Who's Your Paddy?

Chapter 31

"Hey there," I said into the phone, trying very hard to sound chipper.

"Annie, Jesus. Where are you?" Michelle asked.

"Blessington. We came back to his place first thing this morning." Liam entered the room holding two slices of meat. "Wait, hang on a sec?"

"Sorry. You want ham or beef on yer sandwich?"

I pointed to the ham and sent him an appreciative air kiss. "K, Mickey, I'm back."

"Okay, you know I have to ask. Did you see the papers?" she asked.

"Yeah, I did. Most of it's shit, you know that right?"

"Well yeah, the story obviously is. But those pictures, holy shit. How'd they get your name and stuff?"

"Public record. The police report, ya know?"

"So other than canceling your travel plans, you gonna do anything about it?"

"Already did. They dismissed the charge against Liam when they got a look at me and took our statements. But, his family solicitor is getting ready to file a counter suit and a cease and desist against the two tabloids running the bogus story about me. It'll happen if I...well, I got a few ideas to try first."

"Those stupid fuckers, you should sue them for showing those pictures too."

"Nothing I can do about those."

"Did he really punch the guy out?"

"Yep."

"Aww, how gallant. I wish I could have seen that."

"Me too. I was busy being the passed out girl. Think I'll frame the one of him carrying me. The hanging head showing my bloody face was a nice touch."

She giggled. "I have to say, you sound remarkably calm after all that. And the shit they're saying about you. Wow."

"Don't get me wrong, I didn't aspire to their 'Wankin' Yank' title and I am pissed about that. But we had a long talk last night and another in the car this morning. I feel good about the plan. It's time for a little Annie magic to shine."

"Ha! They're in for it now. Need help?"

"Yeah, I do. Give me a day to get some wheels turning and I'll fill you in."

"Okay. Not to change the subject, but this can't be good for the two of you. I mean the crap you're dealing with and cutting everything short. It must be hard."

"Well yeah, it is. But in a way I'm hoping this whole thing will make us stronger. Already has really. The level of intimacy between us is changing."

"For the good I hope," she paused. "Annie, I know you love him, but has he-"

I cut her off. "Mickey, he loves me. This is the whole enchilada."

She exhaled with relief. "Was hoping you'd say that. I mean not only for your sake, but Paddy Murphy too. God."

"Oh c'mon. He's Liam to me, probably always will be. And yeah, it's mutual."

"So, it's very serious then?"

"Put it this way," I lowered my voice in hopes he wouldn't overhear me from the next room. "Last night he told me he'd rather die than see anyone hurt me again."

"Ooh, your knight in shining armor."

"No. It's way more than that. We went to that profound place in our conversation."