Piece of Pie

Sophie Quinn

CHAPTER 1

Run for the Roses Pie

Pate Brisee 2 eggs 1/3 cup of unsalted butter (make it melted) 1 cup of sugar 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour 1 & ½ cups of pecans, slightly chopped 1 cup of chocolate chips ¼ cup of Bourbon Whiskey

Note: If you’re making it for your alcoholic husband, don’t hold on the Bourbon.

“Amen.” She sat, following Father Thomas’ orders. The stomp man started his sermon, and Beth’s mind started to wander. In fact, anywhere and anyplace was always better than the seat she occupied on the long wooden bench, trapped between her mother and her husband. Well, she was always trapped between them, wasn’t she? She was born the daughter of a devoted catholic mother and a not so devoted loving father. Unfortunately, the loving father had abandoned her and her sister a long time ago, due to a fulminant heart attack. John Preston Kelly had left two young twin daughters and his devoted wife all alone, without a single penny. Growing up with nothing and witnessing their mother’s efforts to put some food on the table, taught both Mary Katherine and Mary Elizabeth the value of Faith. Or so Mrs. Kelly, Patricia, would like to think. In fact, the constant nagging and – in the twins’ mind – closely lunatic devotion of Mrs. Kelly, taught the girls to pack their bags and run as fast as they could. That was what Mary Katherine did. She started working as soon as she turned fifteen, part-time. Put together a nice nest-egg and enrolled in college as she graduated high school. She kept working as a part-time waitress throughout the four years she spent at Wharton, graduating at the top of her class. Then, she went further and applied for a Masters program at Trinity College, in Dublin. She got it, and graduated, again, after a year. She was now working for five years in Dublin, as a business manager for several businesses. She met what she called ‘the love of her life and beyond’ during her year at Trinity, Paul. He was a pub barman working with his long time best friend. Charming, funny, sweet and nice, Paul Delaney had the dream to be a soccer player since childhood. He gave up that dream the day his best friend James decided to open a pub in Temple Bar. Mary Elizabeth’s life accomplishments were considerably smaller. She graduated from high school, and took her part-time job as a waitress to a full job, the rest of her life kind of job. She married a week after graduation to her one and only sweetheart Austin Peterson, got a small house, and lived in the smaller than a button Texan town. She attended Mass on Sundays and baked goods for new – even if scarce – neighbors. It was actually sad, when Beth thought of it. How far her non-identical twin had gone, when she barely crossed the street from where she used to live as a child. Night and Day, like they usually called the Kelly sisters. Beth was probably Night, for she felt numb and cold for ten years, now. Katie was definitely Day; she laughed, she played, she danced, she loved. She lived. And so far away. “I really enjoyed the Sermon, today” Patricia Kelly said, as she got into her son-in-law’s car. “So have I, Mrs. Kelly.” Austin nodded, turning the car towards the road “Hurry up and warm the pie. I’m starving.” Beth nodded and left the car. She entered the house as Austin parked the car and helped her mother get into the living room. She turned on the oven and slid the apron on as she set the silverware on the tabletop. After everything was set, lunch ready to be served and pie heated, she called her husband and mother. “I hear you, Austin.” Patricia snorted politely, taking a small bite on her meatloaf “It’s ridiculous how selfish Washington folk are. Why do the President’s security guards have the right to carry a gun? Now they want to change the law so we can’t protect our home?” “I have the constitutional right to protect my family.” Austin grunted, his shoulders heavily cranked as he ate his first slice of pie avidly “What if a rapist gets into my house in the middle of the day and tries to rape my wife?” “Austin, please. We’re eating” Beth mumbled, shaking as she cut a piece of pie to her mother. “Doll, if you killed the fu- sinner” He changed the curse into a more acceptable word, remembering his mother-in-law was present “they would throw you in jail. No self-protection bull could save you.” “I understand what you’re saying.” Beth assured him slowly, taking a bite of pie and smiling inside, proud of herself “But you have to understand that if they changed the constitution, no one was allowed to carry a gun except protection services, therefore, it’s only logical to assume less and less accidents like those terrible disasters we’ve been witnessing, would happen.” “You’re saying I’m illogical?” “No. Of course not, my love.” Beth mumbled, her fingernails dug into her dress hem “It’s just… my view of things.” “I love your daughter, Mrs. Kelly.” Austin smiled politely at his mother- in-law, intertwining his fingers with Beth’s over the table; the honey eyed brunette swallowed at the pressure her husband’s strong and violent fingers “But Beth has some crazy opinions, sometimes.” “A woman’s words are the mirror of her husband’s discipline” Mrs. Kelly mumbled, shaking her head slightly in a scold.

***

Beth finished doing the dishes later, and heard Austin closing the front door, after walking his mother-in-law home. She knew he would be in a terrible mood. So much for a calm weekend… “I really don’t know what to do with you, Beth.” Beth swallowed hard, cleaning her hands on the apron and turning to face him. His thin lips and long nose were wrinkled into a fuming face. She knew if she didn’t calm him down, apologized and embarrassed herself, he would make her regret to ever have opened her mouth during lunch. “I’m sorry, Austin.” She mumbled, eyeing him straight ahead so he could see she meant it “I promise I’ll keep my mouth shut.” “Damn right you will.” He groaned, opening the liquor cabinet and taking off his Bourbon – as if he hadn’t had enough of pie “The least you can do is to obey me, since you can’t even give me kids.” “You’re right, Austin.” She nodded, taking the pie and setting it on the table again “You want another piece?” He grunted and nodded, straddling a chair and eating the generous slice with large gulps of liquor. Beth took the seat in front of him and waited, silently. He gestured for her to cut another slice, and so she did. If Austin ever found out that she was actually taking the pill for years, now, and that she wasn’t barren as both her husband and her mother believed her to be… Well, let’s just say that that big knife that was cutting yet another slice of pie, would slice her gut open by Austin’s hand.

