#14 The Quay

It was a beautiful clear day and the ride up the hill to Howth Head lead to an amazing view across Dublin Bay.  Ireland's Eye was sparkling in the sunlight, and the Wicklow Mountains hazy shadows loomed behind across the shore.  Molly and Kevin stood together quietly for a while with Kevin's arm around Molly's shoulder just contemplating the view.  Kilmore Quay was a bit flatter and didn't have this kind of view that Molly was enjoying so much.

As they came down from Howth Head Kevin headed north out of Dublin to the Malahide Castle and grounds.  Situated not far from the coastline with beautifully manicured gardens, the two walked for what seemed like hours through the lush foliage.  Their quiet conversation was casual and they stopped often to talk about the gardens.  Kevin had quite the interest in the gardens of Ireland and had visited many of them.  He explained to Molly that if they had ventured to Powerscourt, they might never come back before dark.  Locally that was his favorite. 

Molly explained to Kevin about all the gardens in Wexford and how so many were also linked to castles, suggesting that they could make a day trip at some point during the winter when they were not sailing.  Kevin looked forward to this. 

The evening would be spent in city center again with Kevin's friends, although Kevin noted that Erin had texted him saying she was unable to make the get together that night.  Molly breathed a sigh of relief not relishing another go round with Erin.  If she did come to Kilmore Quay for that outing, that would be more than Molly would want to handle. 

When Kevin and Molly met up in Temple Bar with Matt, Julianna and Damon, they were already inside the pub with seats saved.  Molly was surprised that they were so excited about the weekend trip to Kilmore Quay that they had already started talking about when they would plan this trip and how it would work out.  They had already been checking out B&Bs in the area and some self-catering cottages that would be available for a long weekend stay.  Molly was glad she could add her knowledge of the area and recommendations for the best places.  While it was still quite a while away, the group realized that come some good weather, reservations would be difficult to come by.

Molly was elated to hear all this enthusiasm.  She knew that there would have to be a lot of planning on her end to block off a weekend where this group would be her priority.  Campfires on the beach, days out sailing, and some sightseeing also would tax her organization skills.  The group had already decided to rent a van for the trip so they could all ride together where ever they went, and it would also fit the girls' luggage. Although Julianna announced that she could pack as frugally as any of the lads in the group.  Matt countered with the fact that he would need at least to suitcases for all his clothes changes that weekend.  The date would be chosen after the first of the year when everyone could have a better look at their work calendars.

Kevin watched how well Molly fit into this group all during the evening.  She was confident and friendly and almost seemed like she had known this group for ages.  Molly loved how welcoming this group of Kevin's friends had been to her and looked forward to the possibility of meeting up with them again.  Other than her experience with Erin, this trip was well worth it.

The night came to an end much quicker than any of the group had expected.  Their excited conversation had used up most of the evening.  Kevin and Molly bid good-night to all and walked the block back to the car hand in hand. 

“I have to say, Kevin, that I was a bit hesitant about this weekend trip, but it has been such fun and a joy to meet your friends,”  Molly explained.

“It's been great to see you interact with all of them and my family too, Molly.  Maybe I just did something right this time,” Kevin had a look of confidence about his statement.

“Are you saying you've done a lot wrong?” Molly queried.

“No, just I've not always made the best of decisions in my life.  This one was a good one,”  Kevin turned to Molly and kissed her on the cheek.  “Tomorrow we're going to make a quick visit to my sister's before I drop you off at the bus for your trip home.  She's the one who pushed me into all these sailing lessons, you know,”  Kevin smiled as he thought back to how all this had started.