just come along and you'll see. I'm not saying any more,” Quinn took Grace's hand and lead her to the car.
They headed down the road to Maghera, or at least Grace thought so, until they turned left onto a road that lead to an area called Upperlands. There was only one place out here that Grace knew about and her heart pounded as they turned in the drive to Ardtara Country House. This place was known all around the county as a throw back to the time of Queen Victoria but updated with all the current amenities. The food was definitely gourmet, and the country house had been recognized by many awards like Fodor's and Michelin, along with being recognized as one of the most romantic places in Ireland.
Grace was speechless. It took forever to get reservations here. She had heard this from guests who were looking for a romantic getaway and ended up at Aine's cottage instead. This was only about 15 minutes from the cottage. What did Quinn have in mind?
As they pulled up to the front of the country house, Quinn exited the car and came around to assist Grace.
“Just be patient, Grace. I know you have lots of questions,” was Quinn's only response.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Time Away
To my regular readers and to those of you who venture to this site, I do apologize for the lack of posts recently, actually for almost a month. Unfortunately life seems to throw us curves at times and the enjoyment of writing seems to fall by the wayside.
I hope to be back writing more about Grace and Quinn, and Aine's Cottage, over this weekend and through the holidays. Thanks for your patience.
I hope your holidays are joyful and memorable. Slainte!
Arlene
I hope to be back writing more about Grace and Quinn, and Aine's Cottage, over this weekend and through the holidays. Thanks for your patience.
I hope your holidays are joyful and memorable. Slainte!
Arlene
Sunday, November 13, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 60
When Grace woke up and headed for the kitchen the next morning, Quinn was already there getting a pot of tea heated before he left to go back to Dublin. There was an unsettled quiet between the two of them. Grace didn't know how to tell Quinn how much she would miss him, and Quinn didn't want to push Grace beyond her comfort.
Grace walked up behind Quinn and put her arms around his waist as he was pouring the water from the pot into their cups. He was so surprised that he almost missed the cup. He put the pot down and savored the fact that Grace had come to him first. She tightened her hold and he could feel her body close against him.
“So whose turn is it to surprise this time?” Quinn asked as he turned around in Grace's grasp.
“I'm going to miss you, Quinn,” Grace stated quietly. “How soon can you be back?”
Quinn wrapped his arms around Grace, “I'll be here on Friday afternoon and I'll be staying a bit longer this time. I know this week will be tough apart, but we'll make it, and it will make the weekend more special. I'll be calling you every day just to check in.
“I'll keep myself busy with making the changes to the website that you told me about, and with the guests who will be here during the week. I just wanted you to know I'd miss you,” Grace explained.
They finished their tea and some scones and Quinn headed to grab his overnight bag and leave to head back to Dublin. Grace was waiting at the door for him as he came down the stairs. She knew this would be difficult but never imagined how attached she had become to Quinn. Their good-bye kiss was long and passionate, something both of them would hold on to until the following Friday.
Quinn had not been gone long when Grace heard someone in the drive. It was Peter. Grace had not seen him for a bit and welcomed his visit. They spent a while talking about Peter and Chloe's upcoming wedding. Peter wanted to make sure that he could reserve the entire cottage for a week with all the family arriving and needing someplace to stay. Grace was thrilled that she would have a full house for both the weekend and the weekdays. While it was a few months off, she would need to make sure to plan for a full B&B for an entire week. She might even need to have some help to take care of all the necessities.
This was the kind of business that Grace had hoped to generate for the cottage. It was a busy cottage that would keep her solvent and even allow her to create some savings for those times that were sparse with reservations. If she could make this work, then this move to Swatragh would have been exactly what Aine had in mind for her. She even had an idea for pulling in some local businesses to help with a little catering to lighten the load for a full cottage. Most of her time was now taken up with thought about how to manage the cottage and fit in some time for herself.
Peter stayed for lunch while they continued to chat about the changes he saw for his life with Chloe. He was so different from the first time he had met Grace. That closed sarcastic lad was now open and confident. He was working as a trainer for some runners along with continuing his running in some larger competitions. At this point he was training for a local marathon in Cookstown. And to listen to him talk about Chloe was a joy. You could tell he was deeply in love with her. Grace no longer felt any anxiousness about never having that same kind of experience. Her feelings for Quinn drew deeper by the day, and she new he was the one love she had been waiting for all her life.
Peter noticed that when Grace spoke of Quinn she lit up. He wanted to ask Grace about their relationship, but knew this was not the right time. He had guessed things might change after the night that Grace called him when Quinn had been injured. Her concern was a little more than that of a concerned person. This made Peter very happy knowing that Grace had also found someone. She had seemed so closed and reserved when he first met her. This was a gentler, softer Grace.
After lunch when Grace had the cottage to herself again, she spent some time in the office working on the website with changes that Quinn had suggested. Little things that made the entire operation so much easier. Why had she not thought of these? She smiled to herself knowing that with Quinn's help things would be much better in all ways.
Grace walked up behind Quinn and put her arms around his waist as he was pouring the water from the pot into their cups. He was so surprised that he almost missed the cup. He put the pot down and savored the fact that Grace had come to him first. She tightened her hold and he could feel her body close against him.
“So whose turn is it to surprise this time?” Quinn asked as he turned around in Grace's grasp.
“I'm going to miss you, Quinn,” Grace stated quietly. “How soon can you be back?”
Quinn wrapped his arms around Grace, “I'll be here on Friday afternoon and I'll be staying a bit longer this time. I know this week will be tough apart, but we'll make it, and it will make the weekend more special. I'll be calling you every day just to check in.
“I'll keep myself busy with making the changes to the website that you told me about, and with the guests who will be here during the week. I just wanted you to know I'd miss you,” Grace explained.
They finished their tea and some scones and Quinn headed to grab his overnight bag and leave to head back to Dublin. Grace was waiting at the door for him as he came down the stairs. She knew this would be difficult but never imagined how attached she had become to Quinn. Their good-bye kiss was long and passionate, something both of them would hold on to until the following Friday.
Quinn had not been gone long when Grace heard someone in the drive. It was Peter. Grace had not seen him for a bit and welcomed his visit. They spent a while talking about Peter and Chloe's upcoming wedding. Peter wanted to make sure that he could reserve the entire cottage for a week with all the family arriving and needing someplace to stay. Grace was thrilled that she would have a full house for both the weekend and the weekdays. While it was a few months off, she would need to make sure to plan for a full B&B for an entire week. She might even need to have some help to take care of all the necessities.
This was the kind of business that Grace had hoped to generate for the cottage. It was a busy cottage that would keep her solvent and even allow her to create some savings for those times that were sparse with reservations. If she could make this work, then this move to Swatragh would have been exactly what Aine had in mind for her. She even had an idea for pulling in some local businesses to help with a little catering to lighten the load for a full cottage. Most of her time was now taken up with thought about how to manage the cottage and fit in some time for herself.
Peter stayed for lunch while they continued to chat about the changes he saw for his life with Chloe. He was so different from the first time he had met Grace. That closed sarcastic lad was now open and confident. He was working as a trainer for some runners along with continuing his running in some larger competitions. At this point he was training for a local marathon in Cookstown. And to listen to him talk about Chloe was a joy. You could tell he was deeply in love with her. Grace no longer felt any anxiousness about never having that same kind of experience. Her feelings for Quinn drew deeper by the day, and she new he was the one love she had been waiting for all her life.
Peter noticed that when Grace spoke of Quinn she lit up. He wanted to ask Grace about their relationship, but knew this was not the right time. He had guessed things might change after the night that Grace called him when Quinn had been injured. Her concern was a little more than that of a concerned person. This made Peter very happy knowing that Grace had also found someone. She had seemed so closed and reserved when he first met her. This was a gentler, softer Grace.
After lunch when Grace had the cottage to herself again, she spent some time in the office working on the website with changes that Quinn had suggested. Little things that made the entire operation so much easier. Why had she not thought of these? She smiled to herself knowing that with Quinn's help things would be much better in all ways.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 59
The weekend flew by with guests to be taken care of and a trip to the market to pick up food for Sunday dinner. Grace wanted to make something special to impress Donovan and surprise both Donovan and Quinn with a special dessert.
The menu included lamb stew with carrots and potatoes and a dessert of banofee pie. The pie was not difficult but did take quite a bit of time in the refrigerator. It had been years since Grace had enjoyed a banoffee pie, and she thought it would be perfect to impress both men.
Quinn busied himself with some work in the office and checking out the website for the B&B. Grace didn't want to take advantage of her relationship with Quinn, but he had offered, so she took him up on the offer. He made notes of all his suggestions for when he talked about it later with Grace. There were many ways that she could market the cottage better, and make taking reservations easier on herself that Quinn could help with. He also did a little of his networking for some of the businesses in Swatragh. He was finding that doing this freelance work was quite rewarding for him. Something he had not done for a long time.
Dinner time arrive and the cottage smelled of seasonings and warm cooked meat. Donovan arrived and Quinn greeted him at the door. After some introductions and the offer of a cold pint Donovan seemed to warm up to the idea of Quinn being around the cottage. Donovan could see the connection between Quinn and Grace and thought to himself how much the two of them reminded him of himself and Aine early on. Grace noticed Donovan looking at the two of them with a slight smile. She knew that Quinn met with Donovan's approval.
Dinner was everything that Grace had planned. The two men ate heartily sopping up the gravy from the stew with a fresh loaf of soda bread. Grace had thought there would be some leftovers for the next day, but not with these two. As they finished the main course, she was sure they would be too full for her dessert and was a bit disappointed.
“So what have you got for dessert?” Donovan asked as he was leaning back in his chair. “A cuppa would be nice, you know.”
“Of course I have some tea, Donovan,” Grace responded. “I don't expect you'll have any room there for a special dessert, eh?”
“I've always got some room for dessert.” Donovan touted. “Not that I do that everyday. Must be something really good for you to be pushing it on us.”
“Donovan, I'm surprised at your attitude. Maybe I'll keep my banoffee pie for myself!” Grace teased back.
“Holy cow! Banoffee pie! It's been....” and Donovan's voice trailed off.
“I'm always up for dessert,” Quinn popped in with his two cents.
Grace brought out the tea and banoffe pie to “oohhs” and “ahhs” from Quinn and Donovan. At least they held themselves to one piece of the sweet rich dessert, raving about how much they enjoyed it as they ate. Grace was pleased with her choice.
Dinner was followed by some discussion about how things were planned for the cottage for the foreseeable future. Donovan was courteous enough not to pry into Grace and Quinn's relationship, but could see that it appeared to be something that might become very permanent. He was pleased to hear how much Quinn enjoyed his time in Swatragh.
Donovan left a happy man, full to the gills, knowing things would be what he had hoped for. Grace and Quinn finished cleaning up from dinner and sat down on the sofa again, as if they had been doing this for years. They discussed the website for the cottage and talked about how Quinn would have to leave early the next morning to head back to Dublin. He planned to work a full week but leave early on Friday to return to Swatragh on Friday evening. The following week he would stay a little longer to meet with some business in Swatragh about their websites. He was glad to find the excuse to spend more time with Grace at the cottage. In fact, while he had not told Grace yet, he was working on a plan to spend as much time as possible in Swatragh.
The menu included lamb stew with carrots and potatoes and a dessert of banofee pie. The pie was not difficult but did take quite a bit of time in the refrigerator. It had been years since Grace had enjoyed a banoffee pie, and she thought it would be perfect to impress both men.
Quinn busied himself with some work in the office and checking out the website for the B&B. Grace didn't want to take advantage of her relationship with Quinn, but he had offered, so she took him up on the offer. He made notes of all his suggestions for when he talked about it later with Grace. There were many ways that she could market the cottage better, and make taking reservations easier on herself that Quinn could help with. He also did a little of his networking for some of the businesses in Swatragh. He was finding that doing this freelance work was quite rewarding for him. Something he had not done for a long time.
Dinner time arrive and the cottage smelled of seasonings and warm cooked meat. Donovan arrived and Quinn greeted him at the door. After some introductions and the offer of a cold pint Donovan seemed to warm up to the idea of Quinn being around the cottage. Donovan could see the connection between Quinn and Grace and thought to himself how much the two of them reminded him of himself and Aine early on. Grace noticed Donovan looking at the two of them with a slight smile. She knew that Quinn met with Donovan's approval.
Dinner was everything that Grace had planned. The two men ate heartily sopping up the gravy from the stew with a fresh loaf of soda bread. Grace had thought there would be some leftovers for the next day, but not with these two. As they finished the main course, she was sure they would be too full for her dessert and was a bit disappointed.
“So what have you got for dessert?” Donovan asked as he was leaning back in his chair. “A cuppa would be nice, you know.”
“Of course I have some tea, Donovan,” Grace responded. “I don't expect you'll have any room there for a special dessert, eh?”
“I've always got some room for dessert.” Donovan touted. “Not that I do that everyday. Must be something really good for you to be pushing it on us.”
“Donovan, I'm surprised at your attitude. Maybe I'll keep my banoffee pie for myself!” Grace teased back.
“Holy cow! Banoffee pie! It's been....” and Donovan's voice trailed off.
“I'm always up for dessert,” Quinn popped in with his two cents.
Grace brought out the tea and banoffe pie to “oohhs” and “ahhs” from Quinn and Donovan. At least they held themselves to one piece of the sweet rich dessert, raving about how much they enjoyed it as they ate. Grace was pleased with her choice.
Dinner was followed by some discussion about how things were planned for the cottage for the foreseeable future. Donovan was courteous enough not to pry into Grace and Quinn's relationship, but could see that it appeared to be something that might become very permanent. He was pleased to hear how much Quinn enjoyed his time in Swatragh.
Donovan left a happy man, full to the gills, knowing things would be what he had hoped for. Grace and Quinn finished cleaning up from dinner and sat down on the sofa again, as if they had been doing this for years. They discussed the website for the cottage and talked about how Quinn would have to leave early the next morning to head back to Dublin. He planned to work a full week but leave early on Friday to return to Swatragh on Friday evening. The following week he would stay a little longer to meet with some business in Swatragh about their websites. He was glad to find the excuse to spend more time with Grace at the cottage. In fact, while he had not told Grace yet, he was working on a plan to spend as much time as possible in Swatragh.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 58
Lunch was always a treat at Rafters, and Grace and Quinn were getting to be known as regulars, especially with the reputation of Aine's Cottage spread about by the musicians playing in the pub. Brendan, the barman, was always up for a chat about what was going on locally when the pub was not too busy, but today had only time for a few words of greeting as the weekend lunch crowd was full of sports enthusiasts and patrons wandering in after a local wedding. Grace and Quinn would comment back and forth about the variety of patrons that Rafters had, making up their own stories about those with unique personalities.
After one earlier conversation that Quinn had with Brendan, they discussed the possibility of upgrading Rafters website. And Brendan had also mentioned a few other local businesses that either needed websites, or needed some upgrading. Quinn could see the possibility of spending time working in the Swatragh area expanding his own business, and being able to stay with Grace at the cottage. Grace was pleased with this idea, but didn't want to put any pressure on Quinn to stay unless he really wanted to be there. He did give some of his business cards to Brendan and posted one next to the flier for the cottage before he left.
After lunch Grace and Quinn headed to the cottage. As they pulled into the drive, Grace noticed Donovan sitting outside his home across the way. She waved and made her way across the road as Quinn started to unload the cars.
“Good day to you Donovan,” Grace greeted Donovan cheerfully.
“What's with all the stuff?” Donovan queried back at her without even a greeting back.
“Nice to know I'm welcome here,” Grace retorted back at Donovan. “For your information, I'm moving into the cottage permanently.”
“We'll lassie, in that case, I'm happy to have you as my neighbor! I knew you could not resist. Just took you a while to realize that, eh?” Donovan was still his gruff self.
“Donovan, it was a financial decision. Too long to go into now, but I'm sure we'll have time to sit down for tea and scones sometime soon and I'll tell you all about it. For right now, I have to unload and get ready for the arrival of some guests tonight. Maybe you can make it to Sunday dinner and meet my friend Quinn,” Grace was still trying to break Donovan's gruff exterior.
“I guess I could do with a meal from Aine's recipe box,” he replied with a smile.
“See you then. I've got to get going,” Grace had guests arriving later that evening so had time earlier in the day, but it was getting time to prepare for their arrival. No dinner for them tonight, but she would be making dinner for herself and Quinn.
“Where am I going to put all this stuff?” Grace turned to Quinn as if he would know.
“I'd say in that little room you let me stay in, but I'll be there tonight, unless....” Quinn looked at Grace with a smile and a wink.
“Let's just put it all it the sitting room and office so I can go through it slowly as the week progresses. I don't want to be having to drag it down from upstairs all the time. I'm trying to be practical here,” Grace was smiling as she winked back at Quinn.
Quinn knew this was not a relationship to be rushed. He had a lot of respect for Grace and understood the ground rules she was setting down. Besides they had only known each other for a short time. As they finished stacking the boxes in the office area they stood shoulder to shoulder looking at everything that made up Grace's life from Dublin. Quinn easily understood what Grace was thinking and put his arm around Grace's shoulder and pulled her close.
“It will be just fine, Grace,” he said reassuringly as he gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Grace couldn't help but feel a little lost in all of this and wrapped her arms around Quinn feeling the reassurance of his hold.
Their momentary embrace was cut short by the sound of a car in the drive. Grace's guests had arrived for the night. As Grace greeted them and showed them to their room, Quinn moved their two cars to the side of the cottage so there would be plenty of space, and headed into the kitchen to make a pot of tea, both for the two of them and for the guests. When Grace brought the guests into the large sitting room for tea, she was surprised that it was already prepared and set out on the table. All Grace could do was turn and smile at Quinn. He had read her mind.
