Who's Your Paddy?

Chapter 12

Standing in line at the post office the next morning, I checked and rechecked my passport application. There were at least six people ahead of me, so I called my editor.

"Good morning, George."

"Thanks for emailing the schedule," he said.

"No problem. Just wanted to make sure you got it and let you know my cell will be on if anyone needs to reach me."

"Don't you have a couple interviews today?"

"Yes. Will probably take most of the afternoon but I will be stopping by the office later this morning."

"Good. Need anything from me?"

"Nothing specific, just checking in as promised. Well actually, can you transfer me to Paul's extension please?"

"Sure thing. Good luck today."

After a few beeps the line rang through. He answered sounding far more chipper than anyone had a right to sound at that time of the day.

"This is Paul South, how can I help you today?"

"Wow, someone's in a good mood."

"As a matter of fact, got me some action last night."

"Good for you. Sue right?" I smirked, even though he couldn't see it.

He laughed. It was great to hear. His laugh was so full-bodied, it never failed to bring a smile to my face.

"Guess what?" he asked.

"You...uh...got a cat?"

"Close. I proposed to Sue last night."

"Oh my God! Congratulations!" All those in line ahead of me turned to glance at me. I hadn't meant to be so loud, but I was genuinely excited.

"I've had a ring for months, just didn't know when it would be right."

I lowered my voice to a whisper, cupping my hand over the phone. "I'm so happy for you, why didn't you tell me?"

"I tried! You haven't exactly been around much. And I didn't bring it up that I was going to do it the other night 'cause that talk was about you. So...now ya know."

"I'm floored, Paul. What brought this on?"

"Dunno, just seemed like the right time. Where are you?"

"In line at the post office."

"Oh."

"I need a favor. I still can't access my voice mail from this cell, can you check it to see if there's anything pressing? I don't know how long I'll be standing here."

"Sure, pin number the same?"

"Yes. Just call me if there's anything important."

"Will do," he said.

Scotland, Italy, France, England and Somewhere in South America.

I'd been standing in the passport application line long enough to figure out where everyone was going. The young couple directly in front of me were getting married in three weeks and going to England for their honeymoon. They were so excited, he was reading hotel reviews out loud from a Fodor's travel guide.

Italy was arguing with the clerk over writing a second check to cover the expedited charges for fast passport delivery.

Scotland was obviously a mixed couple. He had a thick accent and she was American. I imagined him taking her home to meet the family and got lost in scripting the scenario in my mind. Just as I had them walking down the aisle, France's snotty nosed kid kicked me square on the shin.