***

Beth felt and heard Austin move in the middle of the night. He was grinding her from behind, and she pretended she was asleep, making her breathing heavy and sound. He grunted and nudged her again. “I’m tired, Austin.” “I don’t care. Roll over on your back and shut up.” Beth grasped the linen sheet under her body, took deep breaths, closed her eyes and waited for him to finish. It wasn’t easy, not like they tell and show you in movies. Beth didn’t have a background sad song, and she wasn’t staring ahead with empty eyes, or better, thinking about happy things that could make her forget what was happening. She was in full aware of what was going on, on top and inside her, and whom was doing it. And worse, she knew she would suffer that same treatment, over and over, for the rest of her life.

***

Austin had to leave early that morning for his job at the mall, as a security guard. He dropped Beth at her place of work around six thirty, meaning she would still have to wait for half an hour to start her morning shift at the small diner at the interstate. It was during that waiting time, that Katie called. “Happy anniversary, I guess.” “Hi, Katie.” Beth smiled “Well, it’s my wedding anniversary, if it’s a happy day, we’ll see, won’t we?” “Drop that loser and fly here. I miss your cookings. Paul misses them, too.” “When will you visit again?” “You first. C’mon, I’ve been in Dublin for six years, now. When will you get on that goddamn plane and come here?!” “You shouldn’t use the Lord’s name in vain, Mary Catherine” Beth chuckled. “Oh, bite me, Mother Theresa! I’m serious.” Katie’s voice turned softer and less commanding; she was about to beg, Beth knew “I love you. I hate your husband. So it’s a basic equation, for me: you, minus him, equals eternal bliss. Come.” Beth was still thinking about the brief conversation with her sister as she waited for Austin to pick her up. Going to Dublin, leaving her husband? “Hey, Doll.” Austin greeted, with a full-teeth smile; he was in a good mood, and reeked of alcohol “Got you a gift. You’ll love it.” She smiled tensely. He threw her the package and once she opened it, she saw a very red and very un-catholic lingerie. “Austin, I can’t wear this.” She mumbled, rage turned her cheeks pink and her honey eyes red-rimmed “It’s vulgar!” He made a sneer with his upper lip and eyed her for a long time, as long as he could before looking back at the road. When he parked the car, he only mouthed ‘Get inside, now’, and stayed in his driver seat. Beth obeyed him, her steps quickening as she climbed the front porch and got home. “Put these on” He grunted as he walked inside, throwing the lingerie in her face. She picked up the red piece, looked at it and made a disgusted sneer. It looked something out of a porn movie. It wasn’t her thing. He couldn’t make her wear it. “Austin, I d-” She didn’t even see him walking towards her, she didn’t see his hand rising up and, finally, landing on her face. “You worthless slut!” He yelled in her face “I’m your husband, you obey to me.” She moaned as he pulled her by the hair and dragged her to the bedroom. Austin ripped the uniform off her body, and forced her to put the red lingerie on, first the head and then the arms. She would have bruises in the morning, she was counting on it. Too bad her uniform didn’t cover her arms fully – she would wear a cardigan, then. “Austin, please! I’m sorry, I-” “Shut that slutty mouth, you bitch!” He groaned, pinning her to the bed and closing a hand over her mouth “Who is him, huh? Who is the son of a bitch that’s screwing you?” She started to cry, denying with her covered mouth and shaking her head as she could. “I know you’re letting some other guy put his hands on you. You’re my wife, no other man touches you, do you understand?! You’re just a dumb slut. Jesus, you don’t even know how lucky you are to have me. Without me, you’re nothing, you understand?” He assured her, his voice a sharp hiss “Nothing more than a dumb barely graduated catholic bitch with no money or future.” She didn’t answer, she just braced herself for his violence and prayed – something she didn’t actually believed, now – that she lived through the night.

***

“I don’t understand you.” Beth looked over her shoulder at her mother. Patricia was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking her afternoon tea as Beth worked on the diner. “What don’t you understand about me, mom?” Beth sighed, rolling her eyes and moaning at the pain it caused her left eye. “Why do you have to get him angry, Beth?” Beth grabbed the wet cloth tight. “You know he has a temper. You know him for ten years, and still you seem to like that he gets mad at you.” Patricia sighed, shaking her head “I’m just saying, Mary Elizabeth, you should know better.” Beth saw red and blinking dots ahead her eyes. She grabbed the sink’s edge with all the strength she had, not to jump around and yell at her own mother. “You’re right, mom” She mumbled, instead. “Why, of course I am.” Patricia beamed “Now, be a pretty girl and bake him one of your pies. And finish doing the dishes, honey, you know he hates it.” As her mother left, Beth grabbed the mug she had been rinsing for half an hour under cold water, and threw it towards the kitchen door, breaking it into tiny million pieces. She cried alone for a while, then dried her tears, got the mop and started to clean the mess.

***

She couldn’t have made it better if she planned it. Austin had gotten into a fight at his usual bar, and the police had incarcerated him for forty eight hours, ending with a hearing to which Austin would be responding for public intoxication and assault. Beth’s husband being a personal friend of some of the town’s policemen, she knew no judge would lock him up for that. He probably would get a heavy fine and maybe some community service – she doubted it. It was for this day that she had prepared herself over the past weeks, an opening like this couldn’t be overlooked. A lot can be done with forty eight hours. But first things first, she had some cooking to do.

***

“Hey, Peterson.” Austin looked up from his seat. Next to him was a transvestite and a black guy. His mind was working on full-speed, but he was keeping his temper at bay. He had to, not to risk getting jail time. He would pay something like three thousand bucks and be off by the next day, the other tops. “You got a present from your wife” The cop told him, showing him the white package. Austin smelled his favorite pie and heard his stomach growl. “We gotta cut the pie ourselves, so you don’t think about doing any funny business.” The other cop rumbled with laughter “But here’s the letter it came with it.” Austin got up and got the letter from the short cop’s hands. The white envelope had only his first name scrambled with Beth’s perfect handwriting, and inside a sheet folded by its middle.