Both Grace and Quinn spent some time chatting with the guests to welcome them and answer any questions they had. They made sure to make recommendations for places to see and eat in the area and check about breakfast preferences for the morning. Quinn reviewed the breakfasts menu highlighting his favorites with suggestions for the guests. He made several comments about how fabulous a cook Grace was with her original recipes and also with those that her grandmother had passed down. Grace blushed and thought she might have to think about having Quinn help her with marketing.
The guests headed off to the pub for the evening and Grace and Quinn settled in the sitting room with some of their favorite music playing in the background. Grace loved that they had this time to relax and talk about things in general. As the evening wore on they both found it difficult to say goodnight. For a long while Grace just sat on the sofa cuddled up next to Quinn, his arms wrapped around her making her feel safe and secure. As the music on her iPod stopped she realized that the morning would arrive early and they both needed to get some sleep. Grace turned her head to Quinn and their lips met gently in a single kiss that turned several more passionate kisses. Both Grace and Quinn knew there had to be a stopping point, or there would be no turning back. Grace was not ready for that yet, so slowly pulled away.
“We need to get some sleep. I've got to get up early to start breakfasts,” she explained, as if Quinn didn't know.
“Okay, if I have to...Time to head up to my lonely little room upstairs. You had better lock your door, little lady,” Quinn teased looking at Grace as if he had hurt feelings.
“You're a big boy, Quinn. I'm sure you'll manage on your own,” Grace teased back.
As they walked to the bottom of the stairs, Quinn held Grace firmly for one last longing kiss before he headed upstairs. Grace was floating as she headed to her room, and floated off to sleep with some wonderful dreams.
After one earlier conversation that Quinn had with Brendan, they discussed the possibility of upgrading Rafters website. And Brendan had also mentioned a few other local businesses that either needed websites, or needed some upgrading. Quinn could see the possibility of spending time working in the Swatragh area expanding his own business, and being able to stay with Grace at the cottage. Grace was pleased with this idea, but didn't want to put any pressure on Quinn to stay unless he really wanted to be there. He did give some of his business cards to Brendan and posted one next to the flier for the cottage before he left.
After lunch Grace and Quinn headed to the cottage. As they pulled into the drive, Grace noticed Donovan sitting outside his home across the way. She waved and made her way across the road as Quinn started to unload the cars.
“Good day to you Donovan,” Grace greeted Donovan cheerfully.
“What's with all the stuff?” Donovan queried back at her without even a greeting back.
“Nice to know I'm welcome here,” Grace retorted back at Donovan. “For your information, I'm moving into the cottage permanently.”
“We'll lassie, in that case, I'm happy to have you as my neighbor! I knew you could not resist. Just took you a while to realize that, eh?” Donovan was still his gruff self.
“Donovan, it was a financial decision. Too long to go into now, but I'm sure we'll have time to sit down for tea and scones sometime soon and I'll tell you all about it. For right now, I have to unload and get ready for the arrival of some guests tonight. Maybe you can make it to Sunday dinner and meet my friend Quinn,” Grace was still trying to break Donovan's gruff exterior.
“I guess I could do with a meal from Aine's recipe box,” he replied with a smile.
“See you then. I've got to get going,” Grace had guests arriving later that evening so had time earlier in the day, but it was getting time to prepare for their arrival. No dinner for them tonight, but she would be making dinner for herself and Quinn.
“Where am I going to put all this stuff?” Grace turned to Quinn as if he would know.
“I'd say in that little room you let me stay in, but I'll be there tonight, unless....” Quinn looked at Grace with a smile and a wink.
“Let's just put it all it the sitting room and office so I can go through it slowly as the week progresses. I don't want to be having to drag it down from upstairs all the time. I'm trying to be practical here,” Grace was smiling as she winked back at Quinn.
Quinn knew this was not a relationship to be rushed. He had a lot of respect for Grace and understood the ground rules she was setting down. Besides they had only known each other for a short time. As they finished stacking the boxes in the office area they stood shoulder to shoulder looking at everything that made up Grace's life from Dublin. Quinn easily understood what Grace was thinking and put his arm around Grace's shoulder and pulled her close.
“It will be just fine, Grace,” he said reassuringly as he gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Grace couldn't help but feel a little lost in all of this and wrapped her arms around Quinn feeling the reassurance of his hold.
Their momentary embrace was cut short by the sound of a car in the drive. Grace's guests had arrived for the night. As Grace greeted them and showed them to their room, Quinn moved their two cars to the side of the cottage so there would be plenty of space, and headed into the kitchen to make a pot of tea, both for the two of them and for the guests. When Grace brought the guests into the large sitting room for tea, she was surprised that it was already prepared and set out on the table. All Grace could do was turn and smile at Quinn. He had read her mind.
Both Grace and Quinn spent some time chatting with the guests to welcome them and answer any questions they had. They made sure to make recommendations for places to see and eat in the area and check about breakfast preferences for the morning. Quinn reviewed the breakfasts menu highlighting his favorites with suggestions for the guests. He made several comments about how fabulous a cook Grace was with her original recipes and also with those that her grandmother had passed down. Grace blushed and thought she might have to think about having Quinn help her with marketing.
The guests headed off to the pub for the evening and Grace and Quinn settled in the sitting room with some of their favorite music playing in the background. Grace loved that they had this time to relax and talk about things in general. As the evening wore on they both found it difficult to say goodnight. For a long while Grace just sat on the sofa cuddled up next to Quinn, his arms wrapped around her making her feel safe and secure. As the music on her iPod stopped she realized that the morning would arrive early and they both needed to get some sleep. Grace turned her head to Quinn and their lips met gently in a single kiss that turned several more passionate kisses. Both Grace and Quinn knew there had to be a stopping point, or there would be no turning back. Grace was not ready for that yet, so slowly pulled away.
“We need to get some sleep. I've got to get up early to start breakfasts,” she explained, as if Quinn didn't know.
“Okay, if I have to...Time to head up to my lonely little room upstairs. You had better lock your door, little lady,” Quinn teased looking at Grace as if he had hurt feelings.
“You're a big boy, Quinn. I'm sure you'll manage on your own,” Grace teased back.
As they walked to the bottom of the stairs, Quinn held Grace firmly for one last longing kiss before he headed upstairs. Grace was floating as she headed to her room, and floated off to sleep with some wonderful dreams.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 57
It took a while for all this to sink in for Grace. She no longer had a secure job in Dublin with a regular salary. Her landlord let her out of her flat as long as she had paid the month in full so she did have her funds from leaving her job. It was too late to change her mind now. Things had already been set in motion.
Grace spent hours in the evenings talking to Quinn. He was a good listener and helped her with ideas when she asked for help. She appreciated all this exchange and found she was growing closer to him as they worked on this move together. Quinn like the idea of returning emotional support to Grace after she had taken such good care of him at the cottage, and understood this decision would make a difference in their relationship too.
During all of this both Grace and Quinn realized that the magnetic draw between the two of them was getting stronger. Every time they would be packing a box and touch each other, it was as if they had each received a shock. Watching the two of them maneuver past each other as the packing progressed was like watching a game of cat and mouse.
Quinn knew that Grace was very hesitant about their relationship, but also knew that keeping the status quo was not going to be good for either of them. Grace couldn't help being drawn closer and closer to Quinn and by Saturday evening the first weekend of packing as they finished up with plans to drive up to Swatragh the next morning things finally started to get out of hand.
Grace turned to hand Quinn a small box of note cards to put into a larger box. Quinn missed the hand off and the box fell spilling all the contents all over the floor. As they both knelt down to pick up the cards they were face to face. Quinn gently reached up with one hand on Grace's cheek and pulled her toward him into a deep, passionate kiss. Grace's arms moved around Quinn's neck and pulled herself close until she was pressed against Quinn's strong chest. If it had not been for the ring of the phone who knows where all this would have led, but both Quinn and Grace hesitantly pulled apart so Grace could answer her cell.
It was Chloe asking if she could stay at the cottage for the week as she needed a little space from Peter and his father. No, there was no trouble, but a girl just needed some private time away from being with just men all the time. Grace agreed and welcomed the company during the next week as she would be unpacking and making the cottage more of her own place.
As Grace hung up the phone Quinn was right behind her. He turned her around and pulled her into another kiss and strong embrace.
“Grace, I care for you like I have never cared for anyone before. I want you to know that,” Quinn explained.
“I do know that Quinn. In fact, I think I've known that all along. I just finally let go of things that were in my past,” Grace replied.
Both Quinn and Grace were relatively conservative adults and knew that if Quinn stayed any later Grace would not want him to leave at all. At this point she was having an argument between her head and her heart as it was. Quinn knew better and graciously bid Grace a good night with plans to load up both their cars the next morning for the trip to Swatragh.
Sunday morning was an early morning for both Quinn and Grace. They were so busy loading up the cars that they didn't have much time to think about what had happened the night before. Once the cars were loaded they headed out for some tea and toast with plans to stop at Rafters in Swatragh for lunch. It had become their favorite place for time when Grace didn't cook, or for some wonderful music. Brendan, the barman, had sent many a customer to Grace for a booking and most of the musicians who played at Rafters made reservations with Grace to stay at the cottage.
Grace loved the drive up to Swatragh as it was the countryside was green and lush and beautiful this time of the year. While they were not in the same car, Grace and Quinn kept close tabs on each other as they drove. On his Sunday morning there was not much traffic, so they made great time. Pulling into Rafters right around noon. Quinn had planned to drive back that night, but with his flexibility, he could always make the drive early the next morning.
Grace spent hours in the evenings talking to Quinn. He was a good listener and helped her with ideas when she asked for help. She appreciated all this exchange and found she was growing closer to him as they worked on this move together. Quinn like the idea of returning emotional support to Grace after she had taken such good care of him at the cottage, and understood this decision would make a difference in their relationship too.
During all of this both Grace and Quinn realized that the magnetic draw between the two of them was getting stronger. Every time they would be packing a box and touch each other, it was as if they had each received a shock. Watching the two of them maneuver past each other as the packing progressed was like watching a game of cat and mouse.
Quinn knew that Grace was very hesitant about their relationship, but also knew that keeping the status quo was not going to be good for either of them. Grace couldn't help being drawn closer and closer to Quinn and by Saturday evening the first weekend of packing as they finished up with plans to drive up to Swatragh the next morning things finally started to get out of hand.
Grace turned to hand Quinn a small box of note cards to put into a larger box. Quinn missed the hand off and the box fell spilling all the contents all over the floor. As they both knelt down to pick up the cards they were face to face. Quinn gently reached up with one hand on Grace's cheek and pulled her toward him into a deep, passionate kiss. Grace's arms moved around Quinn's neck and pulled herself close until she was pressed against Quinn's strong chest. If it had not been for the ring of the phone who knows where all this would have led, but both Quinn and Grace hesitantly pulled apart so Grace could answer her cell.
It was Chloe asking if she could stay at the cottage for the week as she needed a little space from Peter and his father. No, there was no trouble, but a girl just needed some private time away from being with just men all the time. Grace agreed and welcomed the company during the next week as she would be unpacking and making the cottage more of her own place.
As Grace hung up the phone Quinn was right behind her. He turned her around and pulled her into another kiss and strong embrace.
“Grace, I care for you like I have never cared for anyone before. I want you to know that,” Quinn explained.
“I do know that Quinn. In fact, I think I've known that all along. I just finally let go of things that were in my past,” Grace replied.
Both Quinn and Grace were relatively conservative adults and knew that if Quinn stayed any later Grace would not want him to leave at all. At this point she was having an argument between her head and her heart as it was. Quinn knew better and graciously bid Grace a good night with plans to load up both their cars the next morning for the trip to Swatragh.
Sunday morning was an early morning for both Quinn and Grace. They were so busy loading up the cars that they didn't have much time to think about what had happened the night before. Once the cars were loaded they headed out for some tea and toast with plans to stop at Rafters in Swatragh for lunch. It had become their favorite place for time when Grace didn't cook, or for some wonderful music. Brendan, the barman, had sent many a customer to Grace for a booking and most of the musicians who played at Rafters made reservations with Grace to stay at the cottage.
Grace loved the drive up to Swatragh as it was the countryside was green and lush and beautiful this time of the year. While they were not in the same car, Grace and Quinn kept close tabs on each other as they drove. On his Sunday morning there was not much traffic, so they made great time. Pulling into Rafters right around noon. Quinn had planned to drive back that night, but with his flexibility, he could always make the drive early the next morning.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 56
Monday morning meetings were dreaded by all the staff. The firm was in trouble and the recent staffing changes were not helping. Even with Chloe leaving, and everyone cutting their hours, there was not enough business coming in to support the remaining staff. A few of the people had already been looking at moving out of Dublin to London, or even to America to find jobs to be able to support themselves. London was easier, as the wait for a green card to the US could take forever. Most didn't really want to leave Ireland because of family, but they may not have a choice.
When the boss entered the meeting room on Monday everyone knew something was up. There was a stranger with him. Someone in an expensive suit looking like things were going to change. The stranger sat at the back of the room while their boss explained how poorly business had been going over the last couple of months, even with the cuts and sacrifices they had made. So he looked outside the firm for financial support. And in the end that support came from a competitive firm and a merger. With such a merger there would be reorganization. And everyone turned to look at the stranger at the back of the room.
Grace knew this was not going to be good at all. The manager of the new firm was introduced and explained that no one should panic about their jobs. There would be changes and not everyone would survive the merger. All employees would be given two weeks of redundancy pay, and some help would be provided for recommendations for new jobs. There was a unified groan in the group.
Everyone looked around the table at friends they had worked with for several years or more. They knew this was the end of the road for most of them. The faces of those near retirement were full of worry lines. Who would hire someone their age at this point?
Interviews were set up for the remainder of that day. Decisions had already been made and it was just a matter of informing the employees who was to stay and who was going to be let go. The entire office would be closing and those employees moving to the new firm needed to clear out their work spaces as well as those who would no longer be working for the firm. So while interviews were progressing, all employees returned to their work spaces and started packing up what personal items they had accumulated over the years. For most it was no more than a box of items that they could carry out of the building. This was the end for the firm they had given their life to and for many it was the only job they had had since the end of college. Their loyalty ran deep and this was so difficult to fathom.
Grace was called before lunch that day. To her surprise, she was asked to stay and move to the new firm. She only had one question.
“If I quit, will someone else get my place and keep their job?” Grace was a great negotiator when landing a client and now was using that skill to try and insure that if she left, someone else would have the opportunity to keep their job.
After some private discussion between the old and new boss, they assured her that going down the list of employees, that, yes, if she decided not to continue with the new firm, the next person on the list would take her place. They were very confused, and the new manager asked many questions as to why she would leave this great opportunity. Grace tried not to bring too much of her personal life into the discussion, but explained that another opportunity had crossed her path and she wanted to further explore it's possibilities. She also made sure to negotiate the two week redundancy pay which would help her get through the next month and make her move to Swatragh.
As soon as Grace arrived home she message Quinn. She really didn't know who else to call, as most of her friends were from the firm and already knew what was happening. She and Quinn arranged to meet up at a local coffee shop that was convenient for both of them. Grace explained that she would be giving notice to her landlord and moving out of her flat in Dublin. That would really put a wrench into Quinn and Grace seeing each other in Dublin after the next week. Quinn didn't seem too concerned, but didn't say much. He only asked if there would be a room for him at the cottage on a regular basis so that he could visit on weekends.
Grace was pleased with this, knowing that she could look forward to weekend visits from Quinn, even though she might be busy with guests part of the time. Quinn explained that if they wanted to make more of their relationship, they need the time to see each other on a regular basis, and he was willing to make that happen. They planned to work on packing up Grace's flat over the next weekend, and move as much as she needed up to Swatragh over the next two weeks. As Grace began her packing, she thought of her grandmother, Aine, and how grateful she was for the gift of the cottage. Aine must have been looking over her knowing that this was the perfect decision.
When the boss entered the meeting room on Monday everyone knew something was up. There was a stranger with him. Someone in an expensive suit looking like things were going to change. The stranger sat at the back of the room while their boss explained how poorly business had been going over the last couple of months, even with the cuts and sacrifices they had made. So he looked outside the firm for financial support. And in the end that support came from a competitive firm and a merger. With such a merger there would be reorganization. And everyone turned to look at the stranger at the back of the room.
Grace knew this was not going to be good at all. The manager of the new firm was introduced and explained that no one should panic about their jobs. There would be changes and not everyone would survive the merger. All employees would be given two weeks of redundancy pay, and some help would be provided for recommendations for new jobs. There was a unified groan in the group.
Everyone looked around the table at friends they had worked with for several years or more. They knew this was the end of the road for most of them. The faces of those near retirement were full of worry lines. Who would hire someone their age at this point?
Interviews were set up for the remainder of that day. Decisions had already been made and it was just a matter of informing the employees who was to stay and who was going to be let go. The entire office would be closing and those employees moving to the new firm needed to clear out their work spaces as well as those who would no longer be working for the firm. So while interviews were progressing, all employees returned to their work spaces and started packing up what personal items they had accumulated over the years. For most it was no more than a box of items that they could carry out of the building. This was the end for the firm they had given their life to and for many it was the only job they had had since the end of college. Their loyalty ran deep and this was so difficult to fathom.
Grace was called before lunch that day. To her surprise, she was asked to stay and move to the new firm. She only had one question.
“If I quit, will someone else get my place and keep their job?” Grace was a great negotiator when landing a client and now was using that skill to try and insure that if she left, someone else would have the opportunity to keep their job.
