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.
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