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.
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