After some private discussion between the old and new boss, they assured her that going down the list of employees, that, yes, if she decided not to continue with the new firm, the next person on the list would take her place. They were very confused, and the new manager asked many questions as to why she would leave this great opportunity. Grace tried not to bring too much of her personal life into the discussion, but explained that another opportunity had crossed her path and she wanted to further explore it's possibilities. She also made sure to negotiate the two week redundancy pay which would help her get through the next month and make her move to Swatragh.
As soon as Grace arrived home she message Quinn. She really didn't know who else to call, as most of her friends were from the firm and already knew what was happening. She and Quinn arranged to meet up at a local coffee shop that was convenient for both of them. Grace explained that she would be giving notice to her landlord and moving out of her flat in Dublin. That would really put a wrench into Quinn and Grace seeing each other in Dublin after the next week. Quinn didn't seem too concerned, but didn't say much. He only asked if there would be a room for him at the cottage on a regular basis so that he could visit on weekends.
Grace was pleased with this, knowing that she could look forward to weekend visits from Quinn, even though she might be busy with guests part of the time. Quinn explained that if they wanted to make more of their relationship, they need the time to see each other on a regular basis, and he was willing to make that happen. They planned to work on packing up Grace's flat over the next weekend, and move as much as she needed up to Swatragh over the next two weeks. As Grace began her packing, she thought of her grandmother, Aine, and how grateful she was for the gift of the cottage. Aine must have been looking over her knowing that this was the perfect decision.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 55
Grace stretched as she woke up and realized that she was still in her clothes from the night before and not in her bed either. She remembered going out to dinner with Quinn, but somewhere along the way things seemed to get a little fuzzy. She ached all over from sleeping in the over-sized chair in the front room. Barely able to open her eyes to the sun streaming in, she realized that she was being watched. Quinn was standing in the doorway with a tray of tea.
“Oh, I'm sorry, I must have overslept, I should be getting that for you,” Grace started to get up from the chair but her head was reeling.
“Stop right there, Grace,” ordered Quinn. “It's my turn to do a little taking care of you.” And he put the tray with the pot of tea down on the table next to Grace. “First off, let's get you some ibuprofen to start working on that headache.”
“What happened to me last night?” asked Grace as she downed the ibuprofen.
“I don't think you have much of a tolerance for more than one pint. By the time we headed back here, you were pretty much as relaxed as anyone could be. And quite friendly too,” Quinn winked at Grace.
Grace blushed, “Oh my, did I... I mean...I hope I didn't embarrass myself too much.”
Quinn decided to leave out the torrid embrace and kiss, “You were fine. Just really relaxed. I couldn't carry you upstairs, so I left you here. I hope that was okay?”
Grace sipped her hot tea and closed her eyes as she swallowed, “How could I let that happen? Not professional at all of me.”
“Grace, you have to let your hair down once in a while. You have been under so much stress lately. Last night was good for you. We had a great time,” Quinn was being honest as he had not had such a relaxed time out like this in ages.
Grace wanted to get up and make some breakfast for Quinn, but he declined. He needed to get back to Dublin today, and Grace needed to get over her headache and make last minute preparations for her musical guests arriving later that afternoon. She hoped to fit a short nap in before all the arrivals. At least she could head to bed early that night and be back in her own room.
Quinn made sure Grace was feeling a bit better before he headed back to Dublin with a promise to be in touch through email or phone calls once Grace was back there the following week. He was not sure he could wait that long, but he had been gone from work and not only needed to catch up there, but needed to deal with his brother Tommy also.
Once Quinn was gone Grace busied herself with the chores of the day taking short breaks just to help clear her head. She was happy not to be making dinner for the next two evenings as it would give her a break. Her weekend guests had asked for dinner on Friday and Saturday, so she worked on a plan for then.
The days flew by. With musicians in the cottage during the afternoons warming up and practicing for the evening, the cottage was full of music. Grace sang along as she worked in the kitchen, or set tables for the morning. By evening, it was quiet and Grace worked on reservations and plans for the coming months. Each day she received a short note from Quinn asking how she was doing, and telling her how anxious he was to see her again. She responded in kind and found herself looking forward to these daily notes. When she opened up her email during the day, seeing a message from Quinn brought a smile to her.
Sunday came and it was time to shut down the cottage for the next week. Grace had left the following week days unbooked so she could return to Dublin and take care of those things that needed to be done and meet with her boss. During the time she was gone, she was also receiving emails from friends as to the fact that the business was not going well, and that they expected another round of redundancy notes coming around. Grace knew this was the time to make the toughest decision she had to make.
“Oh, I'm sorry, I must have overslept, I should be getting that for you,” Grace started to get up from the chair but her head was reeling.
“Stop right there, Grace,” ordered Quinn. “It's my turn to do a little taking care of you.” And he put the tray with the pot of tea down on the table next to Grace. “First off, let's get you some ibuprofen to start working on that headache.”
“What happened to me last night?” asked Grace as she downed the ibuprofen.
“I don't think you have much of a tolerance for more than one pint. By the time we headed back here, you were pretty much as relaxed as anyone could be. And quite friendly too,” Quinn winked at Grace.
Grace blushed, “Oh my, did I... I mean...I hope I didn't embarrass myself too much.”
Quinn decided to leave out the torrid embrace and kiss, “You were fine. Just really relaxed. I couldn't carry you upstairs, so I left you here. I hope that was okay?”
Grace sipped her hot tea and closed her eyes as she swallowed, “How could I let that happen? Not professional at all of me.”
“Grace, you have to let your hair down once in a while. You have been under so much stress lately. Last night was good for you. We had a great time,” Quinn was being honest as he had not had such a relaxed time out like this in ages.
Grace wanted to get up and make some breakfast for Quinn, but he declined. He needed to get back to Dublin today, and Grace needed to get over her headache and make last minute preparations for her musical guests arriving later that afternoon. She hoped to fit a short nap in before all the arrivals. At least she could head to bed early that night and be back in her own room.
Quinn made sure Grace was feeling a bit better before he headed back to Dublin with a promise to be in touch through email or phone calls once Grace was back there the following week. He was not sure he could wait that long, but he had been gone from work and not only needed to catch up there, but needed to deal with his brother Tommy also.
Once Quinn was gone Grace busied herself with the chores of the day taking short breaks just to help clear her head. She was happy not to be making dinner for the next two evenings as it would give her a break. Her weekend guests had asked for dinner on Friday and Saturday, so she worked on a plan for then.
The days flew by. With musicians in the cottage during the afternoons warming up and practicing for the evening, the cottage was full of music. Grace sang along as she worked in the kitchen, or set tables for the morning. By evening, it was quiet and Grace worked on reservations and plans for the coming months. Each day she received a short note from Quinn asking how she was doing, and telling her how anxious he was to see her again. She responded in kind and found herself looking forward to these daily notes. When she opened up her email during the day, seeing a message from Quinn brought a smile to her.
Sunday came and it was time to shut down the cottage for the next week. Grace had left the following week days unbooked so she could return to Dublin and take care of those things that needed to be done and meet with her boss. During the time she was gone, she was also receiving emails from friends as to the fact that the business was not going well, and that they expected another round of redundancy notes coming around. Grace knew this was the time to make the toughest decision she had to make.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 54
Dinner ended quietly. There was an uncomfortable silence between Quinn and Grace. Grace was in the kitchen cleaning up from dinner when Quinn came in.
“You know we do have to deal with the elephant in the room, don't you?” Quinn began.
“I don't know what to say, Quinn,” Grace responded.
“Then I guess it's up to me. There is obviously something going on between us. I'm going to put it all on the table and just say I am very attracted to you. There is something about you that I have never seen in any women I've known before. You are cautious, but caring, and I know you have a lot of reservations about this. I can see it,” Quinn stated.
“Quinn, I don't know what to tell you. I'm not sure I'm ready to make any comments right now. This is very confusing for me, and yes, I have so many reservations. Right now I'm still trying to work out having a job in Dublin and a B&B in Swatragh with no one to run the B&B. That's about all I can handle,” Grace was getting overwhelmed.
“Grace, I'm not looking at something short term here. We talked about that this morning. I have a business that allows me a lot of flexibility. We can both be in Dublin and see each other there. We can be here and see each other here. I don't want to go back to Dublin without some understanding between us that we will be seeing each other again,” Quinn was trying not to push too much.
The conversation continued for a while between the two of them with Quinn trying not to push Grace, and Grace hesitating to any commitment. In the end they agreed that they would continue to be in touch, and see each other in Dublin when Grace returned after the week off.
Quinn was feeling better as the day progressed and made plans to return to Dublin on Wednesday morning. Grace was happy for the break and knew she would be very busy through the next weekend before she headed back to Dublin herself. This would give her time, and time was what she needed to process all that had happened between the two of them.
Since Quinn was leaving, he offered to take Grace out to dinner on Tuesday night. The best place in Swatrach was Rafter's and with Quinn at the wheel, they headed off. Grace liked the idea of not having to cook for a change.
They pulled up to the curb across the street from Rafter's and headed over to the restaurant. Things were quiet that night and Quinn found a table against the front window away from the bar so they wouldn't be disturbed by the game on the TV. Fish and chips were the special for the night, so they both ordered along with a cold pint. It really had been ages since Grace had been out on a date, if you considered this a date.
The atmosphere was casual and Grace and Quinn kept their conversation the same. They talked about Donovan, trips they had taken, places they wanted to visit. All during this time they ate their dinner and were now on finishing their second pint. Both were feeling very relaxed, especially Grace. She laughed easily and smiled the entire time. Quinn loved seeing her this way. So different from the Grace he knew that had to be in such control all the time while running the cottage.
Quinn was not feeling the effect of the Guinness as much as Grace, and he noticed how she was almost swaying as they headed back to the car. For this he was glad he was doing the driving. As they pulled up to the cottage Quinn noticed that Grace was almost limp from relaxation. He literally had to help her out of the car and with her arm over his shoulder he helped her up to the front door. Grace was mumbling something, but Quinn couldn't understand what she was saying. Maybe that was a good thing for Grace as all her inhibitions and defenses were being let go at this point.
Now as they were inside the cottage, Quinn suddenly realized he was going to have to put Grace to bed. But where? He was not strong enough yet to help her up the stairs, and felt a little strange putting her in the bed he had been sleeping in for the last four nights. He kept thinking that Grace would probably prefer clean sheets her first night back in her own bed.
Quinn didn't have much time to think about all of this when Grace suddenly came to life, turned toward him throwing her other arm around his neck and pulling him close to her. She gave her emotions in to him. He could feel the heat between them. He wanted her, and he held her close with both his arms their lips touching with the fervor of two who had been waiting for each other to arrive. His head was spinning, his body sending messages he had not felt in a long time.
“No,” Quinn gently said as he reluctantly pulled Grace away from him. “I can't do this, not when you are not yourself. I won't do it.”
Grace was pouting, but so affected by the alcohol, that she wasn't sure what was happening. Quinn took her to the big chair in the front room and set Grace down covering her up with the blanket she kept on the back of the chair. He tried to make her as comfortable as possible. Right now he needed some separation before he made a very wrong decision.
Grace was sound asleep as Quinn headed to the bedroom down the hall, shaking his head. He did not want to mess this up. This was someone very special and she was too important to him.
“You know we do have to deal with the elephant in the room, don't you?” Quinn began.
“I don't know what to say, Quinn,” Grace responded.
“Then I guess it's up to me. There is obviously something going on between us. I'm going to put it all on the table and just say I am very attracted to you. There is something about you that I have never seen in any women I've known before. You are cautious, but caring, and I know you have a lot of reservations about this. I can see it,” Quinn stated.
“Quinn, I don't know what to tell you. I'm not sure I'm ready to make any comments right now. This is very confusing for me, and yes, I have so many reservations. Right now I'm still trying to work out having a job in Dublin and a B&B in Swatragh with no one to run the B&B. That's about all I can handle,” Grace was getting overwhelmed.
“Grace, I'm not looking at something short term here. We talked about that this morning. I have a business that allows me a lot of flexibility. We can both be in Dublin and see each other there. We can be here and see each other here. I don't want to go back to Dublin without some understanding between us that we will be seeing each other again,” Quinn was trying not to push too much.
The conversation continued for a while between the two of them with Quinn trying not to push Grace, and Grace hesitating to any commitment. In the end they agreed that they would continue to be in touch, and see each other in Dublin when Grace returned after the week off.
Quinn was feeling better as the day progressed and made plans to return to Dublin on Wednesday morning. Grace was happy for the break and knew she would be very busy through the next weekend before she headed back to Dublin herself. This would give her time, and time was what she needed to process all that had happened between the two of them.
Since Quinn was leaving, he offered to take Grace out to dinner on Tuesday night. The best place in Swatrach was Rafter's and with Quinn at the wheel, they headed off. Grace liked the idea of not having to cook for a change.
They pulled up to the curb across the street from Rafter's and headed over to the restaurant. Things were quiet that night and Quinn found a table against the front window away from the bar so they wouldn't be disturbed by the game on the TV. Fish and chips were the special for the night, so they both ordered along with a cold pint. It really had been ages since Grace had been out on a date, if you considered this a date.
The atmosphere was casual and Grace and Quinn kept their conversation the same. They talked about Donovan, trips they had taken, places they wanted to visit. All during this time they ate their dinner and were now on finishing their second pint. Both were feeling very relaxed, especially Grace. She laughed easily and smiled the entire time. Quinn loved seeing her this way. So different from the Grace he knew that had to be in such control all the time while running the cottage.
Quinn was not feeling the effect of the Guinness as much as Grace, and he noticed how she was almost swaying as they headed back to the car. For this he was glad he was doing the driving. As they pulled up to the cottage Quinn noticed that Grace was almost limp from relaxation. He literally had to help her out of the car and with her arm over his shoulder he helped her up to the front door. Grace was mumbling something, but Quinn couldn't understand what she was saying. Maybe that was a good thing for Grace as all her inhibitions and defenses were being let go at this point.
Now as they were inside the cottage, Quinn suddenly realized he was going to have to put Grace to bed. But where? He was not strong enough yet to help her up the stairs, and felt a little strange putting her in the bed he had been sleeping in for the last four nights. He kept thinking that Grace would probably prefer clean sheets her first night back in her own bed.
Quinn didn't have much time to think about all of this when Grace suddenly came to life, turned toward him throwing her other arm around his neck and pulling him close to her. She gave her emotions in to him. He could feel the heat between them. He wanted her, and he held her close with both his arms their lips touching with the fervor of two who had been waiting for each other to arrive. His head was spinning, his body sending messages he had not felt in a long time.
“No,” Quinn gently said as he reluctantly pulled Grace away from him. “I can't do this, not when you are not yourself. I won't do it.”
Grace was pouting, but so affected by the alcohol, that she wasn't sure what was happening. Quinn took her to the big chair in the front room and set Grace down covering her up with the blanket she kept on the back of the chair. He tried to make her as comfortable as possible. Right now he needed some separation before he made a very wrong decision.
Grace was sound asleep as Quinn headed to the bedroom down the hall, shaking his head. He did not want to mess this up. This was someone very special and she was too important to him.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 53
Grace lie in bed that night once again in one of the upstairs guest rooms. She could hardly believe what was happening to her. She must be dreaming. This was not what she expected at all. Why did she feel she could trust this man?
Below her in the downstairs bedroom Quinn was going through similar thoughts. This was not a woman he would consider just for dating a few times and not getting serious about. He was worrying that he was already getting in too deep with this woman. But for some reason he really didn't care.
As both Quinn and Grace drifted off to sleep full of questions and doubts they both slept better than they had for many nights. No more hesitations running through their minds. They awoke refreshed the next morning, ready to deal with whatever life had in store for them.
Monday morning came early and Grace was up in the kitchen making breakfast for Quinn and herself. She rarely ate with guests, but Quinn was not really a guest. In fact, Grace was not sure what to call him.
There was a knock at the kitchen door and it opened slowly. “I thought I'd let you know it was coming in the room instead of startling you like I usually do,” Quinn chuckled as he stood in the doorway.
“Quinn, are you okay? You're up and walking!” Grace smiled with surprise.
“I'm not ready to run, or ride my bike yet, but I seem to be able to get myself around today. Less pain and I seem to have found the strength in my legs, although a little weak still,” Quinn explained.
“Here, have a seat. Don't push it too much,” Grace pulled a chair out at the kitchen table for Quinn and walked beside him as he slowly moved to sit down.
Quinn reached up to take a hold of Grace's hand smiling as he thanked her for the help. She smiled back and as she started to move away from him, brushed her hand on Quinn's shoulder. There was a closeness between them without much being said.
Once Grace put breakfast on the table and poured them both a cup of tea, she sat down next to Quinn. There was a feeling of familiarity between them. They sat and talked about the cottage and how Grace came to be running it even though she had a job in Dublin. Quinn explained how he was getting burned out with web design and Internet safety and while he felt he had made his mark in the business industry, he wanted to look for something else to do that would be fulfilling and still allow him time to do his biking around the countryside. Biking was a huge passion of his.
It was almost noon when they finished their last cup of tea and Grace had cleared the table of their breakfast. Grace needed to get some supplies for the week, but was hesitant about leaving Quinn alone. He assured her that he was good and wanted to take a shower and get a change of clothes. He told Grace that he hoped to move back upstairs to his original room. Grace protested saying Quinn was not ready to climb the stairs yet. They agreed he would wait one more day and see how things went. Grace would hang around until Quinn had finished his shower, just in case, and then she would run to Maghera to pick up groceries and produce for the rest of the week.
While Grace listened to the shower running in her room, she busied herself with checking supplies and checking the Internet for reservations in the coming weeks. There were so many requests for weekdays, Bank Holidays, and long weekends, she worried about accommodating all the guests.