Dear Austin, I heard you were locked up for getting into a fight and, once again, for drinking publicly. I told you a hundred times before someday you would get caught, but did you listen? No, you rather just have me shut up and serve as your personal punch bag – guess this time you were caught, huh? Anyway, I thought you should get a piece of home so you wouldn’t feel so alone and lost in there. Here’s your favorite pie: sweet potato; hope you enjoy it, for this is the last one I’ll ever be making you, you self-centered, worthless, evil son of a bitch. Love, Doll, your ‘barely graduated catholic bitch’

P.S.: If your destroyed by bourbon chicken brain hasn’t wrapped what I meant, I’m leaving you; I’ll mail you the divorce papers soon.

“Want a piece?” One of the cops asked him. Oh yes, Austin thought, crushing the letter in his fist, he wanted every piece of that little slut. If she thought she could just leave him and bid farewell, he would teach her how a husband disciplined a wild wife.

CHAPTER 2

Sweet Potato Pie

Pate Brisee 2 eggs 1 & ¼ cups of sugar 2 sweet potatoes 1 stick of butter ½ teaspoon of allspice ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 teaspoon of cinnamon The juice of half a lemon

Note: Add just a little of anger and wit.

Unfortunately, running away from an abusive husband turned out to be harder than she could have thought at first. She had worked on her documents during the last month, on her own passport and, most importantly, on saving her tips at the diner. Still, she had to get around a thousand dollars just to pay for the bus to take her to the airport in Houston, then for the ticket to take her away. The cheapest she could get was a two time scale, first in Philadelphia, second in Newark. It was painful, counting on delays, her bag being dissected over and over again, her documents carefully eyed, checked and re-checked, her stomach betraying on her in Newark for two hours and, finally, waking up at the airplane window with the most beautiful view she had ever seen. The bluest sky in the world was shining with a warm sun, over thousands and thousands of miles of green, yellow and orange fields. The Irish coast looked exactly as she’d seen on TV, and she told herself the tears that ran down her cheeks were just fatigue from the seventeen hours of travel. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re starting our descent. We hope you had a good flight and you enjoy your stay. Thank you.” The light to put on the seat belts blinked, and Beth cleaned her face, fastened her seat belt and prepared herself for the third and last airplane descent she would be taking for a long time. At last, Irish soil. She had exactly six months to stay in Ireland as a tourist. During that time, she hoped to get a lawyer and start the divorce, get a job and, within time, Irish citizenship. Hopefully six months would be enough for all her most basic plans – with Katie there to help, she was positive she would survive. After Beth explained the motives for her staying – visiting her sister and such - her entry was accepted for six months at the border control, she picked up her bag, and walked to the Meeting Point at ‘Arrivals’. Or at Eitil- something, in Gaelic. “There she is” Katie whispered to Paul. “Beth!” The tall and lean brunette man waved his arm so Beth would see him at a distance. The American newcomer smiled broadly. She’d never felt such relief and happiness. She actually laughed once Katie ran and jumped into her lap. Night and Day, like always. “I seriously thought you wouldn’t make it. I thought you would chicken out” Katie mumbled while wrapping her arms around her sister. “Now or never, right?” Beth mumbled back. “Bet you’re hungry, hey Beth?” Paul smiled, gathering both the American’s bags. “I am.” Beth smiled, letting go of Katie and fixing her coat “Last time I ate I was still in US soil.” “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” Katie mumbled frowning “You gotta eat, sis. You’re too skinny.” “My ass won’t go anywhere, even so” Beth grinned. “Well, asses aside, it’s seven thirty” Paul moaned at his girlfriend. “Oh, right.” Katie sighed “Jamie’s gonna kill you – and me – if you get late. You ready?” Beth smiled and nodded. Yes, she was ready to start a new chapter, the best one, she believed.

***

“Thanks, honey.” Katie kissed Paul’s lips quickly as the Irish man took a deep breath after the long climb to the apartment, carrying Beth’s bags “I owe you, big time.” “I’ll remind you later” He whispered in her ear, making her giggle. As Paul left for work and Katie closed the front door, Beth stood in the short hallway, looking around. “So? Whaddya think?” Katie grinned, thin arms opening and twirling around herself. The wooden floor was shining with Dublin’s autumn light, and so did the white lamp that fell from the ceiling. Pale yellow walls, white, pink and yellow flowers here and there, colorful tiles on the small kitchen, wood cabinets, white lamps, white couch on the tiny living room space. “It’s very ‘Katie’.” Beth assured her sister, thanking her once she held her brown coat “Very modern, yet cozy.” “Small.” Katie translated, with a smile “Yeah, it’s tiny, but rent is reasonable, and both Paul and I spend most of our time at the pub, working or hanging around Dublin.” “So you’ve told me.” Beth mumbled, wandering around the kitchen “Tiny.” “You hate it” Katie translated, again, with a grin. “I… will get used to it. Hey, it’s free.” Beth smiled “Speaking of money-” “You’ll pay me back later.” Katie interrupted, a hand up so Beth would stop talking “It’s just money, and you’re my sister, living in my house. I know you won’t run away.” “So Austin said” Beth snorted, caressing a white rose in a small glass over the counter. “Speaking of useless bastards.” Katie started, to which Beth smiled “Have you talked to mom?” “Katie…” Beth warned her softly. “I know she’s Mom, but that doesn’t mean I have to like her. Especially knowing she knew how that son of a bitch treated you, and she made it worse by trying to brainwash you.” Katie grunted, her temper building up as she talked “Conservative woman or not, you’re her daughter, she should protect you first, not just her morals.” “I know you’re right. That’s why I got the hell out of that nightmare.” “Took you too long.” Katie assured her, resentment dripping from her words, her greenish eyes glossy “Ten years, Beth. Don’t you think enough is enough after ten years?” Beth played with the tips of her long hair, not daring to look at her sister’s face. “Why now? Why have you decided to leave now?” Katie wanted to know. “He called me stupid.” Katie frowned. “Like ‘You’re stupid’?” Katie asked. “He said I was stupid, that I was nothing without him. No money, no future. A nothing.” Beth told her sister “I’m not nothing, Katie.” “Of course not.” “I’m not stupid. I’m dumb, yeah, that he got right. I’m dumb cause I stayed with him for over ten years. I’m dumb because I didn’t go to college and get my own life. But I’m not stupid and I’m not a worthless bitch.” “He’s a psycho, Beth.” Katie assured her sister, her hands gripping the counter; she knew Beth wouldn’t want to be touched nor hugged “And you’re one hell of a pie baker. So I gotta ask-” “I’ll make your favorite pie.” Beth smiled, a giggle came up next “But can you feed me first?” “Pancakes?” “Mary Catherine Kelly… Can’t you make anything else other than pancakes?” Beth sighed, shaking her head. “Well, well, look who’s being picky!” Katie teased, opening her white fridge and taking the ingredients out “Not all of us can be a pastry genius, sis.” “I know. I’m a rare gift.” Beth grinned, to which Katie snorted “I’ll help. I’ll make the chocolate syrup.” “Aren’t you an angel?” Katie grinned.

