Darren practically dragged Cailin out the front door he was so anxious to get out of the house. She couldn't help but laugh as they started to walk across the gravel front of the house.
“Cailin, that's the first time I've really heard you laugh so much!” Darren told her.
“Darren, it's just the whole situation. Your gramps is hilarious, and he knows how to get your mom going. I feel bad not staying to help with the dinner dishes,” she replied.
“Mum will manage. She'll probably get da to help her tonight. It's this way...” as Darren pointed to the right as they walked past the entry to the house.
As they followed the small road in the opposite direction from when the initially drove up, they came to an older section of the area and a brightly lit pub. The sign over the door said Paddy's.
“Let's see what everyone is up to here at Paddy's. If there's no music, or only the older crowd is here, we'll head down another few doors to The Wharf,”
As they entered the door there was no need to see if they needed to go further. Welcomes were all around for Darren. These were his mates hanging out for the evening. And they were sizing Cailin up and down as he walked in the door.
“'Bout time Darren, we see you've brought a pretty lass home for your Ma's approval,“ they teased.
“Now Declan, don't you go getting the horse before the cart. This is my friend, Cailin from America. She's here on vacation and I've offered to show her around Connemara the next few days. We met up in Derry at a music event I was hosting,” Darren tried to clear the air about their friendship quickly and hoped this would do the trick.
“Oh, right, my boyo. That means she's fair game? Cailin, nice to meet you, and come sit over here. I'd like to get to know you better,” Declan knew this would get to Darren, as he laughed.
As they took their seats, Darren made sure to put himself between Declan and Cailin. The two of them might not be together, but he knew Declan's reputation from way back. An order of drinks was made, with Cailin choosing her favorite Guinness, and Darren ordering a whiskey, neat. Cailin was introduced around to the rest of the group and was welcomed immediately.
There was music playing in the room next to them and it traveled through their area just enough so they could talk and listen. Darren introduced Cailin to the friends who were sitting with them. There were many questions about the States, which Cailin was used to by now and she tried to answer all honestly without glossing over the hardships the existed in the States. So many people thought that a world of opportunity was to be had when they arrived in the US, only to find that times were hard. Educated students even had trouble finding jobs.
As they chatted Cailin realized that there was now a second Guinness in front of her and Darren was on at least his third whiskey. She also notice that his usual in control demeanor had changed and become very relaxed. Almost too relaxed. It was getting late and Cailin mentioned to Darren that they might consider taking their leave as they had a big day tomorrow. Darren agreed as soon as they finished their drinks and they bade his friends a good night and headed back to Darren's parent's home.
It was obvious that Darren was more than a little tipsy. Instead of just putting his arm around her shoulder, he was practically hanging on her, chatting away about nothing in particular as they walked. As they neared the opening in the wall that lead to his parent's house, Darren suddenly stopped, pulled Cailin around so they were face to face and drew her near into a firm warm kiss. The Guinness seemed to have relaxed Cailin also as she responded in kind and realized that she was totally enjoying this moment. Darren arms wrapped around her with strength, but not forcefully. She felt cared for in a very special way. A second kiss followed, and both of them were looking at each other smiling.
Cailin was the first to speak, “I think we had better go in.” Darren quietly nodded and they entered the house as quietly as they could. Darren stopped at the door to the room Cailin would be staying in and was about to kiss Cailin again as he hear someone stirring next door in his parent's room. He quickly pulled back, put his finger to his lips, then to hers, smiled, leaned passed Cailin, as he had that first night at the hotel, and opened the door for her. She entered as she saw Darren bounding up the stairs with that great smile still plastered on his face. Was this just the actions of someone who had too much to drink? At this point Cailin didn't really care. She was very happy. She felt cared for again.
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