Who's Your Paddy?

Chapter 10

Our relationship was progressing so well, it was almost scary. I had to keep checking with myself to make sure I wasn't missing something. In that sense, it felt a little too good to be true.

Michelle,

To answer your question, yes, as soon as I get dates I'll put in for leave. I really want to go to Ireland. As for Boston, it's doubtful. It's looking like it will have to be a one or the other thing and if I have a choice, of course I'm going to pick your wedding and Ireland.

You must be getting so excited! I can't wait to meet Brian, he sounds so great and if your notes are any indication-he must be perfect for you. You seem so happy, I have to say.

Things with Liam are going great too!! I'm learning so much more about him and if it keeps going like this, who knows...

Anyway, I'm at his house again and we're about to head out to eat, so I have to keep it short. I'll try to write more when I get home tonight.

Love ya,

~A~

And it was too good to be true. Later in the same day I wrote that cheery note to Michelle, Liam's ex-significant-girlfriend, Deb decided to pay us a little visit.

She arrived at his place after several unanswered calls, only to find us both together and on our way out. Liam awkwardly made introductions in the front doorway.

"Uh...Deb this is Annie. Annie, Deb."

I was a little surprised. She didn't look nearly as tall and sleek as she did when she stole so much of Liam's attention away from me the first time I saw her in the pub.

"Well..." She eyeballed me carefully. "This is a little uncomfortable. Should we go for a drive, Liam?"

"Nope. Told ya, I've said me bit already."

"Actually. . .I can wait inside, Liam," I said.

He waved the notion off with agitation. "No, stay." He turned his attention back to her. "Look, D. This isn't the time or place fer this. Fact, there isn't time anymore. I'm done."

"All I want to do is talk to you."

There was a gigantic pause. Liam shifted from one foot to the other, and I just peered around looking for something, anything, to take my attention away from the awkwardness. It was bad enough that I felt as if I had to stay put, but it was even worse to have a thousand things to say on the tip of my tongue and not be able to say any of them.

Then the telephone rang and all three of us gazed at each other. The eternity of the moment ended when Liam leaned through the doorway to answer the extension in the foyer.

I tried a strained smile. "Maybe you should try this another time."

"You really should butt the fuck out," she hissed.

I admit, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end and I immediately felt like letting her have it. But out of respect for Liam I chose to exercise a little judicious restraint instead. He demonstrated absolute class in the way he handled the difficult situation with Roger. Acting in kind was the least I could do in return.

"O-k-a-y then."

She waved me off dismissively. "I'm done talking to you."

"Didn't Liam just say the same thing?"

My comment obviously struck a chord with her. Her glare was telling. "You screwed him once. Now you think you're his girlfriend? Try years, honey."