***

Connolly’s would open every day at nine am, sharp. It was established ten years back, by the bare hands of James Connolly, with the help of his long time best friend Paul Delaney. For a decade, it saw the Temple Bar surroundings grow and morph as Dublin’s ‘It’ place, and turned the once small and family business into a small company, with a manager and everything. “ Mornin’ ” Paul greeted as he walked through the back door, through the kitchen. “Only for you.” Niall, the fifth cook Connolly’s had seen over the last two years, said “That Uakari is this close to make me get the fuck out of this place.” “Uakari?” Paul frowned. “Big red-haired, red face monkey. Google it.” The fifty year old man grunted, his gray mustache moving up and down as he grunted “Ugly thing. Looks just like Mr. Connolly.” “What did he do?” “He keeps nagging me about my Haggis.” The cook grunted “I’m Scottish, damn it! I know how to make the damn thing, don’t I?” “I see.” Paul sighed, thinking that Katie would love to have to find another cook in a matter of days “Sorry, Niall, I’ll see what I can do.” Paul was still laughing as he passed through the double swing doors, the bar and tables – greeting the waitresses that were setting the place up for a new business day –, and into the office, in the back. He knocked twice and entered the office, not waiting for a response. “What did you do to the poor lad in the kitchen?” Paul asked his partner in business, as he threw his jacket to a chair, dunking in front of Jamie’s desk. “Why d’ya ask?” The red-haired brooding man grunted, his eyes squinting at the papers over the mahogany desk. “He called you a red-haired monkey” Paul shrugged, smiling. Jamie grunted and shook his head. “Anyway, Katie’s sister just arrived.” Paul sighed, crossing his legs over Jamie’s desk; the red-haired monkey squinted his blue eyes at his friend “Katie’s gonna talk to her friend Mark, the lawyer, you know? Beth wants to get a divorce, so Katie’s gonna see what Mark can do to help.” “She staying with you?” Jamie asked, closing the folder he’d been reading and getting up from behind the desk. “For now, yeah.” Paul nodded, getting up himself and following his friend “Until she gets back on her feet.” “Why didn’t she stay in the states until her divorce was final?” Jamie frowned, as he got out of the office, crossing the room towards the bar. “Huh… Well, you know. Getting divorced ain’t a stroll in the park.” Paul shrugged; Katie threatened him that if he opened his big mouth to anyone – not even his best friend –, she would kill him “She just needs to get away from all the mess.” Jamie grunted some sound and shrugged. He didn’t really care, Paul knew, and took a deep breath. Better for no one to know the reasons for Beth’s sudden decision to leave the country and visit her sister’s home. “Well, anyway, they’re talking to Mark tomorrow, via Skype. He’s a good friend of Katie’s from college, so we’re sure he’ll help.” “He’s an ex-boyfriend” Jamie teased, a side grin on his face, as he cleaned some tall glasses, behind the mahogany counter. “Fuck you.” Paul grunted, getting his cloth and cleaning some glasses and mugs himself “Mark’s a friend.” “Oh, right, ‘cause Goldie Locks would never think of another man other than Paul!” Gemma, one of the two waitresses, teased. “You shut your mouth and work.” Paul grunted, his ears getting too warm “Just giving you a heads up ‘cause I’m sure Katie will come by with Beth for a drink or something. Be nice.” “You mean, not to be myself” Jamie teased, still grinning. “I’ll get you Rovers’ tickets if you play nice with the other kids” Paul smiled to himself on his way to the kitchen.