As she finished, Quinn came in the downstairs room where she was working.
“Now I'm feeling better,” he stated. “Do you mind while you are gone if I use the computer for some work? There's a lot I can catch up on while I'm here. It's nice not necessarily being tied to the office.”
“Of course, you can use the computer. I'm sure you are anxious to check into your office and make sure things are going well without you,” Grace agreed and headed off to Maghera.
When Grace returned she was surprised to find Quinn sitting on the front porch chatting with Donovan. She was sure this could mean trouble, just not what kind of trouble was what worried her.
“I can use some help here,” Grace called to Donovan as she opened the trunk of the car. “And that does not mean you, Quinn.”
“I'm coming lassie. Slow, but I'm coming,” Donovan called. “You sir, can open the door for us.” Donovan commanded Quinn to be doorman.
Donovan and Grace unloaded the car and set all the supplies on the counters in the kitchen. Grace knew this was not going to be free help, so she invited Donovan to join her and Quinn for dinner that night. Donovan would never turn down one of Aine's recipes, and now would not turn down one from Grace.
While Donovan and Quinn continued to chat on the front porch, Grace began the recipe for Shepard's Pie that Aine had, but with a few changes of her own. She got the potatoes on to boil and started cooking the minced lamb with carrots and onion. She found that if she added a bit of Worcestershire sauce to the lamb mixture it heightened the flavor more. She also added some roasted garlic to the potato mixture. Once it was in the over, she got the table set and cut the bread she bought at the store. Normally she made her own bread, but the store had some multi-grain bread that she loved having once in a while.
Grace knew that Donovan would be grilling her at some point, and was not looking forward to it. She hardly expected it in front of Quinn at the dinner table. They had no sooner sat down and she had served everyone when Donovan blurted out, “So are you two together?”
“Donovan, that's a little personal, don't you think?” Grace was blushing as she looked across the table at Quinn. Quinn was looking down at his Shepard's pie so his eyes would not meet hers.
“Well, if the lad is from Dublin and you are working in Dublin, I'm thinking the chances for this cottage are back to sale again. Just trying to be prepared for changes here,” Donovan didn't hold back with his feelings.
Grace really couldn't expect Quinn to respond here, so she continued to try and diffuse Donovan, “Donovan, no decisions have been made. Besides, Quinn and I have just really met each other. He's....”
“Lassie, I know what I see. If you don't want to admit to anything, I understand, but I have been chatting with the lad here. He's much more talkative when you are not around,” Donovan looked at Quinn who just stared him down.
“Quinn, what have you been telling Donovan?” Grace questioned.
“Nothing really,” Quinn shrugged his shoulders. “I just explained how you have been so generous to take care of me after the accident.”
“Don't take a bit to see there's something there, lad.” Donovan countered.
“Could we just drop this for now and enjoy our dinner?” Grace was once again trying to get off the subject of herself and Quinn, but she realized it was going to have to be addressed between the two of them.
Below her in the downstairs bedroom Quinn was going through similar thoughts. This was not a woman he would consider just for dating a few times and not getting serious about. He was worrying that he was already getting in too deep with this woman. But for some reason he really didn't care.
As both Quinn and Grace drifted off to sleep full of questions and doubts they both slept better than they had for many nights. No more hesitations running through their minds. They awoke refreshed the next morning, ready to deal with whatever life had in store for them.
Monday morning came early and Grace was up in the kitchen making breakfast for Quinn and herself. She rarely ate with guests, but Quinn was not really a guest. In fact, Grace was not sure what to call him.
There was a knock at the kitchen door and it opened slowly. “I thought I'd let you know it was coming in the room instead of startling you like I usually do,” Quinn chuckled as he stood in the doorway.
“Quinn, are you okay? You're up and walking!” Grace smiled with surprise.
“I'm not ready to run, or ride my bike yet, but I seem to be able to get myself around today. Less pain and I seem to have found the strength in my legs, although a little weak still,” Quinn explained.
“Here, have a seat. Don't push it too much,” Grace pulled a chair out at the kitchen table for Quinn and walked beside him as he slowly moved to sit down.
Quinn reached up to take a hold of Grace's hand smiling as he thanked her for the help. She smiled back and as she started to move away from him, brushed her hand on Quinn's shoulder. There was a closeness between them without much being said.
Once Grace put breakfast on the table and poured them both a cup of tea, she sat down next to Quinn. There was a feeling of familiarity between them. They sat and talked about the cottage and how Grace came to be running it even though she had a job in Dublin. Quinn explained how he was getting burned out with web design and Internet safety and while he felt he had made his mark in the business industry, he wanted to look for something else to do that would be fulfilling and still allow him time to do his biking around the countryside. Biking was a huge passion of his.
It was almost noon when they finished their last cup of tea and Grace had cleared the table of their breakfast. Grace needed to get some supplies for the week, but was hesitant about leaving Quinn alone. He assured her that he was good and wanted to take a shower and get a change of clothes. He told Grace that he hoped to move back upstairs to his original room. Grace protested saying Quinn was not ready to climb the stairs yet. They agreed he would wait one more day and see how things went. Grace would hang around until Quinn had finished his shower, just in case, and then she would run to Maghera to pick up groceries and produce for the rest of the week.
While Grace listened to the shower running in her room, she busied herself with checking supplies and checking the Internet for reservations in the coming weeks. There were so many requests for weekdays, Bank Holidays, and long weekends, she worried about accommodating all the guests.
As she finished, Quinn came in the downstairs room where she was working.
“Now I'm feeling better,” he stated. “Do you mind while you are gone if I use the computer for some work? There's a lot I can catch up on while I'm here. It's nice not necessarily being tied to the office.”
“Of course, you can use the computer. I'm sure you are anxious to check into your office and make sure things are going well without you,” Grace agreed and headed off to Maghera.
When Grace returned she was surprised to find Quinn sitting on the front porch chatting with Donovan. She was sure this could mean trouble, just not what kind of trouble was what worried her.
“I can use some help here,” Grace called to Donovan as she opened the trunk of the car. “And that does not mean you, Quinn.”
“I'm coming lassie. Slow, but I'm coming,” Donovan called. “You sir, can open the door for us.” Donovan commanded Quinn to be doorman.
Donovan and Grace unloaded the car and set all the supplies on the counters in the kitchen. Grace knew this was not going to be free help, so she invited Donovan to join her and Quinn for dinner that night. Donovan would never turn down one of Aine's recipes, and now would not turn down one from Grace.
While Donovan and Quinn continued to chat on the front porch, Grace began the recipe for Shepard's Pie that Aine had, but with a few changes of her own. She got the potatoes on to boil and started cooking the minced lamb with carrots and onion. She found that if she added a bit of Worcestershire sauce to the lamb mixture it heightened the flavor more. She also added some roasted garlic to the potato mixture. Once it was in the over, she got the table set and cut the bread she bought at the store. Normally she made her own bread, but the store had some multi-grain bread that she loved having once in a while.
Grace knew that Donovan would be grilling her at some point, and was not looking forward to it. She hardly expected it in front of Quinn at the dinner table. They had no sooner sat down and she had served everyone when Donovan blurted out, “So are you two together?”
“Donovan, that's a little personal, don't you think?” Grace was blushing as she looked across the table at Quinn. Quinn was looking down at his Shepard's pie so his eyes would not meet hers.
“Well, if the lad is from Dublin and you are working in Dublin, I'm thinking the chances for this cottage are back to sale again. Just trying to be prepared for changes here,” Donovan didn't hold back with his feelings.
Grace really couldn't expect Quinn to respond here, so she continued to try and diffuse Donovan, “Donovan, no decisions have been made. Besides, Quinn and I have just really met each other. He's....”
“Lassie, I know what I see. If you don't want to admit to anything, I understand, but I have been chatting with the lad here. He's much more talkative when you are not around,” Donovan looked at Quinn who just stared him down.
“Quinn, what have you been telling Donovan?” Grace questioned.
“Nothing really,” Quinn shrugged his shoulders. “I just explained how you have been so generous to take care of me after the accident.”
“Don't take a bit to see there's something there, lad.” Donovan countered.
“Could we just drop this for now and enjoy our dinner?” Grace was once again trying to get off the subject of herself and Quinn, but she realized it was going to have to be addressed between the two of them.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 52
After the taxi took off, Grace headed back in to the cottage. Just as she entered the door, she heard a crash coming from the bedroom where Quinn was staying. She ran down the hall and barged into the room only to find Quinn in a heap on the floor.
“What ever are you doing.” she shouted at Quinn.
“I thought I was strong enough to get up, but obviously I'm not. My legs are like mush. I barely have any strength in them,” Quinn moaned.
Grace rushed over the Quinn and tried to figure out the best way to help him back up into the bed. Or at least so he could sit on the edge of the bed. With his legs weak he was not much help, but Grace scooted a stool over by him and gradually lifted him to the stool, and then used the stool as leverage to help lift him to the edge of the bed. At first Quinn was hanging on to Grace, but as she moved him he was able to use his arms to assist her in getting him up to the bed.
Grace was facing Quinn as she did this and holding him around his chest tightly. As she made her last move to try and move Quinn further onto the bed, with his help she realized how much she was leaning against him and this time her cheek was against his. She noticed the fact that he had shaved earlier, and the scent of his aftershave was light and woody.
All of this did not go unnoticed by Quinn. Once he had pulled himself back enough to sit at the edge of the bed he realized that Grace was practically in his lap and he could smell her freshly washed hair from the morning next to his face. His arms left his sides and reached to Grace's shoulders to hold her just for a moment against him as she started to right herself.
There was a pause between them. A hesitancy, where both of them knew there was something more going on. Grace slowly pulled away to straighten herself up next to the bed. Quinn seemed to be just as surprised by all this, and while he was not sure he was doing the right thing, he reached up to Grace and pulled her back close to him. Grace did not resist and put her arms around Quinn's shoulders and she leaned into him for a kiss that had her heart pounding, and butterflies going through her body. Quinn responded in kind and realized that there was no going back from this moment on.
As their lips parted Grace pulled just enough away to look at Quinn and smiled. This was so very right for her. At this point she also knew that this was something special that she had not planned on. Quinn smiled back at her.
“What ever are you doing.” she shouted at Quinn.
“I thought I was strong enough to get up, but obviously I'm not. My legs are like mush. I barely have any strength in them,” Quinn moaned.
Grace rushed over the Quinn and tried to figure out the best way to help him back up into the bed. Or at least so he could sit on the edge of the bed. With his legs weak he was not much help, but Grace scooted a stool over by him and gradually lifted him to the stool, and then used the stool as leverage to help lift him to the edge of the bed. At first Quinn was hanging on to Grace, but as she moved him he was able to use his arms to assist her in getting him up to the bed.
Grace was facing Quinn as she did this and holding him around his chest tightly. As she made her last move to try and move Quinn further onto the bed, with his help she realized how much she was leaning against him and this time her cheek was against his. She noticed the fact that he had shaved earlier, and the scent of his aftershave was light and woody.
All of this did not go unnoticed by Quinn. Once he had pulled himself back enough to sit at the edge of the bed he realized that Grace was practically in his lap and he could smell her freshly washed hair from the morning next to his face. His arms left his sides and reached to Grace's shoulders to hold her just for a moment against him as she started to right herself.
There was a pause between them. A hesitancy, where both of them knew there was something more going on. Grace slowly pulled away to straighten herself up next to the bed. Quinn seemed to be just as surprised by all this, and while he was not sure he was doing the right thing, he reached up to Grace and pulled her back close to him. Grace did not resist and put her arms around Quinn's shoulders and she leaned into him for a kiss that had her heart pounding, and butterflies going through her body. Quinn responded in kind and realized that there was no going back from this moment on.
As their lips parted Grace pulled just enough away to look at Quinn and smiled. This was so very right for her. At this point she also knew that this was something special that she had not planned on. Quinn smiled back at her.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 51
Grace made sure that Quinn was comfortable for the night and headed upstairs to one of the empty rooms. It seemed strange sleeping in a guest room as the host of the B&B, but she had no choice and she was exhausted from the day before getting very little sleep. Tommy had a key and could let himself in when he returned from the pub. It wasn't long when she heard a commotion at the bottom of the stairs. She was worried it might be Quinn trying to move around, so she jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs.
It was Tommy, and he was drunk. He had tripped over a small stool near the bottom of the stairs. As Grace came into his view, he looked up to see her in her tank top and shortie pajamas. Grace had not even thought about what she was wearing when she headed out of the room and was now a little self conscious. Tommy was blubbering something about music and drinks, but was barely coherent. She was surprised he was able to drive back to the cottage.
It took all the strength that Grace could muster to get Tommy on his feet and help him up the stairs to the small single room. His hands kept wandering down her back further than they should and she was becoming more annoyed by the minute. Tommy thought he was being funny. By the time she got him into the room and near the edge of the bed, he twisted her around to where they both fell onto the bed with Tommy on top of Grace.
“Guess we were just meant to be here,” Tommy stammered.
“Not a chance bucko,” Grace retorted back and gave Tommy a shove to the side and scooted out from under him. In the process Tommy fell off the other side of the bed. “You're on your own now, mister.”
Grace hurried back to her room. She was flushed from the whole incident and angry. Just another Braden she thought to herself. She could hear Tommy moving around in his room, and made sure to lock her door. She would put up with no more of this behavior from him in her cottage. Then she thought of Quinn downstairs. Did he hear this? What would he think? Should she go check on him?
Grace was so worried about leaving her room, that she decided to wait until morning. A simple explanation of “Tommy came in drunk” should suffice. At least she hoped it would. Why was she so worried what Quinn would think? Her mind was racing and she thought she might not sleep but the exhaustion from the night before hit her hard, and she was out until the morning light crept in through the window. It took her a minute to regain her bearings, and then she realized how late she had slept. She was in the shower and out so fast she barely had time to think what she needed to do.
As she crept out of her room, she noticed that Tommy's door was still closed. She quietly climbed down the stairs and headed to the kitchen to put on some tea. It had been a few days since she made scones, so she thought it might be a nice treat for Quinn along with his regular breakfast. She doubled the amounts figuring that Tommy would like the same. Sausage, rashers, brown bread, orange juice, and orange marmalade on the side for the scones.
Grace nearly jumped as she turned around and saw Tommy standing in the doorway.
“You know you and your brother have a way of sneaking up on people. When were you going to say something?” Grace was feeling very uncomfortable.
“I was just watching you go about making breakfast. Nice view,” Tommy snickered. “Do you have some tomato juice and hot sauce?”
“What's the matter, need something to clear your head from last night?” Grace was getting annoyed again. “There's some tomato juice over on the counter. I don't keep hot sauce around, but you could put some pepper flakes in to spice it up.”
“You know you look really cute in those shortie pajamas. You should wear them around the cottage,” Tommy was being insolent and Grace had had enough.
“Excuse me,” she said as she brushed past him to get out of the kitchen with her tray for Quinn. “There's enough left over for you if your stomach can handle it.” she called back over her shoulder as she walked down the hall.
Grace gently knocked on the bedroom door and turned the knob to enter. Quinn was already sitting up in bed and looking so much better than the day before.
“I hope you are hungry,” she smiled as she put the tray next to the bed. I didn't know if you'd have a full appetite or not.”
“Grace, is something wrong?” Quinn asked. “You look a little flushed and out of sorts.”
At that moment Tommy opened the door wide and stood there. Grace wheeled around and glared at him. Quinn caught every second of this, and didn't have to ask Grace any more. Tommy was being his obnoxious self, and had made an unwelcome move on Grace. He had heard Tommy coming in drunk the night before. It was difficult to miss. Loud and stumbling, like he had heard so many times before on nights when Tommy didn't dare go home to his wife and he crashed at Quinn's.
“Grace, I apologize for my brother and anything he may have done, or said. Would you excuse my brother and I, we need to have a small discussion. Thank you so much for the breakfast,” Quinn explained forcefully and Grace didn't' stay around to find out what was going to happen.
Grace took refuge outside in the rose garden. But even from there she could hear the shouting in the room. She could not make out what was being said, but knew Quinn was beyond angry, and Tommy didn't have a bloody chance in this argument. A few minutes later, she heard doors slamming downstairs and upstairs and then Tommy coming out the front door.
“He's all yours darlin'. You were only going to be a distraction for me anyway. I met a luscious redhead at the pub last night and I'll be lookin' her up next time I come this way. When the taxi comes, tell them to find me walking the road to town.” And with that Tommy exited the front drive and headed down the road toward town. Only a few minutes later and Grace was directing the taxi in his direction.
It was Tommy, and he was drunk. He had tripped over a small stool near the bottom of the stairs. As Grace came into his view, he looked up to see her in her tank top and shortie pajamas. Grace had not even thought about what she was wearing when she headed out of the room and was now a little self conscious. Tommy was blubbering something about music and drinks, but was barely coherent. She was surprised he was able to drive back to the cottage.
It took all the strength that Grace could muster to get Tommy on his feet and help him up the stairs to the small single room. His hands kept wandering down her back further than they should and she was becoming more annoyed by the minute. Tommy thought he was being funny. By the time she got him into the room and near the edge of the bed, he twisted her around to where they both fell onto the bed with Tommy on top of Grace.
“Guess we were just meant to be here,” Tommy stammered.
“Not a chance bucko,” Grace retorted back and gave Tommy a shove to the side and scooted out from under him. In the process Tommy fell off the other side of the bed. “You're on your own now, mister.”
Grace hurried back to her room. She was flushed from the whole incident and angry. Just another Braden she thought to herself. She could hear Tommy moving around in his room, and made sure to lock her door. She would put up with no more of this behavior from him in her cottage. Then she thought of Quinn downstairs. Did he hear this? What would he think? Should she go check on him?
