“So what? I’ll be just a phone call or an email away. And if you ever come to Boston, I’ll show you my world.”

“I’ve never been to the United States. I never go anywhere.”

I smile sadly and squeeze him tighter. “Maybe someday you will.”

“Yeah. Maybe.”

We stay there for another ten minutes or so and then walk back to the car in silence, just watching the scenery go by as we drive back into Doolin. When we stop in front of Mrs. O’Grady’s I turn to look at Donal. “I had a really nice time. Thank you for taking me out.”

“Ye must think I’m a real nutter, taking you to the cliffs and relivin’ the suicide of an old girlfriend.”

I reach out and put my hand on his cheek. “Thank you for sharing that with me. I don’t think you’re a nutter. I think you’re pretty fantastic, actually.”

A thousand words couldn’t express how I feel right now, so instead of trying I just lean in and kiss him softly on the lips, pulling away before it can get any more involved. I’m already falling for this guy and I’m not in the mood to get my heart trashed over something easily avoided.

“Goodbye, Donal. I hope I see you again one of these days.”

“Goodbye, Ridlee from Boston. It was a true pleasure to have made yer acquaintance.”

I don’t shed a single tear until I’m on the other side of Mrs. O’Grady’s front door and it’s closed behind me. Of course then, I turn on the waterworks and bawl like I just lost the love of my life. Mainly because it feels like I just did.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

ERIN

“SO, WHAT DO YOU WANT to do today?” I ask Ridlee, who is lost in thought buttering a piece of toast. She doesn’t answer me but pops a little black pudding on the corner and bites into it. It’s Tuesday morning and we’re in the breakfast room of the B&B. It’s raining — well there’s a surprise … not! I look forlornly around the room and then back to my friend, who has been very quiet all morning.

“You’ve changed,” I say. That gets her attention.

“What do you mean?” she asks all serious.

I nod at the black pudding on her toast.

“Oh that. It’s good for the blood.”

“Who told you that?”

“Don… oh, never mind.” She sits up straighter in her chair and flicks her hair over her shoulder. “So, what’s the plan for today?”

Just as I’m about to answer, my phone pings. I look at it under the table — an old habit from days gone by when my grandmother’s beady eye could read a private text at ten paces. It’s from Micheál.

I know you probably have a busy day ahead of you, but could you add me on to your to-do list?

I can’t help but smile.

“What?” asks Ridlee leaning across the table.

“It’s Micheál. He’s flexting with me.” I punch in my response.

Hey! Stop thinking about me!

“You seeing him today?” Ridlee asks casually.

“I thought that you and I’d be hanging out. You know, last couple of days on the auld sod an’ all. Just the girls...”

“Nah, I gotta finalise the paperwork for the bar deal and as much as I’d love to have you do the grunt work, you’re not capable, so you’re free to go. Don’t worry, though, you’ll be receiving my bill soon enough.” She smiles sweetly.

“You’re in a good mood today,” I say fishing for information. But Ridlee’s not giving anything away. She just smiles serenely and goes back to eating her blood sausage. My phone pings again.

If I were with you right now, what would we be doing?

Dishes for old Mrs. O

Works for me. I’m on my way over.

Spend the day with me.

LOL

There's an old Irish saying that if you make a girl laugh you're halfway up her leg. BCNU ;)

I look up from my phone to Ridlee and ask, “BCNU? What’s that one?”

“Be Seeing You,” Ridlee says. “He’s on his way over. Is that what you’re wearing?” She raises an eyebrow.

I look down at my scruffy pajamas. Mrs. O’Grady’s other guests have all left so we’ve been kinda treating the place like home.

“Shit!” I jump to my feet.

Ridlee looks up from the local paper she’d suddenly become engrossed in.

“Talk to him if he arrives. And be nice!” I yell over my shoulder, sprinting out of the room and taking the stairs two at a time.

“Don’t forget about the Virgin Mary and Mr. Dreamy!” Ridlee shouts even louder.

Meanwhile, I’m upstairs furiously sifting through my meagre wardrobe looking for something that says sexy but effortless chic; I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. I pull out my Victoria’s Secret bra and panties, ‘cause you never know, and then turn to Ridlee’s suitcase. Her clothes are so beautiful and mine are all so blah.

I pick up my phone and text her. Hi VBF

She responds instantly. R U CRiUS? Txt ing overseas from upstairs?

DILLIGAS

???

Do I Look LIke I Give A Shit?

???

LOL. Can I wear your clothes?

NO!

Pls Have None of my own

STBY

???

Sucks To Be You ;)

Riddddd-leeeeeyyyyyy!!!! Plssssss?

KYO

Knock Yourself Out?

Bingo!

THX BFF xoxo

XOXO

Well that little interaction probably cost more than lunch, but I’m psyched to have the green light on Ridlee’s wardrobe. I take out a pair of five-hundred-dollar jeans that make my ass look awesome and a Diane Von Furstenberg blouse, cut on the bias, that looks stunning, even if I do say so myself. I shower quickly and get dressed, applying a little make-up for the natural look. My hair, for once, falls in natural waves and barely needs brushing. For the final touch I pull on Ridlee’s Burberry booties and I’m good to go. I feel super sexy in my VS underwear, as though I have a secret weapon.

I race out of the room but pull myself up sharply as I get to the top of the stairs. I walk down casually, even stopping to rearrange the flowers on the middle landing ever so slightly. I can hear a male voice coming from the dining room and then laughter.

I appear at the door, smiling, the only one not in on the joke. Ridlee and Micheál look up as I enter. Ridlee smiles and nods approvingly at our outfit, But Micheál scrunches his nose, almost distastefully. “Hey there. You look great, but I wouldn’t want you to get your lovely threads dirty coming out for the day with me.” He looks me up and down, but he’s smiling appreciatively.

He, on the other hand, is wearing old jeans and a long sleeved shirt featuring the logo from his shop, Surf n’ Turf. He has working man’s boots on and he looks gorgeous. He face is tanned and his green eyes crinkle when he smiles. I actually feel myself swoon a little.

“What, this old thing?” I ask, pivoting a little so he can appreciate my ass. Dark clouds of alarm pass over Ridlee’s face. Placing myself between her and Micheál, I mouth the words, Don’t worry. She still looks concerned, though, so I kiss her quickly on the cheek whispering, “I owe you one!” and then head for the front door.

“One? Ha! I’ll send you a bill for the rest!” She’s laughing. “You kids go have fun now.” This she says with the air of one who has seen it all before.