***

“Jamie’s ok. He’s an acquired taste.” Katie was explaining to her sister as they got out of the cab and went up the street towards Connolly’s “Don’t take anything he says personally. He’s just… special.” “You mean he’s uncouth” Beth chuckled, thanking her sister as Katie opened the green door of the pub for her. “Yeah. Uncouth, that’s the word” Katie giggled. It was a game night, therefore Connolly’s was packed up to its ears. The round cherry tables were crowded with men and women with soccer jerseys, scarfs and caps of white and green, the Shamrock Rovers’ colors. Even the waitresses and the barmen were dressed to impress. Everyone was cheering for the green and white, in Connolly’s, for if you cheered for the other team, the Bohemian, you were invited out. It was an old rivalry between the two great Dublin teams, and everyone knew how close to the heart the pub owner had his team. If you were green, you were in, if you were yellow, you were screwed. “Hey, ya!” An old man at the bar greeted as Katie and Beth approach “Your sweetheart’s gonna kill you if yo don’t put on a white and green jersey, Yankee.” “Nice to see you too, Mr. Kingston.” Katie greeted, taking off the old man’s cap and kissing his head “Let me introduce you to my sister, Beth. Beth, this is Mr. Kingston. Careful, Beth, this one bites.” “I only bite when teased.” Mr. Kingston grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with humor “We’ve heard a lot about Katie’s sister. She forgot to mention how beautiful you were.” “She likes to be the pretty one” Beth smiled, taking the man’s hand and waiting for a shake; Mr. Kingston kissed it. “He’s also a player, you be careful” Katie warned her sister. “Hello, my most beautiful love” Paul and his tilting accent greeted by the bar. “Nice try. Two beers, bartender” Katie told him, one light eyebrow up. “You still mad at me?” Paul sighed. “I’m mad that you listen to Jamie and not me” Katie explained, with a heavy frown. “Jamie’s a bastard.” The man himself said, setting the two beers in front of the girls “I don’t know why that guy opens his mouth, anyway.” “Exactly my point.” Katie grunted at him, squinting her eyes “This is the bastard I was telling you about, earlier. Jamie, Beth. Beth, the bastard that’s turning my boyfriend on to me.” “I did no such thing.” The redhead put his hands up in defense “All I said was that Mark was an ex-boyfriend, for sure.” “Even if he was, he’s a friend now.” Katie grunted, tapping a hand on the bar to reinforce her statement “And you, especially, have no say in that matter.” “If I keep my mouth shut, I don’t care about you people, if I open it, I’m an ass.” Jamie grunted, shrugging and taking another order at the bar “Text me what’s your mood, early in the morning, so I can please you, madam.” “I see what you mean” Beth muttered to her sister, who giggled. “Yes, Jamie is… special.” Katie smiled at her grunting friend “Anyway, like I said, don’t take anything he says personally.” “You make me sound like a- Holy mother of Christ! You ass!” Jamie screamed all of the sudden, as the pub erupted in grunts and other shouting. “One, nil.” Katie sighed, with a pained face “I’m so gonna hate working here tomorrow…” “Game can still turn around.” Mr. Kingston assured them, with a pained face “I put a lot of money on today’s game, Jesus!” “Might have been a foolish bet.” Katie sighed “Where’s Brianna?” “Around.” Jamie gestured ahead, to the room, not looking at her “It’s packed today, Katie, if you haven’t noticed.” “Love you too, Uakari” Katie grinned. “I’m gonna kill Paul.” Jamie grunted, squinting at the other end of the bar “And fire Niall.” “What did the poor man did this time?” “Seriously now, Katie.” Jamie sighed, shaking his head “I’ve had it with him. He keeps slipping in the easiest of things. And I can’t take that attitude of his.” “You mean your attitude can’t take his?” Katie smiled. “I’m the boss, ain’t I?” He shrugged. “Doesn’t mean you’re always right.” Katie warned him “Look, take a day or two to calm down. Niall’s ok.” “Yeah, ok. We need great, Katie” Jamie warned her. “The only great cook I know is my sister” Katie smiled, and Beth chuckled. “That’s just ‘cause you’re a terrible cook” Beth assured her. “I’ll have to agree with that.” Jamie smiled “Even Paul cooks better than you, and he’s worse than Niall.” “Thank you very much, dearest sister, and friend.” Katie grunted, getting up and taping her empty mug on the bar “I’m gonna talk to Niall.” “It’s easy to tick her off.” Jamie said casually “You want more beer?” “Huh, no thanks.” Beth smiled, eyeing her half full mug “I’m not really used to drink.” “Don’t say that out loud in Ireland.” Mr. Kingston smiled, tapping her shoulder “Unless you want to piss on your pants with the beer they’ll make you drink.” “Always the gentleman with the ladies, eh Mr. Kingston?” Jamie muttered, shaking his head and smiling at two more costumers that placed their order. “Just telling the Yankee how it is on this side of the ocean.” “He’s right. You ought to be careful with what you say, Yankee. Drinking is a sport, just like soccer” Jamie warned her. “A better one.” Mr. Kingston disagreed “Both make me lose money, but drinking never disappoints me.” “Hear, hear!” Someone on the other side of the bar yelled, the guy and his drunken friends cheered to that “Jamie, get that pretty Yankee a drink, on me!” “Huh, no thank you.” Beth mumbled, smiling nervously “I really don’t-” “You rejecting my alcohol?” Jamie teased, one red brow up. “No.” Beth grunted back “I really don’t drink. But thank you” She added to the guy on the other end of the bar. “Small town Yankee, can’t take alcohol” Jamie teased, grinning. “I may not drink, but I got my biceps with waiting tables. When was the last time you got anything?” The guys at the end of the bar spit their beer with laughter, at the double meaning of Beth’s words. “Little girl, I get plenty” He whispered softly, hunching so his face was close to hers. “Quality over quantity” She grunted back. “Quality is overrated.” “So your women say” She smiled sweetly. Mr. Kingston was laughing so hard he could barely stand on his bar stool. “I see the resemblance to Katie” Jamie grunted, straightening up and serving another mug of Guinness to a costumer. “Thank you.” “That wasn’t a compliment” Jamie assured her with a snort.

CHAPTER 3

Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon filling: 6 lemons 6 egg yolks 1/3 cup of cornflour 1 cup of sugar

Meringue topping: 4 eggs (only the whites) 1 teaspoon of cornflour 1 cup of sugar

Note: Serve it with extra lemon juice to the asshole at the table.