Grace was so worried about leaving her room, that she decided to wait until morning. A simple explanation of “Tommy came in drunk” should suffice. At least she hoped it would. Why was she so worried what Quinn would think? Her mind was racing and she thought she might not sleep but the exhaustion from the night before hit her hard, and she was out until the morning light crept in through the window. It took her a minute to regain her bearings, and then she realized how late she had slept. She was in the shower and out so fast she barely had time to think what she needed to do.
As she crept out of her room, she noticed that Tommy's door was still closed. She quietly climbed down the stairs and headed to the kitchen to put on some tea. It had been a few days since she made scones, so she thought it might be a nice treat for Quinn along with his regular breakfast. She doubled the amounts figuring that Tommy would like the same. Sausage, rashers, brown bread, orange juice, and orange marmalade on the side for the scones.
Grace nearly jumped as she turned around and saw Tommy standing in the doorway.
“You know you and your brother have a way of sneaking up on people. When were you going to say something?” Grace was feeling very uncomfortable.
“I was just watching you go about making breakfast. Nice view,” Tommy snickered. “Do you have some tomato juice and hot sauce?”
“What's the matter, need something to clear your head from last night?” Grace was getting annoyed again. “There's some tomato juice over on the counter. I don't keep hot sauce around, but you could put some pepper flakes in to spice it up.”
“You know you look really cute in those shortie pajamas. You should wear them around the cottage,” Tommy was being insolent and Grace had had enough.
“Excuse me,” she said as she brushed past him to get out of the kitchen with her tray for Quinn. “There's enough left over for you if your stomach can handle it.” she called back over her shoulder as she walked down the hall.
Grace gently knocked on the bedroom door and turned the knob to enter. Quinn was already sitting up in bed and looking so much better than the day before.
“I hope you are hungry,” she smiled as she put the tray next to the bed. I didn't know if you'd have a full appetite or not.”
“Grace, is something wrong?” Quinn asked. “You look a little flushed and out of sorts.”
At that moment Tommy opened the door wide and stood there. Grace wheeled around and glared at him. Quinn caught every second of this, and didn't have to ask Grace any more. Tommy was being his obnoxious self, and had made an unwelcome move on Grace. He had heard Tommy coming in drunk the night before. It was difficult to miss. Loud and stumbling, like he had heard so many times before on nights when Tommy didn't dare go home to his wife and he crashed at Quinn's.
“Grace, I apologize for my brother and anything he may have done, or said. Would you excuse my brother and I, we need to have a small discussion. Thank you so much for the breakfast,” Quinn explained forcefully and Grace didn't' stay around to find out what was going to happen.
Grace took refuge outside in the rose garden. But even from there she could hear the shouting in the room. She could not make out what was being said, but knew Quinn was beyond angry, and Tommy didn't have a bloody chance in this argument. A few minutes later, she heard doors slamming downstairs and upstairs and then Tommy coming out the front door.
“He's all yours darlin'. You were only going to be a distraction for me anyway. I met a luscious redhead at the pub last night and I'll be lookin' her up next time I come this way. When the taxi comes, tell them to find me walking the road to town.” And with that Tommy exited the front drive and headed down the road toward town. Only a few minutes later and Grace was directing the taxi in his direction.
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 50
Sunday evening ended uneventful for the most part. Grace made a casserole for herself, Tommy, and Quinn with some mash and carrots on the side. The lads ate heartily, and Grace could tell they appreciated the meal. Tommy could not compliment Grace enough, and Quinn seemed to be getting a little annoyed at all the attention that Tommy was paying Grace. After dinner Tommy asked about pubs in the area and Grace suggested Rafters in town. Tommy headed off even thought Quinn tried to protest.
Grace spent a bit of the evening chatting with Quinn to keep him company. She was hoping to get to know him a bit better, and keep an eye on him at the same time.
“Grace, I hate to bring this up, but I don't know how to say this other than to be straightforward blunt. My brother is a great lad, but when it comes to women he is easily distracted from one to another. I don't want you to get hurt,” Quinn explained.
“Quinn, I appreciate your honesty, but I'm a big girl and I can handle myself around the lads,” Grace smiled, but inside she could see how Tommy was just like Braden, charming and insincere. She had been very flattered by his attention. “So that behavior doesn't run in the family?”
Quinn was surprised by Grace's question, “Me? No way. I'm not looking for a long term relationship. At least I don't think so. Haven't found anyone who would have me yet.”
“Why Quinn, you would be a great catch for any woman. As long as you were not quite so demanding,” Grace was the one being blunt here.
“Demanding? Look who's talking here,” Quinn responded back.
They both looked at each other and laughed. There was a connection made between them that each of them suddenly realized. They had broken that outer shell they held for emotional protection and could see each other as a man and woman now. Grace blushed.
“I need to take these cups back to the kitchen. I'll be right back. Is there something you would like?” Grace quickly rose to excuse herself.
“Actually, I'm feeling a little bristly and would like to shave, but I'm not sure I can handle it here in bed. Can you help me?” Quinn felt very awkward asking for help. “My shaving kit is in the room upstairs.”
“I'll get it on the way back,” Grace replied as she was standing at the door. She needed to get her composure back. What was going on here? Tommy was flattering as he could be, and she knew he was trouble with him, and Quinn, just as nice as you could want, but still a mystery to her.
Grace was surprised to see that Quinn didn't have an electric shaver, but a razor. She gathered his shaving cream, razor, and aftershave, stopped in the kitchen to get a hot bowl of water and a clean wet towel. At least these were the things she thought he would need.
“If I were seated in a barber chair, I'd feel just at home,” Quinn smiled as she entered carrying everything with the towel over her arm.
“Well, I'm not a barber and not about to be shaving you,” Grace quipped back. “Let's get you situated so I can at least hold the mirror and you can shave.”
Grace grabbed a mirror from her bathroom, and Quinn soaked his face with the hot water and towel to soften his beard. Grace was balancing the hot water and mirror while Quinn was attempting to shave.
“Grace, I need to see my whole face, not just my chin,” Quinn teased.
“Quinn, I've only got so many hands here. You're lucky to even have the help,” Grace replied teasing.
The banter went on back and forth as Quinn finished up his shave. Grace handed him the moist towel to wipe the last of the shaving cream off his face. He handed it back to Grace as she was putting everything down.
“You missed a spot,” Grace told Quinn as she reached over to wipe the last of the shaving cream from Quinn's neck.
There, in that moment, when Grace went to wipe the shaving cream, Quinn reached for the towel at the same time and ended up holding Grace's hand guiding it to the spot. Grace was leaning over to reach the spot and was almost nose to nose with Quinn. Suddenly Grace felt her heart pounding and the need to pull away. Quinn was trying to push away this impulse he had, but was fighting it in that second.
Grace pulled away first, and Quinn released her hand. Neither of them knew what to say. Neither wanted to discuss this, or deal with it. Grace busied herself with cleaning up the shaving equipment, and Quinn busied himself with trying to move to a more comfortable position in the bed. It was silent for a few minutes.
They both started to speak at the same moment, “Quinn”, “Grace,” and stopped and began to laugh. They knew that something was started that they would have to deal with, but now was not the time.
Grace spent a bit of the evening chatting with Quinn to keep him company. She was hoping to get to know him a bit better, and keep an eye on him at the same time.
“Grace, I hate to bring this up, but I don't know how to say this other than to be straightforward blunt. My brother is a great lad, but when it comes to women he is easily distracted from one to another. I don't want you to get hurt,” Quinn explained.
“Quinn, I appreciate your honesty, but I'm a big girl and I can handle myself around the lads,” Grace smiled, but inside she could see how Tommy was just like Braden, charming and insincere. She had been very flattered by his attention. “So that behavior doesn't run in the family?”
Quinn was surprised by Grace's question, “Me? No way. I'm not looking for a long term relationship. At least I don't think so. Haven't found anyone who would have me yet.”
“Why Quinn, you would be a great catch for any woman. As long as you were not quite so demanding,” Grace was the one being blunt here.
“Demanding? Look who's talking here,” Quinn responded back.
They both looked at each other and laughed. There was a connection made between them that each of them suddenly realized. They had broken that outer shell they held for emotional protection and could see each other as a man and woman now. Grace blushed.
“I need to take these cups back to the kitchen. I'll be right back. Is there something you would like?” Grace quickly rose to excuse herself.
“Actually, I'm feeling a little bristly and would like to shave, but I'm not sure I can handle it here in bed. Can you help me?” Quinn felt very awkward asking for help. “My shaving kit is in the room upstairs.”
“I'll get it on the way back,” Grace replied as she was standing at the door. She needed to get her composure back. What was going on here? Tommy was flattering as he could be, and she knew he was trouble with him, and Quinn, just as nice as you could want, but still a mystery to her.
Grace was surprised to see that Quinn didn't have an electric shaver, but a razor. She gathered his shaving cream, razor, and aftershave, stopped in the kitchen to get a hot bowl of water and a clean wet towel. At least these were the things she thought he would need.
“If I were seated in a barber chair, I'd feel just at home,” Quinn smiled as she entered carrying everything with the towel over her arm.
“Well, I'm not a barber and not about to be shaving you,” Grace quipped back. “Let's get you situated so I can at least hold the mirror and you can shave.”
Grace grabbed a mirror from her bathroom, and Quinn soaked his face with the hot water and towel to soften his beard. Grace was balancing the hot water and mirror while Quinn was attempting to shave.
“Grace, I need to see my whole face, not just my chin,” Quinn teased.
“Quinn, I've only got so many hands here. You're lucky to even have the help,” Grace replied teasing.
The banter went on back and forth as Quinn finished up his shave. Grace handed him the moist towel to wipe the last of the shaving cream off his face. He handed it back to Grace as she was putting everything down.
“You missed a spot,” Grace told Quinn as she reached over to wipe the last of the shaving cream from Quinn's neck.
There, in that moment, when Grace went to wipe the shaving cream, Quinn reached for the towel at the same time and ended up holding Grace's hand guiding it to the spot. Grace was leaning over to reach the spot and was almost nose to nose with Quinn. Suddenly Grace felt her heart pounding and the need to pull away. Quinn was trying to push away this impulse he had, but was fighting it in that second.
Grace pulled away first, and Quinn released her hand. Neither of them knew what to say. Neither wanted to discuss this, or deal with it. Grace busied herself with cleaning up the shaving equipment, and Quinn busied himself with trying to move to a more comfortable position in the bed. It was silent for a few minutes.
They both started to speak at the same moment, “Quinn”, “Grace,” and stopped and began to laugh. They knew that something was started that they would have to deal with, but now was not the time.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 49
Grace convinced Peter to hang around while she used the small upstairs room to shower and change. It was not as comfortable as her own bathroom, but it worked and she was able to get things done around the cottage while Peter kept an eye on Quinn. As she peeked into the quiet room, she had to chuckle to herself. Quinn was sleeping propped up with a few pillows, and Peter had fallen asleep in the chair next to the bed. Fine nursemaid Peter would make! She quietly closed the door and headed to the front room to take care of some business.
Grace had no sooner settled down to check the computer when there was a knock at the door. She hadn't even heard a car pull up. It was the Police wanting to question Quinn about what happened. Grace explained to them what Quinn had told her, and they were not surprised. They did find his bike but it was in pretty bad shape. There was no other evidence to indicate who had done this. Their assumption was that some young drunk motorists had hit Quinn from behind knocking him off his bike. When they checked him out he was unconscious, and they might have thought he was dead considering their drunken state. They took any money and identification he had on him, but missed the B&B business card as it was by itself in a pocket rather than in his wallet. Once daylight came and the Police went back to the scene, they found the bike tossed off the road into a ditch below the area where Quinn was found.
As Grace listened to this tale, Peter came out of the room indicating that Quinn was awake. The Police went to question Quinn and explain what they had found. When the Police left Grace went back to the bedroom to check on Quinn. She could see his dejection and frustration over all of this.
“I should have known better than to be riding the back roads so late at night,” he explained. “Especially out here where the roads are narrow and not lit.”
“Quinn, it's just an unfortunate experience. Is there anything I can do?” Grace was feeling sorry for Quinn. This was not the man who left her cottage so angry the day before.
“I hate to ask, but I'm feeling a little hungry. Could I get something to eat? Not much. I know it's near lunch, but I'd love one of your breakfasts. I did miss it yesterday, you know,” Quinn was trying to make up for yesterday's behavior between the two of them.
“I'm going to get Peter to check some of the deeper cuts you have and change the bandages. I only had one size of Plasters (Bandaids) and you look like a child who went wild with an entire box of them. Maybe he can handle that. I'll make some breakfast for you in the meantime. It's good to see you are gaining your strength back,” Grace was mellowing toward Quinn now that yesterday's anger had been replaced with her concern for his well being.
While Peter took care of Quinn, Grace set out to prepare his normal breakfast. She knew that he was probably hungrier than he realized since he had not eaten for a whole day. Not much....she mused. If Quinn was eating a double breakfast when he was riding, he would easily eat a full one now. If not, there was no harm in making it. Grace took extra care to make this just right. As she did, she wondered why she really cared about impressing this man.
Peter came into the kitchen just as Grace was finishing. “That smells just amazing, Grace. Is there any left over, that plate for Quinn looks pretty full?”
“There's some sausage and eggs left on the stove, Peter. Help yourself. I'm taking this tray to Quinn. And while your at it, how about putting some more water on for tea. You can bring it along when it's ready,” Grace directed Peter.
Quinn had been dozing in the bed as Grace walked in with the breakfast tray. “That is such a welcome aroma. Thank you so much.”
“Just the ole cottage breakfast,” Grace responded, but was filled with pride hearing Quinn's comment.
Grace could tell that Quinn was feeling better as he did end up eating every bit on the plate along with a couple cups of tea that Peter brought in. As he ate he asked about Grace's plans for the day and told her he was probably going to need to stay a couple more days to fully recover before he could drive back to Dublin. He did tell Grace that he had called his brother, Tommy, to let him know what happened, and a manager at the office to check on things.
It was just after Quinn finished breakfast that Grace heard a car in the drive. She excused herself from Quinn, and went to check out who was arriving as she was not expecting anyone this Sunday afternoon. As she opened the door, she saw a taxi pulling away and a handsome lad approaching the door. He had a familiar look, and it took her a second to realized how much he looked like Quinn.
“Afternoon, lass, me name's Tommy Nolan. I'd be Quinn's brother. I rushed up here right after Quinn called this morning and told me what happened,” Tommy smiled as he introduced himself and while Grace did the same she was aware he was checking her out. He had a natural charm about himself that instantly attracted Grace. What was it with these Nolan lads?
Grace showed Tommy to the bedroom where Quinn was and she could see how happy Quinn was to see his younger brother. They were only two years apart and while there was definitely a family resemblance, they had two very different personalities. Both very handsome, but Quinn was much more reserved while Tommy was more the ladies man. After having read the article about Tommy, she could see how women would be attracted to him. This was not lost on Grace, and she kept trying to shake it off.
Grace was working in the room with the office when a knock on the door interrupted her.
It was Tommy, “Grace, I know this is short notice, but it there some way I can stay the night. I took a bus up to Swatragh, then a taxi over here because I knew Quinn had his car. No sense in having two cars here. I was thinking I'd be taking Quinn home right away, but he's in no shape to be moving right now. Best he stay put for another day or two. You'd be really helping a lad out, if I could stay.”
“As a matter of fact, I don't have any bookings for the next two days, so you could take Quinn's room upstairs. It's good that you are here to help your brother out, since I do have a lot of errands and didn't want to leave him here alone.” Grace blushed as she explained this as Tommy seemed to be staring into her eyes.
“Well, whose room is Quinn using? I thought that was his room. A little girlie for me, but a nice room. You know you've got some beautiful eyes, Grace,” Tommy was starting to work his way on Grace.
“Oh, no, Quinn had a small single upstairs. The room he's in is my room,” Grace was blushing and had to turn away from Tommy's gaze.
“Your room? What a lucky lad!” Tommy backed off a bit jumping to conclusions that there might be something between Grace and Quinn.
“No, it's not that,” Grace felt the need to clarify herself and was not quite sure why. “It was easier for the Police to put Quinn downstairs, when they brought him in. He's just not able to get upstairs and this is easier for me.”
“Then where are you sleeping?” Tommy was probing a bit now.
“Well, last night I slept in the chair next to Quinn. I was worried about him and they said to watch him closely,” Grace felt she was having to justify her actions and was not liking this one bit.
“I see...no worries,” Tommy caught that Grace was getting a bit annoyed and he didn't want to get on the wrong side with this lass. She was attractive and just his type. At least he decided she was. He had not been attracted to anyone for at least a couple of months. Tommy was out at the pubs a lot charming all the skirts he could. It was his style. Maybe that's why his marriage went bad. He had such a difficult time staying true to just one lass.
Grace had no sooner settled down to check the computer when there was a knock at the door. She hadn't even heard a car pull up. It was the Police wanting to question Quinn about what happened. Grace explained to them what Quinn had told her, and they were not surprised. They did find his bike but it was in pretty bad shape. There was no other evidence to indicate who had done this. Their assumption was that some young drunk motorists had hit Quinn from behind knocking him off his bike. When they checked him out he was unconscious, and they might have thought he was dead considering their drunken state. They took any money and identification he had on him, but missed the B&B business card as it was by itself in a pocket rather than in his wallet. Once daylight came and the Police went back to the scene, they found the bike tossed off the road into a ditch below the area where Quinn was found.
As Grace listened to this tale, Peter came out of the room indicating that Quinn was awake. The Police went to question Quinn and explain what they had found. When the Police left Grace went back to the bedroom to check on Quinn. She could see his dejection and frustration over all of this.
