Inheritance

Chapter 57

A full day had passed since arriving in the city of Dublin. Admittedly, I'd been ruminating over whether booking a trip to Ireland for this wedding was truly the best decision for me—considering the circumstances.

But, surprisingly, I now felt the complete opposite. In fact, I never wanted to leave. 

The Irish were kind in a genuine and refreshing way that clashed with the brute directness of the New Yorkers that I was all too accustomed to interacting with daily. Not to mention, the food here was absolutely spectacular. 

I'd been staying at the exclusively booked Merrion Hotel, amongst most of the wedding party guests. The four seasons hotel was well known for its hospitality, private dining, and nightly entertainment. As a matter of fact, the previous evening I had treated myself to one of their featured comedy shows and had a wonderful time. 

Going out alone was something I rarely ever did. But, the alternative was having dinner with Coco, Ahmad, and the rest of their friend group which likely included him. 

Prior to this trip, I'd made the spurious decision to start living my life in the moment and for the sheer benefit of none other than myself. That meant exploring new things, learning to be more adventurous, and allowing life to take me where it intended without a plan B.

Suffice to say, there were still so many unfiltered thoughts propelling through my mind. But, for the next few days, I'd try to live my life more vicariously. I guess one could say that this trip was merely functioning as an illusory distraction to the bounding chaos accumulating in my head.

Anything to pull me from the impending stress of my personal and family life that had been ruthlessly attacking me from all angles. 

So, as I sat abrasively in the back of a taxi cab in a foreign country all alone, I couldn't help but dwell on the millions of ways the next few hours could unravel. 

After all, I'd be seeing him again. 

Gosh, how long had it been since I'd last heard heard his voice?

I don't think I cared to remember, or perhaps I'd been subconsciously forcing myself not to. It was baffling to consider how suddenly someone who'd become such an integral part of my life could be so abruptly stripped from it. Of their own doing, might I add.

Despite it being only a matter of weeks since ending things with Kendall, from my heart's perspective, it felt like so much more time had passed. And, with the imposed distance placed between us, I think I'd gained some much needed answers. 

For one, my conversation with Austin had offered far greater clarity regarding the circulating doubts I'd had about his and Kendall's childhood. The trauma they endured was likely responsible for prompting this ludicrous scheme. But, the added context still hadn't done much to lessen my anger. 

Or, quell the growing insecurities I now had festering around in my mind about my relationship with the two brothers. As it stood, I was beginning to question whether any moment shared with them had been even remotely real. 

If not, Kendall Fine was one hell of an actor. Emmy Awards deserving.

Sure, I could empathize with the fact that the Finerson brothers had experienced a troubling childhood with a horrific outcome. But, so had I. 

And I certainly would never think to do such a thing to anyone.

"Alright, we're here miss!" The jolly cab driver motioned towards me in a heavy Irish accent.

"Thanks for the ride." I responded as I handed him his monetary compensation, then nervously stepped out from the rear of the vehicle.

Standing in front of what appeared to be a scene straight out of a romance novel, I gazed up at the starlit midnight sky. Positioned perfectly against the darkening backdrop was a stony, nightingale castle. The building stretched six stories high, adorned with sculptures, planters, and bright lights shining from every corner of the perfectly asymmetric architectural landscape.