“I can’t believe I’m cooking for that asshole!” “He’s nice. I promise, honestly.” Katie was trying to soothe her sister “Ok, yes, he’s an asshole, but he’s an alright asshole.” “He called me a small town idiot” Beth grunted, tossing the teaspoon to her sister’s sink; the shriek made Katie’s teeth yell. “He’s a small town idiot himself. He was just messing with you.” “Well, I hope he chokes on my pie.” Beth grunted, brutally tossing the pie into the oven “He’s not worthy to eat it, anyway.” Katie was still sighing and rolling her eyes as the front door opened, and Paul, Jamie and Brianna walked inside. The other small town idiot was carrying a bottle of red wine and a sulky face. Katie was praying the last night’s fit between her friend and her sister had been forgotten – she knew it hadn’t. “Wine. Oh, a nice wine.” Katie smiled “Thank you, Jamie. We’re at peace, now. Hey, Bree.” The redhead teen smiled and kissed Katie’s cheek. “I know how to buy your affection.” Jamie grinned, taking off his leather jacket and tossing it next to Paul’s by the door “Sweet Jesus, what smells like heaven, in here?” “Beth is in the kitchen.” Katie smiled “And yes, it’s heaven when she walks in there.” She and Bree disappeared into the kitchen, as Jamie grunted something under his breath and accepted a cocktail from Paul. “Beth? This is Brianna, Jamie’s sister. This is my sister Beth.” “Hi.” Beth greeted with a polite handshake “I heard a lot about you.” “Me too” Brianna mumbled, smiling poorly. “I hope you like some American food.” Beth told the girl, trying to start a conversation since she seemed shy “Because that’s what’s on the menu.” “I’m not picky” Brianna assured her, shrugging. “You want some Coke, honey? Ok, I’ll take it to the living room in a second.” Katie smiled; after the teen girl left the kitchen she sighed “Boy trouble. Ai, ai, ai…” “How can you tell?” Beth chuckled, stirring the food in the pan, sighing at the wonderful smell. “Paul told me Jamie and her had a fight. She likes the boy that works in the Connolly’s kitchen, Colin.” Katie chuckled “Teen love… Oh, how I miss those days…” “Why did they fight?” Beth frowned, cleaning her hand on her apron. “Kid has been in Juvie for some stupid thing. And he’s nineteen.” Katie sighed “Bree’s sixteen.” “Oh. I see.” Beth smiled “It’s the bad boy thing.” “Yeah, I get her.” Katie sighed, giggling like a teenager afterwards “Oh, God! I do admit I love seeing Jamie going berserker when Bree goes out and he just knows Colin is going to be there, too.” “Good to know that my friends like to see me suffer.” Katie choked on her wine, grinning at an entertained Jamie walking inside the kitchen. “Guess I’ll need both a new cook, and also a new manager.” “You didn’t!” Katie gasped, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “I did.” Jamie shrugged, taking a tall glass and pouring himself some red wine, leaning against the counter, next to the stove “I had enough of Niall, and we’ve all seen the last of him. Slaínte.” He toasted alone and poured half of his wine down his pale and barely shaven throat. “Unbelievable.” Katie grunted, shaking her head “You just fire him, and decide to tell me after you make your decision? Now little Katie has to deal with that crisis, ain’t it? I really hate you sometimes, James Alan Connolly!” Carrying the wine and the Coke for Brianna, she left the kitchen, huffing with every step. “I’ll never hear the last of this…” Beth crocked her head over her shoulder, frowning. “She’ll serve my head on a platter by the end of the week.” Jamie assured with a heavy sigh and a grunt “So what’re ya cooking?” Beth uncovered the pan and stirred it again. Jamie peeked inside and closed his eyes as he inhaled the smell. “What heavenly sent food is that?” He purred. “It’s Jambalaya.” Beth smiled “Texas style.” “Smells wonderful.” “Tastes even better” Beth assured him. “So what did Mark tell you?” “The lawyer? Beth frowned, opening one of the cabinets in search for some ingredients “Well, what do lawyers talk about? Law stuff. I gotta fill out some papers, talk to some people, yadda yadda.” “And has your soon-to-be-ex-husband agreedto the divorce?” Beth cleared her throat as she stirred the pan. No, Austin didn’t agree. Worse, he would probably try something crazy once he got the divorce papers home. “Let’s just say I doubt he’ll take it easy…” Beth mumbled, shrugging. “Well, you got a good lawyer, Katie told us.” Jamie shrugged, taking the last sip of his wine and groaning at the empty glass “You’ll do fine. How long were you married?” “Too long” Beth mumbled. “Ouch. That bad?” He chuckled. “Can we change the subject?” “We can, but I have no ex-wife.” “Ex-girlfriend?” Beth smiled. “Jesus, too many…” Jamie mumbled, and Beth chuckled “Some psychos, some dull ones… some just bottom down nuts!” “So you got a type” Beth teased. “I got a trouble magnet, I guess.” He shrugged “Damn, Katie! I want that wine.” “There’s more on the fridge.” Beth whispered in secret “If she asks, you found it yourself.” “Well, on another note, can I take a sip of that ambrosia you’re cooking, or has my asshole attitude scarred you for life?” Beth smiled and dipped the wooden spoon into the broth and held it up towards Jamie’s lips. The Irish closed his eyes, pursed his lips shut and moaned in bliss. “Good God, woman, you’re a kitchen fairy!” He mumbled, dipping the spoon on the food and tasting it again. “Gross.” Beth mumbled, taking the spoon from his hands “It’s done. Go to the living room, I’ll take this.” “Nah, I’ll help.” He assured, peeking into the oven “You baked a pie?!” “Yes…” Beth chuckled “Lemon Meringue, Katie’s favorite.” “I’m gonna drop for dinner more often” He decided, making Beth laugh.