“I should have known better than to be riding the back roads so late at night,” he explained. “Especially out here where the roads are narrow and not lit.”
“Quinn, it's just an unfortunate experience. Is there anything I can do?” Grace was feeling sorry for Quinn. This was not the man who left her cottage so angry the day before.
“I hate to ask, but I'm feeling a little hungry. Could I get something to eat? Not much. I know it's near lunch, but I'd love one of your breakfasts. I did miss it yesterday, you know,” Quinn was trying to make up for yesterday's behavior between the two of them.
“I'm going to get Peter to check some of the deeper cuts you have and change the bandages. I only had one size of Plasters (Bandaids) and you look like a child who went wild with an entire box of them. Maybe he can handle that. I'll make some breakfast for you in the meantime. It's good to see you are gaining your strength back,” Grace was mellowing toward Quinn now that yesterday's anger had been replaced with her concern for his well being.
While Peter took care of Quinn, Grace set out to prepare his normal breakfast. She knew that he was probably hungrier than he realized since he had not eaten for a whole day. Not much....she mused. If Quinn was eating a double breakfast when he was riding, he would easily eat a full one now. If not, there was no harm in making it. Grace took extra care to make this just right. As she did, she wondered why she really cared about impressing this man.
Peter came into the kitchen just as Grace was finishing. “That smells just amazing, Grace. Is there any left over, that plate for Quinn looks pretty full?”
“There's some sausage and eggs left on the stove, Peter. Help yourself. I'm taking this tray to Quinn. And while your at it, how about putting some more water on for tea. You can bring it along when it's ready,” Grace directed Peter.
Quinn had been dozing in the bed as Grace walked in with the breakfast tray. “That is such a welcome aroma. Thank you so much.”
“Just the ole cottage breakfast,” Grace responded, but was filled with pride hearing Quinn's comment.
Grace could tell that Quinn was feeling better as he did end up eating every bit on the plate along with a couple cups of tea that Peter brought in. As he ate he asked about Grace's plans for the day and told her he was probably going to need to stay a couple more days to fully recover before he could drive back to Dublin. He did tell Grace that he had called his brother, Tommy, to let him know what happened, and a manager at the office to check on things.
It was just after Quinn finished breakfast that Grace heard a car in the drive. She excused herself from Quinn, and went to check out who was arriving as she was not expecting anyone this Sunday afternoon. As she opened the door, she saw a taxi pulling away and a handsome lad approaching the door. He had a familiar look, and it took her a second to realized how much he looked like Quinn.
“Afternoon, lass, me name's Tommy Nolan. I'd be Quinn's brother. I rushed up here right after Quinn called this morning and told me what happened,” Tommy smiled as he introduced himself and while Grace did the same she was aware he was checking her out. He had a natural charm about himself that instantly attracted Grace. What was it with these Nolan lads?
Grace showed Tommy to the bedroom where Quinn was and she could see how happy Quinn was to see his younger brother. They were only two years apart and while there was definitely a family resemblance, they had two very different personalities. Both very handsome, but Quinn was much more reserved while Tommy was more the ladies man. After having read the article about Tommy, she could see how women would be attracted to him. This was not lost on Grace, and she kept trying to shake it off.
Grace was working in the room with the office when a knock on the door interrupted her.
It was Tommy, “Grace, I know this is short notice, but it there some way I can stay the night. I took a bus up to Swatragh, then a taxi over here because I knew Quinn had his car. No sense in having two cars here. I was thinking I'd be taking Quinn home right away, but he's in no shape to be moving right now. Best he stay put for another day or two. You'd be really helping a lad out, if I could stay.”
“As a matter of fact, I don't have any bookings for the next two days, so you could take Quinn's room upstairs. It's good that you are here to help your brother out, since I do have a lot of errands and didn't want to leave him here alone.” Grace blushed as she explained this as Tommy seemed to be staring into her eyes.
“Well, whose room is Quinn using? I thought that was his room. A little girlie for me, but a nice room. You know you've got some beautiful eyes, Grace,” Tommy was starting to work his way on Grace.
“Oh, no, Quinn had a small single upstairs. The room he's in is my room,” Grace was blushing and had to turn away from Tommy's gaze.
“Your room? What a lucky lad!” Tommy backed off a bit jumping to conclusions that there might be something between Grace and Quinn.
“No, it's not that,” Grace felt the need to clarify herself and was not quite sure why. “It was easier for the Police to put Quinn downstairs, when they brought him in. He's just not able to get upstairs and this is easier for me.”
“Then where are you sleeping?” Tommy was probing a bit now.
“Well, last night I slept in the chair next to Quinn. I was worried about him and they said to watch him closely,” Grace felt she was having to justify her actions and was not liking this one bit.
“I see...no worries,” Tommy caught that Grace was getting a bit annoyed and he didn't want to get on the wrong side with this lass. She was attractive and just his type. At least he decided she was. He had not been attracted to anyone for at least a couple of months. Tommy was out at the pubs a lot charming all the skirts he could. It was his style. Maybe that's why his marriage went bad. He had such a difficult time staying true to just one lass.
Friday, September 23, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 48
Grace was worried about leaving Quinn alone, so hurried her breakfast items more than usual. There were no fresh breakfast scones, or large platters with sausage and puddings. She made a pot of porridge, put some brown bread from the day before on the table with juice, butter and cream. As soon as the guests were seated she served the porridge. They were delighted with it and she was happy it seemed to take so little to please them. She had become quite the accomplished cook over the last few months and was enjoying the praise. Once everyone was taken care of she took a small bowl of the porridge to her room where Quinn was struggling to adjust his position in the bed and groaning all the while.
“Quinn, you have got to stop that. My guests will be wondering what is going on in this room,” Grace commanded as she set the porridge down and tried to help Quinn get comfortable.
“I just ache all over and some places more than others. What happened to me?” Quinn questioned.
“You mean you don't remember?” Grace questioned.
“It all seems so fuzzy. I was riding back toward here and I think I crashed. Or someone hit me. That's about all I remember,” Quinn was puzzled.
Grace didn't want to have Quinn get too concerned, but explained, “Quinn, either you crashed, or you were run down, we don't know for sure, but when a passerby on the road saw you they called the Police. When the Police picked you up, you were face down and had no identification on you except for one of my business cards. And your bike was also gone.”
Quinn just looked at Grace speechless. He had been unconscious for quite a while and was still feeling the effects of his injuries.
“I need a phone,” demanded Quinn.
“And what good will that do you right now? Who would you call?” Grace asked firmly.
“What day is today? I'm so confused. How long was I out? I want to talk to the Police, of course. Get them over here,” Quinn had become very demanding.
“Quinn, they will be stopping by later today anyway. They told me they want to ask you some questions,” Grace was trying to stay calm.
“Calm? How am I supposed to do that? I was run down and everything I own was taken. I want some action on this,” Quinn was getting very agitated.
Quinn looked like he would jump out of bed, if he could muster the energy, and Grace was afraid he would injure himself further.
“Quinn, you need to regain your strength. Just take a breath and have some porridge. I made it fresh this morning. While you have this I'll ring the Police and see how soon they can be here. Will that help?” Grace was still trying to keep things calm.
“I guess,” Quinn responded dejectedly. “Is there a chance I can get some clothes here? I'm feeling quite exposed.”
“I was going to try for something, but all you have in your room are trousers and shirts. Not exactly for someone who's bedridden,” Grace retorted.
“There's more clothes in a bag in my car. I always have workout sweats and t-shirts in there for when I am at the gym,” Quinn explained. “I didn't take the car keys with me since I was on my bike, so they are on the dresser in the room upstairs.”
Grace headed up the stairs to get the car keys and as she returned Peter was just coming in the front door. At last, some relief from answering all Quinn's questions.
“Peter, so glad you are here. Just in time, too. Quinn has sweats and t-shirts in a gym bag in his car, could you get them and help him get them on. That's not something I'm wanting to do,” Grace pushed the keys into Peter's hand.
“Gee, Grace, and I thought you'd jump at that chance, especially after removing all the guy's clothes last night,” Peter chuckled but knew he should not have gone there.
Grace gave Peter a stare that would kill a cow, put her hands on her hips and said nothing. Peter quickly turned and headed outside to Quinn's car.
When Peter came back in the cottage he headed directly to the downstairs bedroom to find Quinn trying to sit up on the edge of the bed.
“Easy there bud, you are in no shape to be getting around so much. I've brought some clothes for you, but only if you settle back down in bed once they are on,” Peter was taking an upper hand here. At least he hoped so.
“Fair play, Peter. I just want to feel I have some control and having some clothes on will help,” Quinn moaned as he bent his leg to put on his sweats.
Peter got Quinn dressed and situated back in bed. During this time, Quinn realized that his injuries were more than he had thought, and knew he was going no where for a few days. His head was starting to pound the more he moved around. He also knew he had to contact someone in Dublin. If he didn't show up on Monday at work, he expected a few people would be concerned. At least he hoped they would.
Peter called Grace when he had Quinn all situated again and she came in to tell Quinn that the Police would be calling in within the hour. She also brought her cell phone to Quinn could make his phone call.
As Grace looked around her room, she kept thinking how much she would have liked a shower and clean clothes herself. The afternoon at the cottage was going to be quiet as it was Sunday and everyone was pretty much checked out. She still had to clean the rooms that were used and plan for the week, but having Quinn in her room was really an inconvenience.
“Quinn, you have got to stop that. My guests will be wondering what is going on in this room,” Grace commanded as she set the porridge down and tried to help Quinn get comfortable.
“I just ache all over and some places more than others. What happened to me?” Quinn questioned.
“You mean you don't remember?” Grace questioned.
“It all seems so fuzzy. I was riding back toward here and I think I crashed. Or someone hit me. That's about all I remember,” Quinn was puzzled.
Grace didn't want to have Quinn get too concerned, but explained, “Quinn, either you crashed, or you were run down, we don't know for sure, but when a passerby on the road saw you they called the Police. When the Police picked you up, you were face down and had no identification on you except for one of my business cards. And your bike was also gone.”
Quinn just looked at Grace speechless. He had been unconscious for quite a while and was still feeling the effects of his injuries.
“I need a phone,” demanded Quinn.
“And what good will that do you right now? Who would you call?” Grace asked firmly.
“What day is today? I'm so confused. How long was I out? I want to talk to the Police, of course. Get them over here,” Quinn had become very demanding.
“Quinn, they will be stopping by later today anyway. They told me they want to ask you some questions,” Grace was trying to stay calm.
“Calm? How am I supposed to do that? I was run down and everything I own was taken. I want some action on this,” Quinn was getting very agitated.
Quinn looked like he would jump out of bed, if he could muster the energy, and Grace was afraid he would injure himself further.
“Quinn, you need to regain your strength. Just take a breath and have some porridge. I made it fresh this morning. While you have this I'll ring the Police and see how soon they can be here. Will that help?” Grace was still trying to keep things calm.
“I guess,” Quinn responded dejectedly. “Is there a chance I can get some clothes here? I'm feeling quite exposed.”
“I was going to try for something, but all you have in your room are trousers and shirts. Not exactly for someone who's bedridden,” Grace retorted.
“There's more clothes in a bag in my car. I always have workout sweats and t-shirts in there for when I am at the gym,” Quinn explained. “I didn't take the car keys with me since I was on my bike, so they are on the dresser in the room upstairs.”
Grace headed up the stairs to get the car keys and as she returned Peter was just coming in the front door. At last, some relief from answering all Quinn's questions.
“Peter, so glad you are here. Just in time, too. Quinn has sweats and t-shirts in a gym bag in his car, could you get them and help him get them on. That's not something I'm wanting to do,” Grace pushed the keys into Peter's hand.
“Gee, Grace, and I thought you'd jump at that chance, especially after removing all the guy's clothes last night,” Peter chuckled but knew he should not have gone there.
Grace gave Peter a stare that would kill a cow, put her hands on her hips and said nothing. Peter quickly turned and headed outside to Quinn's car.
When Peter came back in the cottage he headed directly to the downstairs bedroom to find Quinn trying to sit up on the edge of the bed.
“Easy there bud, you are in no shape to be getting around so much. I've brought some clothes for you, but only if you settle back down in bed once they are on,” Peter was taking an upper hand here. At least he hoped so.
“Fair play, Peter. I just want to feel I have some control and having some clothes on will help,” Quinn moaned as he bent his leg to put on his sweats.
Peter got Quinn dressed and situated back in bed. During this time, Quinn realized that his injuries were more than he had thought, and knew he was going no where for a few days. His head was starting to pound the more he moved around. He also knew he had to contact someone in Dublin. If he didn't show up on Monday at work, he expected a few people would be concerned. At least he hoped they would.
Peter called Grace when he had Quinn all situated again and she came in to tell Quinn that the Police would be calling in within the hour. She also brought her cell phone to Quinn could make his phone call.
As Grace looked around her room, she kept thinking how much she would have liked a shower and clean clothes herself. The afternoon at the cottage was going to be quiet as it was Sunday and everyone was pretty much checked out. She still had to clean the rooms that were used and plan for the week, but having Quinn in her room was really an inconvenience.
Monday, September 19, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 47
It was not more than 15 minutes when Peter arrived, disheveled and barely awake, but he had come.
“What's going on Grace?” he asked sleepily.
“It's Quinn...follow me,” she explained.
“What happened to him? And how did he get all undressed?” Peter looked at Grace confused.
“Peter, he was all beat up and I needed to get him cleaned up. I hope I did okay. He's not really coherent. What should I do?” Grace blurted out everything at once.
“Grace, I'm hardly a paramedic, but it does look like you got him cleaned off. Did you put some ointment on his cuts?” Peter was trying to remember anything he would do if he fell while running and was bruised and cut.
“Yes, I used the first aid ointment. But he's still not responding. Do I need to call an ambulance?” Peter could see Grace's worry.
“I'd call the doc in the morning. I'll give you his number. Quinn might have a concussion. Why is he here and not in the clinic?” Peter was still full of questions.
“The police brought him here. They said he didn't want to go to the clinic or a hospital. I have no idea how they even got a response from him. He had a cottage business card on him, so they delivered him here,” Grace was getting tired of all the questions and lack of help. Even though she had no idea how Peter could help.
Both Peter and Grace jumped when Quinn groaned. He seemed to be regaining consciousness, albeit slowly. When they looked at each other, they chucked at how they had both jumped, but moved away from the bed to finish talking.
Peter gave Grace the phone number for the local doctor to call in the morning and headed back home. He said he would stop by again after getting some sleep. It was now well after midnight and Grace was exhausted, but she could not leave Quinn alone. She pulled a chair near the bed and sat down. It was not long before she was asleep.
“Grace..., Grace...” someone was whispering to her. Jerking awake, Grace realized it was Quinn. His head was turned toward her in the chair and his eyes barely opened.
“Quinn, shhhhh.. Are you okay?” Grace whispered back to him.
“What happened? Where am I?” Quinn was gradually regaining his focus.
“Quinn, just calm down. You've here at the cottage, in my room. Lie still and try not to move too much. You've been hurt.” Grace didn't want to have to explain everything at once.
Quinn moaned as he tried to move. Grace tried to gently help, but was not sure it was good for Quinn to be rolling over on his side. She was worried he'd cause more pain for himself if he tried to move. Another moan left Quinn's body as he tried to move again.
“Stop, Quinn, you're only going to feel worse,” Grace pleaded. “Do you feel like a cup of tea? Or is there something I can get you?”
“Tea, that sound perfect. How about a little whiskey? That would be even better.” Grace could see that Quinn was gaining back some humor with his energy.
“No whiskey until I know it's okay for you. Now behave yourself while I get a cuppa made,” Grace demanded as she left the room.
Grace realized that she had slept most of the night in the chair as she stretched her stiff back while waiting for the water to boil. It was barely light outside. She carefully put the tea cup on a tray and added a small biscuit just in case Quinn had a bit of an appetite.
“Hey, who took my clothes?” was Quinn's first question as Grace entered the room.
Grace put down the tea before she explained that she had cut Quinn's torn biking clothes off. She had pulled up a light weight coverlet over Quinn as he was barely conscious, but he seemed to be feeling a little exposed knowing she had taken off his clothes.
Grace helped Quinn lift his head enough to sip some of the tea. She slipped an extra pillow behind his head so he could be more comfortable. Every once in a while he would grunt or moan as he moved, but she could see he was regaining his strength gradually.
“Quinn, will you be okay for a while? I have some guests to make breakfast for and need to get changed and freshened up myself,” Grace gazed around the room wondering how that freshening up and changing was going to happen with Quinn in her room. She just decided to give up on that notion for the moment and headed to the kitchen to get the breakfast ready for her guests.
“What's going on Grace?” he asked sleepily.
“It's Quinn...follow me,” she explained.
“What happened to him? And how did he get all undressed?” Peter looked at Grace confused.
“Peter, he was all beat up and I needed to get him cleaned up. I hope I did okay. He's not really coherent. What should I do?” Grace blurted out everything at once.
“Grace, I'm hardly a paramedic, but it does look like you got him cleaned off. Did you put some ointment on his cuts?” Peter was trying to remember anything he would do if he fell while running and was bruised and cut.
“Yes, I used the first aid ointment. But he's still not responding. Do I need to call an ambulance?” Peter could see Grace's worry.
“I'd call the doc in the morning. I'll give you his number. Quinn might have a concussion. Why is he here and not in the clinic?” Peter was still full of questions.
“The police brought him here. They said he didn't want to go to the clinic or a hospital. I have no idea how they even got a response from him. He had a cottage business card on him, so they delivered him here,” Grace was getting tired of all the questions and lack of help. Even though she had no idea how Peter could help.
