Who's Your Paddy?

Chapter 26

As they all jumped into action, I sat befuddled. Not that I didn't sort of understand the situation, but I had no idea what his friends were up to.

Within moments, one cleared the money off the table, another switched coats with Liam. I too got up and hurried to dress, but only because I felt like they'd leave me sitting there if I didn't.

Before we walked out of the alcove, Louis was the one who thought to include me. "Don't talk to anyone, and follow Jen. She'll tell ya what to do."

"Uh, okay, but..."

Liam reached and squeezed my hand. "Babe, I'm sorry. Just go with her. I'll explain later, promise."

Louis draped Liam's jacket over the head of one of his other friends, put his arm around him protectively and the two of them disappeared out the front door together.

Ben and another friend grabbed Liam, who slumped over as if drunk and they departed in the opposite direction.

Jen wrapped her arm in mine. "Walk with me." We went out the front door.

I heard the shouts before I actually saw the paparazzi surrounding Louis and his coat covered companion, Ian. Jen held my arm tight, leading us toward her car.

I watched as Louis struggled past the small throng, helping his friend into the car. On the opposite end of the parking lot, Liam and Ben appeared out a side door and casually strode to Ben's car. Liam jumped in unnoticed and they drove out of the lot, disappearing from sight.

"Don't worry, we've done this before," Jen said. She started the engine as I buckled into the passenger seat. She delayed pulling out until she was satisfied the press were following Louis.

She laughed and placed a call to both cars to report our success.

Louis arrived at Liam's place alone about an hour after the rest of us.

"Masterful as always Lou," Liam said, offering him a can of beer.

"Was fun, like it used to be. Jayses, I almost miss doin' that."

"Ha. I don't," Liam said.

"So get this..." Louis began, pausing to take a large sip from his beer. "I race down the N4, blastin' through the roundabout, took the exit fer Liffey Valley and ran them through the mall car park."

"Surprised they followed ya that far," Jen said.

Louis nodded. "I drove back to the pub after and when Ian got out, the knackers that were still followin' us got a little shock. He pulled the jacket off his head and says, "what?". I broke me arse laughin'!"

They all laughed. I grinned, but wasn't sure how I felt about it. Jen told me enough in the car to get the basic gist of a switcheroo and Liam did check in with me once we got back to the house, but somehow the whole idea of enjoying it was lost on me.

Louis sat down next to me. "Annie, ye look like ya just tried ta swallow an apple whole. Don't worry yerself."

"It was exciting, but I might have underestimated things a smidge. I'm just glad he has friends like you watching his back."

Ben chimed in. "Told ya, it's not been like this in a while. It'll blow over again."

Liam poked at the fire. "It fuckin' better. Sorry, Luv. I probably shoulda delayed this trip when I found out 'bout that show, but with Dermot's weddin', an the funeral..."

I got up and crossed to him, rubbing his back. "You don't have to apologize. I mean, it'll take some getting used to, but it could be worse. Can I ask a question though?"