***

As the dinner flowed through appetizer, main course and desert, James Connolly was sure of a few things: number one, the woman could definitely cook, Katie had been right all along; number two, his sister was mad at him because of that damn kid that – soon enough, he hoped – wasn’t going to work for him anymore; and finally, number three, he needed a new cook, and there she was, sitting right ahead of him, with beautiful honey eyes and dark long hair, wonderful sweet smile and quick mouth, the answer to his prays. “Katie, can I have a word with you?” Jamie asked her once they got up from the table “I’ll help you with the dishes.” “Wait, I’ll help you” Beth said, getting up too. “Don’t even think. The cook rests and enjoys her fantastic meal. We’ll deal with the dishes.” Jamie stopped her, setting his hands on her shoulders and guiding her towards the couch “There. Put your feet up, Kitchen Fairy.” Beth was chuckling, puzzled, as her sister and the bartender left towards the small kitchen. “I found a cook.” “What?” Katie snorted, setting the dishes on the dishwasher. “Jesus, Mary Catherine! Open your eyes!” Jamie grunted, pulling her by the elbows and turning her towards the American sitting on the couch, smiling with Paul and Brianna “Your sister is the best bloody cook I’ve ever met!” “Beth?” Katie snorted, wiggling away “You’re delusional. How much wine did you have?” “I’m being serious, Katie. If she can cook that wonderful dinner, she can make some burgers and fries! And just think how wonderful to serve a few pies would be! People would eat it up!” Katie thought about it for a second. “Can she even work in Ireland?” Katie asked, confused. “Yeah, of course she can! I give her a job, she gets a work permit. Done and done! She works.” “Can’t be that easy.” Katie assured him “Those things take time…” “You have friends everywhere, Katie.” Jamie reminded her “I’m sure you’ll do something.” “Jamie! I’m not using my contacts to get special attention!” “Think about your sister!” He begged her. “You ask her. I have nothing to do with that” Katie put her hands up in defense. “You’re the pub manager” Jamie grunted. “Yeah, business manager. You, the owner, propose work. And, apparently, kick people off without even a word my way!” She huffed, kicking the dishwasher to make it work “Work you useless crap!” “C’mon, Katie… think about it.” Jamie begged her. “You ask Beth, I’ll call for a few favors” Katie sighed. “You’re an angel!” Jamie assured, hugging her tight and kissing the top of her head “Beth.” Beth was laughing at something Paul was telling both her and Brianna, but stared at him when he took a seat in the armchair next to her. “Got a proposition to make you” Jamie told her, all proud of himself. “A proposition?” She frowned, her eyes quivered towards Katie, who shrugged. “So, I just kicked a cook to the curve, and my business manager” He deliberately grinned towards Katie, who reciprocated the smile acidly “tells me I was inconsiderate and, therefore, I should deal with the problem at hands. Solution: you.” “What do I got to do with the fact that you were impulsive and a jerk?” Beth frowned. “I like you. I like your sister.” Jamie told Katie “You’re honest, I like that. No bullshit. Ok, you’re a cook, I need a cook. One plus one, equals two.” “Oh, no! No, no, no, no, no!” Beth chuckled, waving her hands “I’m no cook. I just make food because I have to.” “You’re an amazing cook.” Jamie assured her, to which Beth blushed “I’m not being nice.” “He’s not that nice” Paul assured her. “Yeah, don’t I know it…?” Brianna mumbled to herself, but Jamie squinted his blue eyes at her. “I’m really not.” Jamie put a hand over his heart, in a promising way “Look, Katie knows important people, in a couple of days you could be legally working and living in Dublin. Isn’t that what you want?” “What I want is none of your business.” Beth grunted, perking her spine straight “I can’t work in a pub. I have no experience. I only worked as a waitress.” “Beth, you’re a great cook.” Katie interrupted her “And you’ll need a job soon. Why not at Connolly’s?” Beth eyed Jamie with apprehension. “I’m not that terrible of a boss” He grunted, to which both Katie and Paul cleared their throats. “Can I think about it?” Beth mumbled, playing with the hem of her sweater. “Jesus Christ… Yeah, sure. Think about it.” Jamie grunted, shrugging and getting up “Well, guess I gotta go. I need to work early tomorrow. Got a kitchen to prepare.” As both Jamie and Brianna said their goodbyes and left the building, Katie and Paul eyed each other, and then a very disturbed Beth. She was sitting on the couch, smoothing her jeans with sticky palms. “What’s going on with her?” Paul murmured. “She’s overwhelmed.” Katie told him, eyeing her sister closely “Just a few days ago she was getting beat up by that shit-bag in Texas, now she’s in Dublin, and having an opportunity she wanted for so long.” “Don’t let her miss it” Paul whispered in his girlfriend’s ear, as he kissed her temple. As Paul walked to his and Katie’s bedroom, the last took a seat next to her sister. “Take your own time, don’t listen to Jamie’s whining” Katie told her. “I wanted this so badly, Katie.” Beth whispered “I wanted my own life, my own decisions for too long. It’s such a small thing, to decide whether to go left or right, to say yes or no. And I could never make them.” She grunted, her hands grabbing her scalp “How stupid was I? How worthless am I?!” “You’re not stupid or worthless.” Katie grunted, taking Beth’s hands off her face and head “You’re a talented woman, Beth. And believe me, if Jamie didn’t think you were great, he wouldn’t beg me to make you stay and work for him.” “He begged?” Beth whispered. “Down on one knee.” “You think I can do it?” Beth mumbled, her honey eyes stared back at the pair that was so similar to hers. “I know you can do anything. Except flying. And not scream every time you see a spider” Katie smiled. “I just want to have my own life, Katie.” Beth mumbled “All I want is to be normal…” “Take the job. Get a hold of your own life.”

