Who's Your Paddy?

Chapter 9

The way Liam deftly handled the uncomfortable situation with Roger only deepened the feelings I'd been developing for him. His confidence and class was a definite turn on, and other than some late afternoon writing, we spent almost the entire next day immersed in each other.

When we arrived at the Harp on Saturday night, the difference was almost shocking. The parking lot was filled to the brim, and if it wasn't for Liam letting me in on the secret staff parking behind the building, I doubt we would have found a space.

The pub was packed with happy hour drinkers. We had to push our way through the throng to get to the stage. I was thankful Roisin and Mick saw to it that my seat at the bar was waiting for me.

After getting settled, my phone beeped, alerting me of a missed call. When I flipped it open, I saw Paul's number so I stepped outside the front door to call him back.

"Finally," I said.

Paul grunted. "What kind of shit ass greeting is that?"

"Just glad to finally talk to you."

"Okay, who is he?" His tone was almost accusatory.

"That's what I love about you, straight to the point."

"This the salty coffee guy?"

"Uh huh."

"Damn, he must be good. You're never this quiet about a guy."

"I've tried to reach you to talk about it. And what news?"

"Huh?"

"You left a message saying you had news."

"First things first, you making this guy part of your story?"

"I haven't decided yet. Probably, but honestly the story isn't really part of all this." As I answered him, two drivers fighting for a single parking space leaned on their horns at one another.

"Sorry, did you get what I said?" I asked.

"Yeah. Where are you?"

"Outside the pub, his band is playing tonight."

"Musician, go figure. Listen, take care of yourself. I don't wanna have to beat the shit out of another boyfriend."

"God, Paul. That was a one time deal."

"Just saying."

"Uh huh."

"Listen, Sue's giving me the evil eye, we're on our way out. I just called earlier to make sure you're okay."

It was a good thing that Sue was so content in her relationship with Paul. A less confident person might get the wrong idea about how close we were. But not Sue. Not only did she understand it, she treated me like a sister in much the same way Paul had. And I was grateful to have that family feel a thousand miles away from home.

I stuck my phone in my purse and reached for the door handle. As I did, Liam came out, took my hand and twirled me around against the wall. He planted a slow, wet kiss.

"What am I gonna do?" He whispered, reluctant to break the kiss.

I pulled my head back to search for meaning in his eyes.

"I was thinkin' 'bout you. An got excited, like. . ." He gazed down at his jeans.

I laughed out loud.

"You wait. It's gonna happen to you too an I'm gonna laugh at ya."

"You're evil," I said.

"Surprised?"