Both Peter and Grace jumped when Quinn groaned. He seemed to be regaining consciousness, albeit slowly. When they looked at each other, they chucked at how they had both jumped, but moved away from the bed to finish talking.
Peter gave Grace the phone number for the local doctor to call in the morning and headed back home. He said he would stop by again after getting some sleep. It was now well after midnight and Grace was exhausted, but she could not leave Quinn alone. She pulled a chair near the bed and sat down. It was not long before she was asleep.
“Grace..., Grace...” someone was whispering to her. Jerking awake, Grace realized it was Quinn. His head was turned toward her in the chair and his eyes barely opened.
“Quinn, shhhhh.. Are you okay?” Grace whispered back to him.
“What happened? Where am I?” Quinn was gradually regaining his focus.
“Quinn, just calm down. You've here at the cottage, in my room. Lie still and try not to move too much. You've been hurt.” Grace didn't want to have to explain everything at once.
Quinn moaned as he tried to move. Grace tried to gently help, but was not sure it was good for Quinn to be rolling over on his side. She was worried he'd cause more pain for himself if he tried to move. Another moan left Quinn's body as he tried to move again.
“Stop, Quinn, you're only going to feel worse,” Grace pleaded. “Do you feel like a cup of tea? Or is there something I can get you?”
“Tea, that sound perfect. How about a little whiskey? That would be even better.” Grace could see that Quinn was gaining back some humor with his energy.
“No whiskey until I know it's okay for you. Now behave yourself while I get a cuppa made,” Grace demanded as she left the room.
Grace realized that she had slept most of the night in the chair as she stretched her stiff back while waiting for the water to boil. It was barely light outside. She carefully put the tea cup on a tray and added a small biscuit just in case Quinn had a bit of an appetite.
“Hey, who took my clothes?” was Quinn's first question as Grace entered the room.
Grace put down the tea before she explained that she had cut Quinn's torn biking clothes off. She had pulled up a light weight coverlet over Quinn as he was barely conscious, but he seemed to be feeling a little exposed knowing she had taken off his clothes.
Grace helped Quinn lift his head enough to sip some of the tea. She slipped an extra pillow behind his head so he could be more comfortable. Every once in a while he would grunt or moan as he moved, but she could see he was regaining his strength gradually.
“Quinn, will you be okay for a while? I have some guests to make breakfast for and need to get changed and freshened up myself,” Grace gazed around the room wondering how that freshening up and changing was going to happen with Quinn in her room. She just decided to give up on that notion for the moment and headed to the kitchen to get the breakfast ready for her guests.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 46
When Grace got to the door she was surprised to see a Police Service vehicle.
Two uniformed officers exited the front of the car and headed to the back door on the cottage side. They helped a limp and bruised Quinn out of the car and headed to the door.
“Miss, the only identification we could find on this lad was your B&B business card. He didn't want to go to the hospital, so we brought him here,” explained one of the officers.
“What....what happened to him?” Grace was concerned about Quinn's injuries.
“Miss, could we put him down somewhere first, and then we'll explain. This lad is kinda heavy,” the officer pleaded.
“Sure follow me,” Grace replied and without even thinking about it lead them to her downstairs bedroom. She pulled the coverlet off the bed so they could put Quinn on the sheets. He was barely conscious.
Once they had Quinn settled, the officers explained that a driver on the road called in that he found a man lying on the side of the road. Originally thinking this might be a drunk, the officers headed out to help him home. When they found him, he was face down on the side of the road, no identification, no wallet, nothing but his biking clothes and the business card for the cottage in his back pocket.
“Where is his bike?” Grace asked confused.
“Miss, there was no bike. We're thinking some hoodlums stopped him on the deserted road and beat him up for his money. We didn't know he had a bike. Guess we should have because of the way he's dressed. We'll keep and eye out for a bike that might get dumped somewhere. And when he's better, we will want to talk to him about what happened. We'll stop by in a day or two.”
“In a day or two? He'll be gone back to Dublin by then,” Grace explained expecting Quinn to be back at work on Monday.
“I don't think he'll be going anywhere for a few days, miss. In fact he needs some tending too with all those scrapes and bruises. And you'll need to keep an eye out for a concussion. Maybe even contact your local doc to check him out,” the officer seemed to be washing his hands of any care of Quinn.
“But, but....,” Grace was speechless. She had no idea what to say to all this. Resigned to deal with it, she dismissed the police officers and headed back to the bedroom. It was not until she entered the room that she realized she had just given up her bed to this partially conscious man.
Grace stood looking over Quinn for a moment trying to decide what she was going to do. It was too late to call a doctor. That would have to wait until morning. She was hoping that there were no internal injuries that would be a problem until then. He was filthy from lying in the dirt and his biking clothes were torn and bloody. Grace decided the first thing she needed to do was get Quinn cleaned up and that meant removing his clothes.
Grace figured that Quinn might have some clean clothes up in his room, so she took her master key and headed up to the room. Clean shirts, trousers, socks, and underwear, but nothing for pajamas. He must sleep in his briefs. Oh, joy, were the thoughts going through Grace's mind.
From the kitchen Grace gathered the first aid kit, some cloth towels, a bowl of warm water and her kitchen scissors. She was hardly the nursing type, but how difficult could this be? Grace had not thought about the fact that Quinn was almost twice her weight and a limp body. Moving him in any direction without his help would be nearly impossible. But it had to be done.
Standing over Quinn trying to figure out what to do, Grace was startled by a moan.
“Quinn? Quinn, can you hear me?” Grace asked hoping that Quinn was just waking up from all this and could handle it all himself.
Just another moan, nothing more. Quinn was really out of it. Grace told herself that all would be fine, she just needed to tend to Quinn. So she began by using the kitchen scissors to cut off his biking shirt and shorts. She breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that Quinn did have briefs under his bike shorts. Just one thing she did not want to deal with. The bike shorts were Lycra so they fit tightly to Quinn's body. Grace was careful not to stab Quinn with the scissors when she was cutting the shorts away. Once she had cut down each side seam, she was able to pull them off by sliding them away from Quinn's body.
His Lycra biking shirt was different. She could cut up the arms and to the neck, and then down the front, but pulling the shirt out from under Quinn was much more difficult. Through his moaning and her soft spoken encouragement, she was able to roll Quinn partly on his side to get part of the shirt out of the way, and then able to do the same on the other side pulling it out from under him.
So there lie Quinn in his briefs, that Grace had no intention of removing, bruised and cut. Grace spent the next hour cleaning and bandaging up Quinn the best she could. Once she did the initial cleaning she used a fresh towel on his forehead to keep him cool and comfortable. She wondered how long it had been since he had eaten and how did this happen to him.
It suddenly hit Grace that there might have been someone who Grace should contact about Quinn's situation, but she didn't have a clue. It was late, but it suddenly dawned on Grace who she should call....Peter. Why had she not thought of this before?
“Hello...,” a sleepy voice answered his cell phone.
“Peter, I have an emergency, can you come over right away?” Grace pleaded into the phone.
“Grace, what time is it? What's going on?” Peter was still waking up.
“Peter, just can you come over right away? I need your help,” Grace sounded worried.
“I'm coming Grace, don't blow a gasket,” Peter seemed a little annoyed, but Grace didn't care. She breathed a sigh of relief thinking that help was on the way. At least she hoped Peter could help.
Two uniformed officers exited the front of the car and headed to the back door on the cottage side. They helped a limp and bruised Quinn out of the car and headed to the door.
“Miss, the only identification we could find on this lad was your B&B business card. He didn't want to go to the hospital, so we brought him here,” explained one of the officers.
“What....what happened to him?” Grace was concerned about Quinn's injuries.
“Miss, could we put him down somewhere first, and then we'll explain. This lad is kinda heavy,” the officer pleaded.
“Sure follow me,” Grace replied and without even thinking about it lead them to her downstairs bedroom. She pulled the coverlet off the bed so they could put Quinn on the sheets. He was barely conscious.
Once they had Quinn settled, the officers explained that a driver on the road called in that he found a man lying on the side of the road. Originally thinking this might be a drunk, the officers headed out to help him home. When they found him, he was face down on the side of the road, no identification, no wallet, nothing but his biking clothes and the business card for the cottage in his back pocket.
“Where is his bike?” Grace asked confused.
“Miss, there was no bike. We're thinking some hoodlums stopped him on the deserted road and beat him up for his money. We didn't know he had a bike. Guess we should have because of the way he's dressed. We'll keep and eye out for a bike that might get dumped somewhere. And when he's better, we will want to talk to him about what happened. We'll stop by in a day or two.”
“In a day or two? He'll be gone back to Dublin by then,” Grace explained expecting Quinn to be back at work on Monday.
“I don't think he'll be going anywhere for a few days, miss. In fact he needs some tending too with all those scrapes and bruises. And you'll need to keep an eye out for a concussion. Maybe even contact your local doc to check him out,” the officer seemed to be washing his hands of any care of Quinn.
“But, but....,” Grace was speechless. She had no idea what to say to all this. Resigned to deal with it, she dismissed the police officers and headed back to the bedroom. It was not until she entered the room that she realized she had just given up her bed to this partially conscious man.
Grace stood looking over Quinn for a moment trying to decide what she was going to do. It was too late to call a doctor. That would have to wait until morning. She was hoping that there were no internal injuries that would be a problem until then. He was filthy from lying in the dirt and his biking clothes were torn and bloody. Grace decided the first thing she needed to do was get Quinn cleaned up and that meant removing his clothes.
Grace figured that Quinn might have some clean clothes up in his room, so she took her master key and headed up to the room. Clean shirts, trousers, socks, and underwear, but nothing for pajamas. He must sleep in his briefs. Oh, joy, were the thoughts going through Grace's mind.
From the kitchen Grace gathered the first aid kit, some cloth towels, a bowl of warm water and her kitchen scissors. She was hardly the nursing type, but how difficult could this be? Grace had not thought about the fact that Quinn was almost twice her weight and a limp body. Moving him in any direction without his help would be nearly impossible. But it had to be done.
Standing over Quinn trying to figure out what to do, Grace was startled by a moan.
“Quinn? Quinn, can you hear me?” Grace asked hoping that Quinn was just waking up from all this and could handle it all himself.
Just another moan, nothing more. Quinn was really out of it. Grace told herself that all would be fine, she just needed to tend to Quinn. So she began by using the kitchen scissors to cut off his biking shirt and shorts. She breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that Quinn did have briefs under his bike shorts. Just one thing she did not want to deal with. The bike shorts were Lycra so they fit tightly to Quinn's body. Grace was careful not to stab Quinn with the scissors when she was cutting the shorts away. Once she had cut down each side seam, she was able to pull them off by sliding them away from Quinn's body.
His Lycra biking shirt was different. She could cut up the arms and to the neck, and then down the front, but pulling the shirt out from under Quinn was much more difficult. Through his moaning and her soft spoken encouragement, she was able to roll Quinn partly on his side to get part of the shirt out of the way, and then able to do the same on the other side pulling it out from under him.
So there lie Quinn in his briefs, that Grace had no intention of removing, bruised and cut. Grace spent the next hour cleaning and bandaging up Quinn the best she could. Once she did the initial cleaning she used a fresh towel on his forehead to keep him cool and comfortable. She wondered how long it had been since he had eaten and how did this happen to him.
It suddenly hit Grace that there might have been someone who Grace should contact about Quinn's situation, but she didn't have a clue. It was late, but it suddenly dawned on Grace who she should call....Peter. Why had she not thought of this before?
“Hello...,” a sleepy voice answered his cell phone.
“Peter, I have an emergency, can you come over right away?” Grace pleaded into the phone.
“Grace, what time is it? What's going on?” Peter was still waking up.
“Peter, just can you come over right away? I need your help,” Grace sounded worried.
“I'm coming Grace, don't blow a gasket,” Peter seemed a little annoyed, but Grace didn't care. She breathed a sigh of relief thinking that help was on the way. At least she hoped Peter could help.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 45
Grace finished up serving breakfast to Frances and her group and headed into her sitting and office area. She had work to do if she was going to be making any bookings for the week. When she sat down at the computer, instead of logging into the B&B website, she found herself typing in Quinn's name. From the paperwork he filled out for registration she used his last name to search about him. “Quinn Nolan, Dublin”
Grace tried to convince herself several times this was not right, but she continued the search. There were several small articles about a Quinn Nolan from the Dublin Institute of Technology and some awards won for Internet programs and Internet safety. Other than that, things were pretty scarce. She did find a Tommy Nolan, brother of Quinn Nolan who seemed to make the news for his marital problems. Things seem to have stemmed from a brawl in a pub because his wife left him. Other than that, there was nothing on this man. Grace shook her head, what was she doing searching one of her guests? At least there were no indications that Quinn was a womanizer. Why did she even care?
Grace was startled by a voice at the doorway. “Excuse me, Grace,” Frances said quietly. “Do ye mind if we sit out front and warm up some today? It's such a beautiful day out.”
“Frances, that would be fine. I'll open the windows here so you can fill the cottage with your wonderful music again,” this finally brought a smile back to Grace. She could work all day while listening to Frances sing and play.
By the time Frances and her friends had finished their warm up session, Grace had been able to book rooms for all but two days during the week, Monday and Tuesday. Frances getting out the word had filled the cottage up with musicians from Wednesday up to the weekend. Grace was going to be busy and was happy to have Monday and Tuesday off to plan meals and purchase supplies for the remainder of the week.
Peter stopped by to chat with Grace and talk about his engagement to Chloe. He thanked Grace for coming up to the cottage in the first place, since if she had not done that he would never had met the girl of his dreams. Grace was so happy to see Peter come out of his shell. Obviously Chloe had a very good influence on him, and he on her. Peter apologized for leaving Grace without someone to handle the B&B and said he would continue to keep up the grounds and whatever Grace needed. Knowing that he would stay on to help was something Grace appreciated.
Grace said goodbye to Peter after their chat and headed to the kitchen to start prepping for dinner. Once again she'd be making an early dinner for Frances and crew. She expected that Quinn might want something after his ride and made sure there was enough for him also.
Tonight's menu was grilled salmon with a lemon caper sauce, roasted potatoes, and a green salad with some fresh mango vinaigrette topping. The salad was something she adapted from a restaurant she had gone to in Dublin, and finding a mango at Fallon and Byrne before she headed up for the weekend was a real treat. Now she could try one of her own recipes to add to Aine's.
Frances and her crew raved about the dinner and were sad this would be the last night they stayed at the cottage for a while. Tomorrow the weekend would end for them and they would head back home. They did promise to pass on the word about the cottage and would be back themselves the next time they were booked to play at Rafters.
It was getting late, and Grace had already checked in the couple that had arrived for the night. Even though it stayed light until after ten, she was a little concerned that Quinn had not returned. She was not sure why she was worried, as he was a big boy and could take care of himself. She did feel bad about what had happened earlier in the morning and wanted to make it up to him. She had opened the bottle of wine he brought and set out two glasses for a “peace” toast when he arrived back.
By eleven, something was wrong, and Grace could feel it. Just something told her that something had happened to Quinn. Why was she worried? He was no concern of hers.
Then she heard the sound of a vehicle in her drive, but it was not a bike, it was a car....
Grace tried to convince herself several times this was not right, but she continued the search. There were several small articles about a Quinn Nolan from the Dublin Institute of Technology and some awards won for Internet programs and Internet safety. Other than that, things were pretty scarce. She did find a Tommy Nolan, brother of Quinn Nolan who seemed to make the news for his marital problems. Things seem to have stemmed from a brawl in a pub because his wife left him. Other than that, there was nothing on this man. Grace shook her head, what was she doing searching one of her guests? At least there were no indications that Quinn was a womanizer. Why did she even care?
Grace was startled by a voice at the doorway. “Excuse me, Grace,” Frances said quietly. “Do ye mind if we sit out front and warm up some today? It's such a beautiful day out.”
“Frances, that would be fine. I'll open the windows here so you can fill the cottage with your wonderful music again,” this finally brought a smile back to Grace. She could work all day while listening to Frances sing and play.
By the time Frances and her friends had finished their warm up session, Grace had been able to book rooms for all but two days during the week, Monday and Tuesday. Frances getting out the word had filled the cottage up with musicians from Wednesday up to the weekend. Grace was going to be busy and was happy to have Monday and Tuesday off to plan meals and purchase supplies for the remainder of the week.
Peter stopped by to chat with Grace and talk about his engagement to Chloe. He thanked Grace for coming up to the cottage in the first place, since if she had not done that he would never had met the girl of his dreams. Grace was so happy to see Peter come out of his shell. Obviously Chloe had a very good influence on him, and he on her. Peter apologized for leaving Grace without someone to handle the B&B and said he would continue to keep up the grounds and whatever Grace needed. Knowing that he would stay on to help was something Grace appreciated.
Grace said goodbye to Peter after their chat and headed to the kitchen to start prepping for dinner. Once again she'd be making an early dinner for Frances and crew. She expected that Quinn might want something after his ride and made sure there was enough for him also.
Tonight's menu was grilled salmon with a lemon caper sauce, roasted potatoes, and a green salad with some fresh mango vinaigrette topping. The salad was something she adapted from a restaurant she had gone to in Dublin, and finding a mango at Fallon and Byrne before she headed up for the weekend was a real treat. Now she could try one of her own recipes to add to Aine's.
Frances and her crew raved about the dinner and were sad this would be the last night they stayed at the cottage for a while. Tomorrow the weekend would end for them and they would head back home. They did promise to pass on the word about the cottage and would be back themselves the next time they were booked to play at Rafters.
