Travels in Eire #10

Darren and Cailin exited the Forum by the front door. Their conversation was mostly about the concert that night with Darren asking her which groups she liked best, and telling her some background information on each of the groups. When there was a short pause in their chatter, Cailin seized the moment to bring up Darren's transformation from band groupie to professional fund raiser. “Just because I have a regular nine to five job doesn't mean I have to stay that way all the time." he chuckled and smiled. “I love music. For a long time I was in a band and hoped that would be my calling in life, but I guess I was meant to do other things.”
“At least you have found a way to stay in touch with your dream,” Cailin responded. “That's a rarity for so many people.”
“We're here,” Darren said, as they arrived at a large eclectic restaurant. “No one had a chance to eat before the show, so those who are staying in Derry tonight decided to meet here for some craic.”
He lead her upstairs to a large room decorated with pop art and bright colors and tables set for a crowd. There were a few people standing around talking as they moved into the room and Darren returned their waves. And so began Cailin's introduction to the energetic nightlife in Derry.

Darren lead Cailin around introducing her to so many musicians her head was spinning. She was trying desperately to remember everyone's name and the band they were with, but it was futile. Darren could see this and told her not to worry, as often the musicians played with more than one band and even he could not keep track. Again, Cailin seemed to be the center of discussion for those who had never been to America. They had so many questions, many about music that Cailin could not answer. The room was full of chatter and laughter. Toasts of “Slainte!” could be heard everywhere. And then the food came. It must have been ordered before as Cailin never saw anyone with a menu. Again, Darren could sense Cailin's question before she asked and told her that the hospital pays for the food, ordered in advance, as compensation for the hard work of the musicians. This restaurant gives an ample break on the price as part of their donation. Simple, but hardy fare. And Darren barely got finished explaining this when Cailin heard the sound of a strumming guitar. The after party was in full swing with the musicians performing for and with each other.

The party continued until the wee hours of the morning. In fact, Cailin didn't remember what time she and Darren left. She was floating with a little too much Guinness and music running through her head. Darren walked her back to her hotel and up to her room. Suddenly Cailin realized that she had actually had a date tonight with Darren and he was “walking her home”. At this thought, she immediately tensed up, and Darren took note.
“Cailin, I just wanted to make sure you arrived safe and sound back to your room. I did tell you earlier I'm not a creepy bloke!” and the hallway filled with his laughter.
Cailin lowered her head with embarrassment. “I...I...I just had such a good time and didn't want you to....”
“Cailin, I'm not that kind of guy, please”, he interrupted. “But I do have a request, if you are interested.”
Looking back up into Darren's smiling face Cailin nodded. It was uncanny how Darren knew her thoughts and questions before they were voiced.
“Would you like to meet for lunch tomorrow? I'd really like to see you again, and I doubt that either one of us will be up before noon!”
“Darren, that sounds great!” Cailin struggled to control her enthusiasm.
“Then I”ll pick you up in the lobby about one, okay?” and as he finished his question he leaned over, catching Cailin by surprise, and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
Cailin nodded again, speechless, and could feel the flush of her face. Darren flashed that incredible smile, reached around Cailin to open the door of her room for her, and turned to go down the hall, “Get a good night's rest.” And he headed for the stairs.

Cailin let herself into the room, locked the door, changed quickly and jumped into the bed. OMG!!! He's so, so......, and she never finished as she fell sound asleep.