Who's Your Paddy?

Chapter 8

We arrived at Dublin's Own Tavern about an hour before Liam was due to go on. The pub was very different from the Harp. It wasn't as decorated, or friendly feeling, but it held the feel of authenticity just the same.

The front room housed the bar and a large seating area. Framed photographs of musicians filled the walls and it was evident by the handwriting on many of them that they must have been famous. A lot of the photos looked like they'd been taken in the pub itself.

An arched entryway led into a second, much larger room. The main light source in the room came from the large stage, which had an elaborate set of lighting installed in the ceiling above it. There were a number of framed albums and magazine articles filling the wall space just inside the door just as there were in the bar itself.

"This place is impressive," I said, gazing at the photos.

"Yeah, it's more of a heads shop."

"Huh?"

"Jest an expression we use ta say it's a place where the good musicians go."

"Ah, so you're one of them." I grinned.

"I'm one of the few local Paddy's, I'm in by default."

"I doubt that's the only reason, Liam."

He gestured through the archway and the first thing I noticed was that the plotting twins were already present at the front and center table. Most of the other tables nearest the stage were also taken, so I set up camp at one a few rows back.

While I settled into my seat, I noticed the blonde, Cathy, making her move on Liam. She was at the edge of the stage beckoning him as he climbed the stairs. He obliged politely, bending down to have a few quiet words with her. Just as he moved to stand upright, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth.

He backed off, casting a quick glance in my direction before a few animated words passed between them. I was happy to see him take charge of her childish antic.

"Glad to see you made it, Annie," David said, arriving at my table. He twirled a chair around and straddled it backwards.

I tossed him a brief smile, but I couldn't keep my eyes from darting to the action at the stage. "Good to see you too. Are you looking forward to the gig?"

"I am. This is one of the best rooms to play in. That, and it's only one short set."

"Oh, I wasn't aware of that."

"Listen, don't mind Cath there," he said, taking note of my distraction.

"Nah, it's fine. Liam can take care of himself. I'm just curious how he'd handle it is all. I mean, he did have a life prior to my coming around. I can appreciate that."

"He's a lucky guy. Most women would be pissed."

"Well, I'm not without opinion. Let's just leave it at that for now."

He laughed, but as he opened his mouth to say more, the redhead arrived and rubbed his shoulder with a territorial sneer. David acknowledged her arrival with a quick pat to her hand.

She gave his hand a tug ."David, come see this."

"S'cuse me," he said, getting up.

Almost as soon as David and the redhead departed, Liam arrived. "Sorry 'bout that."

"There you go apologizing again. Don't worry Liam. As far as I'm concerned, I'm just here to have fun tonight."

"Oh yeah?" His wicked smile gave him away. His eyes moved up and down my body. His thoughts, I surmised, were somewhere between my waist and my thighs. Or so I convinced myself as I flashed him my most sparkling smile. A few moments later he shifted uncomfortably. "You make it so hard ta leave you at times."