It was getting late, and Grace had already checked in the couple that had arrived for the night. Even though it stayed light until after ten, she was a little concerned that Quinn had not returned. She was not sure why she was worried, as he was a big boy and could take care of himself. She did feel bad about what had happened earlier in the morning and wanted to make it up to him. She had opened the bottle of wine he brought and set out two glasses for a “peace” toast when he arrived back.
By eleven, something was wrong, and Grace could feel it. Just something told her that something had happened to Quinn. Why was she worried? He was no concern of hers.
Then she heard the sound of a vehicle in her drive, but it was not a bike, it was a car....
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 44
It had been a restless night for Grace, but while she wished she could just pull the covers over her head and stay there forever, she had a B&B to run. Today another couple would be coming just to stay Saturday night, and she needed to check the possibility of more bookings during the week. She dragged herself out of bed, and let the hot water of the shower help to relax the tightness in her muscles. When she left her room she felt she looked refreshed, even though she was emotionally and physically exhausted.
No time to worry about her problems as Grace started the preparations for breakfast. She remembered that Frances and her group would be eating later as they got back from the pub during the wee hours of the morning. Quinn was heading out for a bike ride and she expected that he would want a more substantial breakfast like he had previously. She added some whiskey and honey to the porridge as it cooked and got the eggs and sausage started along with the tea. In the background she could hear the shower running upstairs and figured it would be Quinn getting ready for the day.
Grace was trying to avoid Quinn as much as possible, so she set the teapot on the table before he arrived along with the cream for the porridge. All she would have to do was bring in the eggs and porridge and she would be done. At least that's what her plan was. As always, not all plans go where we want them to and Grace once again found herself face to face with Quinn.
“Grace, is it something I've done? I get the feeling that I'm not welcome or wanted here. You could have turned me down last weekend when I asked about the room. What's going on here? I'm getting this strange vibe from you,” Quinn must have been thinking about approaching Grace about this before.
“I apologize, Quinn, if I've been any less than polite and courteous,” Grace was trying to avoid this at all cost.
“Oh, you are courteous, and polite, there's just something about how you act toward me as if I've done something wrong. I notice how tense you get when we converse, or when you have to have an exchange with me.” Quinn kept probing.
“What are you a psychologist?” Grace retorted before she could calm herself down.
“No, I manage an Internet company in Dublin. I just seem to be able to read people well,” Quinn was obviously confused by Grace. “Or I thought I could...”
“Look, Quinn, some people just don't hit it off. I'm not angry or upset with you. Just your type is not the kind of person I relish dealing with,” Grace was trying to make excuses for her attitude toward Quinn.
“My TYPE! What's that? You don't even know me, or my TYPE!” Quinn was obviously starting to get a little irritated with this conversation. “I don't even know why I'm standing here having this discussion with you. Forget breakfast, I'll stop somewhere on the road. I'm heading up for a ride toward the Downhill Demense and back. I'll be back later tonight,” Quinn turned and headed out the door not even looking back at Grace who was standing there with the tray of porridge and eggs.
Grace dropped her head in frustration. She was angry at herself for how she behaved. She knew better, and Quinn was not Braden. She didn't even know Quinn or what he was like. He was right. Why should she be making such emotional transfers based just on how she perceived Quinn? There was very little time to get herself back together as she could hear the showers running upstairs. Frances and her crew were up a little earlier than she expected. Time to start preparations for their breakfast.
...............................
Outside Quinn unlocked his bike, grabbed a couple of water bottles from the back of the car, hopped on and took off. He was fuming. What did he do to this woman? This was why he steered clear of any long term relationships. A few social dates for business was his plan. Even though his friends were just about all married, he was hesitant of the complications of a long term relationship. He had watched his older brother go through a very nasty separation, and seem the same with several friends who rushed into marriage. This was not for him. He had been told he was a handsome lad and women would be flocking to him. This made him even more uncomfortable. He put his head down and sped up his ride. In no time he was in Coleraine wishing he had the chance to eat Grace's breakfast. Now he had to stop and get something here.
No time to worry about her problems as Grace started the preparations for breakfast. She remembered that Frances and her group would be eating later as they got back from the pub during the wee hours of the morning. Quinn was heading out for a bike ride and she expected that he would want a more substantial breakfast like he had previously. She added some whiskey and honey to the porridge as it cooked and got the eggs and sausage started along with the tea. In the background she could hear the shower running upstairs and figured it would be Quinn getting ready for the day.
Grace was trying to avoid Quinn as much as possible, so she set the teapot on the table before he arrived along with the cream for the porridge. All she would have to do was bring in the eggs and porridge and she would be done. At least that's what her plan was. As always, not all plans go where we want them to and Grace once again found herself face to face with Quinn.
“Grace, is it something I've done? I get the feeling that I'm not welcome or wanted here. You could have turned me down last weekend when I asked about the room. What's going on here? I'm getting this strange vibe from you,” Quinn must have been thinking about approaching Grace about this before.
“I apologize, Quinn, if I've been any less than polite and courteous,” Grace was trying to avoid this at all cost.
“Oh, you are courteous, and polite, there's just something about how you act toward me as if I've done something wrong. I notice how tense you get when we converse, or when you have to have an exchange with me.” Quinn kept probing.
“What are you a psychologist?” Grace retorted before she could calm herself down.
“No, I manage an Internet company in Dublin. I just seem to be able to read people well,” Quinn was obviously confused by Grace. “Or I thought I could...”
“Look, Quinn, some people just don't hit it off. I'm not angry or upset with you. Just your type is not the kind of person I relish dealing with,” Grace was trying to make excuses for her attitude toward Quinn.
“My TYPE! What's that? You don't even know me, or my TYPE!” Quinn was obviously starting to get a little irritated with this conversation. “I don't even know why I'm standing here having this discussion with you. Forget breakfast, I'll stop somewhere on the road. I'm heading up for a ride toward the Downhill Demense and back. I'll be back later tonight,” Quinn turned and headed out the door not even looking back at Grace who was standing there with the tray of porridge and eggs.
Grace dropped her head in frustration. She was angry at herself for how she behaved. She knew better, and Quinn was not Braden. She didn't even know Quinn or what he was like. He was right. Why should she be making such emotional transfers based just on how she perceived Quinn? There was very little time to get herself back together as she could hear the showers running upstairs. Frances and her crew were up a little earlier than she expected. Time to start preparations for their breakfast.
...............................
Outside Quinn unlocked his bike, grabbed a couple of water bottles from the back of the car, hopped on and took off. He was fuming. What did he do to this woman? This was why he steered clear of any long term relationships. A few social dates for business was his plan. Even though his friends were just about all married, he was hesitant of the complications of a long term relationship. He had watched his older brother go through a very nasty separation, and seem the same with several friends who rushed into marriage. This was not for him. He had been told he was a handsome lad and women would be flocking to him. This made him even more uncomfortable. He put his head down and sped up his ride. In no time he was in Coleraine wishing he had the chance to eat Grace's breakfast. Now he had to stop and get something here.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 43
Five years earlier......
Grace had just started at a marketing firm. She was selected out of a pool of about 50 candidates, but had been the top of her class at the university and showed she was the best candidates for this job. She got along with her co-workers and her work was appreciated by her bosses. Each morning when she arrived at work she noticed another young man entering the building about the same time. They started out smiling and nodding to each other and then started to talk on the way up the elevator.
His name was Braden and he also was a recent university graduate and worked at a law office as an intern a few floors above Grace. He was very professional looking, sharp and a very stylish dresser. Braden knew he was good looking and took advantage of that with women as often as he could. Unfortunately, Grace never saw this until it was too late.
He was slick. First it was coffee, then lunch. He developed their relationship very slowly so Grace never knew what hit her. By the time they were dating on a regular basis, he had been coming over to Grace's for dinner a couple times a week. He convinced her that it was so much nicer and more comfortable eating at her place than always eating out. But he never contributed toward the food, or supplies. Every once in a while he would bring a bottle of wine, but that was it. Grace thought this was how it worked. She was getting in too deep and put all her feelings out there for Braden to see. She really didn't share this relationship information with her friends at work.
If she had they would have let her in on this operator. Grace and Braden were constantly together after work. After a while, he needed to spend some late nights at work, first once a week, then twice and by the time he was spending three nights a week late at the office and not able to see Grace at all, she got suspicious. It was at this point she talked to one of the girls in the office and found out that Braden was slowly moving on. He would hook up with one girl, then slowly move to another when he felt the relationship was getting too serious. The problem was at this point Grace had fallen in love with Braden.
She thought she could convince Braden that it would work out. But she was in over her head and he wanted nothing to do with her anymore. He had moved on. He was having his dinners with a girl from a building across the street. One night he was so exasperated with the pleading from Grace that he unloaded on her, calling her needy and pathetic. A poor excuse for a girlfriend and someone who could not even cook. Grace had vested all her energy into this relationship and now he crushed her emotionally.
Grace moped around for weeks after that. Up to that point she had never had a serious relationship with a man. Her focus was school and getting her degree in marketing. There was no time for men in her life. Even her friends could not get her to leave the flat for a movie. She was like a robot at work. There was no joy in her job. It was then that she left the firm she started at and moved to the firm where she worked currently. Hoping a fresh start would make all the difference.
...........................
And over the past five years she had forgotten all about the hurt and emotional drain that Braden caused. It was not until tonight when she really thought about what it was about Quinn that bothered her so much that it all came back to her.
Grace had buried all those feelings and went on with her life and was happy. Why was she falling apart now? The tears continued while she cleaned up all the dishes from dinner and crawled into bed. She hated Braden for what he had done to her.
Grace had just started at a marketing firm. She was selected out of a pool of about 50 candidates, but had been the top of her class at the university and showed she was the best candidates for this job. She got along with her co-workers and her work was appreciated by her bosses. Each morning when she arrived at work she noticed another young man entering the building about the same time. They started out smiling and nodding to each other and then started to talk on the way up the elevator.
His name was Braden and he also was a recent university graduate and worked at a law office as an intern a few floors above Grace. He was very professional looking, sharp and a very stylish dresser. Braden knew he was good looking and took advantage of that with women as often as he could. Unfortunately, Grace never saw this until it was too late.
He was slick. First it was coffee, then lunch. He developed their relationship very slowly so Grace never knew what hit her. By the time they were dating on a regular basis, he had been coming over to Grace's for dinner a couple times a week. He convinced her that it was so much nicer and more comfortable eating at her place than always eating out. But he never contributed toward the food, or supplies. Every once in a while he would bring a bottle of wine, but that was it. Grace thought this was how it worked. She was getting in too deep and put all her feelings out there for Braden to see. She really didn't share this relationship information with her friends at work.
If she had they would have let her in on this operator. Grace and Braden were constantly together after work. After a while, he needed to spend some late nights at work, first once a week, then twice and by the time he was spending three nights a week late at the office and not able to see Grace at all, she got suspicious. It was at this point she talked to one of the girls in the office and found out that Braden was slowly moving on. He would hook up with one girl, then slowly move to another when he felt the relationship was getting too serious. The problem was at this point Grace had fallen in love with Braden.
She thought she could convince Braden that it would work out. But she was in over her head and he wanted nothing to do with her anymore. He had moved on. He was having his dinners with a girl from a building across the street. One night he was so exasperated with the pleading from Grace that he unloaded on her, calling her needy and pathetic. A poor excuse for a girlfriend and someone who could not even cook. Grace had vested all her energy into this relationship and now he crushed her emotionally.
Grace moped around for weeks after that. Up to that point she had never had a serious relationship with a man. Her focus was school and getting her degree in marketing. There was no time for men in her life. Even her friends could not get her to leave the flat for a movie. She was like a robot at work. There was no joy in her job. It was then that she left the firm she started at and moved to the firm where she worked currently. Hoping a fresh start would make all the difference.
...........................
And over the past five years she had forgotten all about the hurt and emotional drain that Braden caused. It was not until tonight when she really thought about what it was about Quinn that bothered her so much that it all came back to her.
Grace had buried all those feelings and went on with her life and was happy. Why was she falling apart now? The tears continued while she cleaned up all the dishes from dinner and crawled into bed. She hated Braden for what he had done to her.
All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 42
Just after Grace finished serving dinner to Frances and her group she heard the sound of another car in the front courtyard. There was another couple arriving on Saturday, but she only expected one more person tonight, and this had to be him.
As she walked to open the door she saw Quinn getting out of the car. He certainly looked different than he had in his biking clothes. He was in business attire looking like he just left work. His tie was loosened, and the top 2 buttons on his shirt opened. But his angular looks and tussled black hair gave him the look of a GQ model. Grace's eyes were transfixed on Quinn when he turned from grabbing his bag from the back seat and saw her. He smiled as he turned to walk to the door. Grace could feel her heart in her throat.
“Is it okay if I leave my bike out here tonight. It's locked to the rack on the back,” Quinn asked as he climbed up the stairs to the door.
“It should be just fine, unless it rains,” responded Grace as she slid to the side to let Quinn through.
“Hey, that smells wonderful. I didn't know you served dinner here. I was going to drop my things off and head to town,” Quinn seemed to be asking as he entered.
“I provide dinner by prior arrangement for those guests who ask,” Grace didn't want to make it easy for Quinn.
“Grace, we have plenty of food left here,” called Frances from the dining room as she must have heard the conversation.
“That would be just great,” Quinn replied before Grace could say any more, and he dropped his bag by the door and headed to the dining room, introducing himself as he entered.
Grace was already annoyed with this and was gritting her teeth in annoyance. She headed to the kitchen to get Quinn a dish and some silverware and almost ran into him as she came through the door to the dining room.
“What is it with you and my kitchen?” Grace practically yelled at Quinn.
“I'm sorry,” he said apologetically. “I was just going to ask if I could help. I did bring something for you.” Quinn turned and went to recover a bottle of wine he had in his bag. “I thought I'd bring this as a peace offering from crashing in on your place last weekend.”
Grace managed a terse “thank you”, and set Quinn's table setting at the far end of the table as if ostracizing him.
Frances and her musicians immediately started a conversation with Quinn and asked him to move closer. Grace left the room and settled herself in the kitchen working on the dessert. Inside she felt confused. Why did being around Quinn make her so unsettled? Yes, he was quite handsome, and in a strange way pretty personable. Was he too slick? He reminded her so much of.......THAT WAS IT! And her heart sunk.
Grace was a different person when she carried the dessert tray out to the dining room. Quiet and sullen. As she set the plates down even Frances noticed and asked if she was okay. Her stock answer was “just fine” and a forced smile.
It was just a bit later when Frances and her group left for Rafter's and Quinn quietly headed up to the single room to change. When he came down Grace was in the big sitting room reading, or trying to read. She had cleared the table, but left all the dishes to do later. This was very unusual for her.
“Grace, are you sure you are okay?” Quinn asked.
“I'm just fine. Aren't you going out?” Grace replied curtly. “Your key is on the table.”
Quinn looked a little disappointed, or sad. Grace could not tell. He did not press the situation, and quietly left the cottage.
Grace was just staring at the pages of the book. And then she began to cry.
As she walked to open the door she saw Quinn getting out of the car. He certainly looked different than he had in his biking clothes. He was in business attire looking like he just left work. His tie was loosened, and the top 2 buttons on his shirt opened. But his angular looks and tussled black hair gave him the look of a GQ model. Grace's eyes were transfixed on Quinn when he turned from grabbing his bag from the back seat and saw her. He smiled as he turned to walk to the door. Grace could feel her heart in her throat.
“Is it okay if I leave my bike out here tonight. It's locked to the rack on the back,” Quinn asked as he climbed up the stairs to the door.
“It should be just fine, unless it rains,” responded Grace as she slid to the side to let Quinn through.
“Hey, that smells wonderful. I didn't know you served dinner here. I was going to drop my things off and head to town,” Quinn seemed to be asking as he entered.
“I provide dinner by prior arrangement for those guests who ask,” Grace didn't want to make it easy for Quinn.
“Grace, we have plenty of food left here,” called Frances from the dining room as she must have heard the conversation.
“That would be just great,” Quinn replied before Grace could say any more, and he dropped his bag by the door and headed to the dining room, introducing himself as he entered.
Grace was already annoyed with this and was gritting her teeth in annoyance. She headed to the kitchen to get Quinn a dish and some silverware and almost ran into him as she came through the door to the dining room.
“What is it with you and my kitchen?” Grace practically yelled at Quinn.
“I'm sorry,” he said apologetically. “I was just going to ask if I could help. I did bring something for you.” Quinn turned and went to recover a bottle of wine he had in his bag. “I thought I'd bring this as a peace offering from crashing in on your place last weekend.”
Grace managed a terse “thank you”, and set Quinn's table setting at the far end of the table as if ostracizing him.
Frances and her musicians immediately started a conversation with Quinn and asked him to move closer. Grace left the room and settled herself in the kitchen working on the dessert. Inside she felt confused. Why did being around Quinn make her so unsettled? Yes, he was quite handsome, and in a strange way pretty personable. Was he too slick? He reminded her so much of.......THAT WAS IT! And her heart sunk.
Grace was a different person when she carried the dessert tray out to the dining room. Quiet and sullen. As she set the plates down even Frances noticed and asked if she was okay. Her stock answer was “just fine” and a forced smile.
It was just a bit later when Frances and her group left for Rafter's and Quinn quietly headed up to the single room to change. When he came down Grace was in the big sitting room reading, or trying to read. She had cleared the table, but left all the dishes to do later. This was very unusual for her.
“Grace, are you sure you are okay?” Quinn asked.
“I'm just fine. Aren't you going out?” Grace replied curtly. “Your key is on the table.”
Quinn looked a little disappointed, or sad. Grace could not tell. He did not press the situation, and quietly left the cottage.
Grace was just staring at the pages of the book. And then she began to cry.
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