Kate Hoffmann - Riley

Nan stared at him. What was this all about? He’d never spoken to her like that and she could see anger in his eyes. She sighed, then turned and walked up the street toward the cottage.

“Oh, that’s fine now,” Riley shouted. “Just walk away. We can’t even have a disagreement?”

Nan turned to face him, walking backward. “You’re making an arse of yourself,” she shouted. “And I don’t think I like you anymore.”

RILEY CURSED AGAIN, this time out loud. She was absolutely right. He was acting like a horse’s arse, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. Just the thought of her getting on a plane and going back to the States was enough to make him crazy with frustration.

No doubt, she’d go back to the cottage and pout for a bit, then he’d come crawling back with an apology for being a stupid prick. And they’d tumble into bed and everything would be set right again. But he didn’t want to waste even that much time staying angry.

He ran after her and caught up in a matter of seconds. “All right. I’m sorry. I can’t help that I want to spend every waking minute with you as well as all the minutes that we’re asleep. And I know you were just being nice to Danny and I shouldn’t fault you for that.”

“He happens to be a very nice guy. Unlike you.”

“I am a nice guy under ordinary circumstances,” he said. “But this isn’t really something I’m accustomed to, so you’ll have to give me a break.”

“Was there an apology in there?” Nan asked. “Because I didn’t hear it.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, taking her hand and drawing it to his lips. “Very sorry. Will you forgive me?”

She sent him a sideways glance, then rolled her eyes. “There was nothing to be jealous of,” she said. “You were so nasty to your brother. You should treat him better. And appreciate that you even have a brother. I don’t have any siblings, but if I did, I would love them every day.”

“You’re right,” Riley said. “And I promise to apologize to Danny when I see him the next time. Now, would you like me to beg for your forgiveness or can I just kiss you now and forget any of this happened.”

“You can kiss me later,” she said. “I want to make myself some lunch and then start packing.”

They walked together out of town, both of them silent, Riley waiting for her to smile at him. “So, what did you and Danny talk about?”

Nan shrugged. “Mostly his work,” she said. “He was walking his dogs and passed by the cemetery. I was there, looking at the gravestones. I found my father’s. Danny translated the inscription for me. It said, ‘until we meet again.’” She met his gaze. “Isn’t that a nice sentiment. It sounds so hopeful.”

“It’s sad,” he said. “And it doesn’t always happen. Meeting again. Sometimes people part and that’s the end of it. Look at your mother and Tiernan.”

“I’d like to think they have met again. And maybe, their spirits are now able to continue on with what they began all those years ago.”

“Or maybe we’re the ones who are doing that for them. Did you ever think of that? Maybe it’s us who shouldn’t be saying those words.”

“I’m hungry,” she said, deftly changing the subject.

He’d been pushing her at every opportunity, trying to force her to see how difficult it would be to leave. But Nan was stubbornly sticking to her plans, unable to commit to a life in Ireland with him.

Riley pointed to the small bakery just down the street. “They make the best sausage rolls. I’ll buy you lunch.”

They walked inside the bakery and, in addition to the sausage rolls, Riley purchased a small apple tart to share and two Cokes. They walked back outside and sat down at one of the tables in front of the bakery.

“You look very pretty this morning,” he said, handing her the Coke.

“Oh, and flattery won’t get you anywhere,” she said.

“What will get me somewhere?” he inquired.

She took a bite of the sausage roll and considered his question. “Are you passionate about your job?”

“I don’t really have a job,” he said.

“No, I mean your music. You’re a singer. That’s how you make money, right?”

“Not a lot of money, but, yes, I suppose that’s right.”

“Could you ever imagine yourself doing something else. Other than singing?”

“Sure. I expect I won’t be flogging my guts out in the pubs until I’m eighty. I’ll have to quit sooner or later.”

“No, I don’t think you understand what I’m saying.” Nan frowned as she searched for a way to ask her question. He gave her hand a squeeze, wondering what had so consumed her thoughts. “Are you passionate about your singing? Would you be less of a person if you didn’t do it?”

He thought about it for a long moment. In truth, he’d been thinking about that very question ever since Nan arrived. Could he walk away from performing and not miss it at all? Could he be happy working at something else merely to provide a decent living for a wife and family? Or were Riley the singer and Riley the man inseparable?

“I think I’m always going to have to perform,” he said, the truth of his feelings bubbling to the surface. “I like how it makes me feel. It might not always bring financial rewards, but who knows. With the new CD, something might change. What about you?”

“I’m good at what I do, and I like that. People think I do a good job and I’m a valuable employee. But I’m beginning to think that maybe I’ve just been so comfortable at the library I never considered doing anything else.”

Riley was stunned by her confession. It was the first indication she’d given that she might be open to a change in her life. If she wasn’t that invested in her career, then maybe she’d consider leaving it behind.

Riley fought the urge to push the issue. He wasn’t going to spend her last day in Ireland trying to convince her to stay. He was going to enjoy her company and make love to her one last time and then he was going to let her go.

He knew exactly how he felt, but Riley was still unsure about Nan’s feelings. Every instinct told him there was a deep affection between them, but did she consider it the beginning of love or the end of an infatuation? He wanted to ask her, but at the same time, he was afraid of her answer.

“So, what’s the plan for your last day in Ireland?”

“I don’t know,” Nan said. “There are so many things left on my list. But I think I’ve had enough of sightseeing. I think I want to find a pretty spot and just sit.”

“Would you mind if I sat with you?” Riley asked.

“I think that would be nice. Why don’t you take me to the prettiest spot around Ballykirk.”

“I know the exact spot,” Riley said. “But we have to stop at the cottage first and get a few things. A blanket. Something to eat and drink. And sturdy shoes for you.”

“Where are we going?” she asked.

Riley wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “To one of my secret places. No one else knows about it.”

“Really?”

“No,” he said. “My brothers know about it, and probably a lot of other people. But I like to pretend that it is all mine.”

They hiked back up to the cottage and Riley gathered up the makings of a picnic, then threw a blanket over his shoulder. Nan put on a pair of trainers and then waited for him at the front door.

“I’m excited,” she said.

“Don’t get too excited. I may have oversold this place.” He picked up her straw hat from the table and set it on top of her head. “Put on some jeans and you might need a heavier cardie.”

She returned from the bedroom with her jacket and tied the arms around her waist. “Am I ready now?”