***

She decided to go alone. After all, you couldn’t count on your sister to do all the work for you. So, early in the morning, Beth took a cab and walked inside Connolly’s exactly at eight am. The waitresses were cleaning up the place and preparing it for another day on the job. She didn’t see Paul, nor Jamie. Katie had gone out early for some work, and left her alone – she needed it. “What d’ya want?” Beth looked from over her shoulder and faced a blond waitress. The girl had a mess of big hair all over her model-like face and cat eyes. “Huh, hi. Is Mr. Connolly around?” Beth asked, politely with a smile. “What d’ya want from Jamie?” The blond girl hissed, her flawless ivory skin turned red. “Gemma.” Another voice warned, coming from a brunette waitress “He’s in the kitchen, in the back” She gestured with her dark hair towards the double doors next to the bar. “Thank you” Beth mumbled, smiling to the brunette. She entered the kitchen and put a hand over her mouth not to laugh. “Jesus Christ, Colin!” Jamie grunted, pushing the kid away from the big oven “You let it burn again!” “I told you I never did it, alright?!” The Irish tilt from the blond kid was shaking. “Yeah, you told me alright…” Jamie grunted, and then blinked as he saw Beth at the doors “Hey ya. What are you doing here?” “Can we talk?” Beth asked, eyeing the smoke coming from the oven “What are you letting burn?” “Wha- Aw, bloody hell!” Jamie grunted, picking the pan on the oven and pushing it away from the flame; he hissed has his palm brushed the blue fire “Paul’s in the office busy with some work. Can we step outside?” Beth nodded and followed him towards the back door. The back alley of Connolly’s had nothing more than a few garbage cans, dirty sidewalk and the next brick building. The old dark red brick of the Connolly’s had smoke smudges that gave him charm, and the green and gold pub colors turned it into an Irish spot not to miss at Temple Bar. “So what do I owe the pleasure?” Jamie asked, leaning towards the building and crossing his arms over the white apron and gray shirt he was wearing. “I decided to take your offer. But” She continued before he could reply, as she saw the glint of victory in his eye “we should set some ground rules beforehand.” “That’s called a work contract” He grinned, amused. “I’ve never worked as a cook, so I can’t be held responsible for a flop, if it comes to that.” “Aren’t you a smart one?” He chuckled. “I speak English. As in American English. When you order something, try to remember that half the times I don’t get what you’re saying.” She mumbled, flushing “What else? Oh, I have no idea what’s a Black Pudding.” “That’s British, love” He grinned again. “Oh.” She mumbled, embarrassment coming to her cheeks again “Alright… Haggis?” “Scottish” He shrugged. “So what’s Irish?” She frowned. “You got your crubeens, colcannon, your ol’ fish and chips, and you can never go wrong with potatoes. We love them potatoes.” “You’re mocking me” She was sure, squinting her eyes. “Just a bit.” The glint was back on his blue eyes “I’ll teach you everything you need to know, love, don’t worry your pretty little head.” “Hum.” She mumbled, tapping her boot on the stoned pavement “Alright, then. When do you want me to start?” “Hold your horses, Pollyanna.” He chuckled, a hand in the air “I need to get you a work permit, and you gotta go to the Embassy, your embassy, and take care of the paper work.” “Damn…” She mumbled, foundling with her purse “How long will that take?” “Why such a hurry?” Jamie chuckled “Can it be you’re actually looking forward to work for me?” “With you.” She corrected him, acidly “And no. I’m looking forward to make my own money and not give anyone any satisfaction.” “Well, technically you have to give the government some satisfaction.” He smiled “I’m just slagging you, ain’t I?” “You’re what?” Beth frowned. “Ah, Mary Beth, you’re a good gal, aren’t you?” He chuckled “Tell you what: why don’t I teach you the basics? Unless you got something else to do…?” “Not really.” Beth admitted, checking her watch “I would just be around the house, pretending to do something useful.” “Perfect. It’s early, I have some time. I’ll teach you the 101 of the Connolly’s kitchen, why don’t I?” Jamie smiled, opening the back door and gesturing for Beth to enter. Yes… why not? CHAPTER 4

Apple Pie

8 peeled baked apples (you’ll have to slice them to pieces) 1 egg yolk ¼ cup of brown sugar ¾ cup of white sugar ¼ cup of flour 2 spoons of lemon juice 2 spoons of butter 1 spoon of milk 1 teaspoon of cinnamon ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg

Note: Remember the Irish idiot you’re an American and, therefore, they would never let you leave the goddamn country without knowing how to bake a stupid apple pie!

He waited for a few minutes before the woman took her seat on the other side of the glass. Once she did, he picked the phone immediately, and so did she. “How terrible it is to see you there, Austin.” Austin nodded, feeling another shiver down his spine. “Believe me, it’s worse for me, Mrs. Kelly.” He assured his mother-in- law “Have you heard anything from Beth?” “No, Austin, I’m sorry.” Patricia sighed, and her blue eyes turned red with new tears “I called Mary Catherine and she assured me she know nothing of Beth. I don’t want to believe she’s lying to me, but-” “Where else could she had gone to, Mrs. Kelly?” Austin interrupted her, his anger boiling again “Who else would take her in and help her hide?” Another man, you idiot! No, Beth would never… would she? “She’s been gone for two weeks, Mrs. Kelly. I miss her. I need her. All the time I’m spending here, it’s less time I spend finding her. They won’t let me out because of that idiot! I barely touched him, I swear to you! Please…” Patricia swallowed hard and nodded. She would do everything she could to find her daughter and bring her back home to her husband, the way it should be. And, at the same time, she would make sure poor Austin came out of custody, for it was not his fault the man accusing him of violence was a liar! “Don’t worry, Austin, I’ll do my best to find her.”

***

“Heard you got a new cook, Jamie.” “You heard right, Mr. Potter.” Jamie smiled over the Guinness hand pump “She’s officially starting today, so let me know what you think about her cooking style. Don’t be nice.” “Ah! It’s a her?” Mr. Kingston chuckled with his head back “Is she pretty?” “I have no idea” Jamie grunted, serving the Guinness to the old man with a loud thud. “Oh, my.” Mr. Potter, the skinny old one chuckled “That pretty, hey?” “Shut your cake-hole, old man” Jamie grinned, handing him a menu. “Apple pie?” Mr. Kingston looked surprised “An American delicacy, so I’ve been told. I’ll have me some piece of that with my next Black, Jamie.” “Right on, Mr. King. Hey, Gemma!” The blond waitress looked up from her shoulder and grinned at him. Damn, she was beautiful. Tall, skinny, perky breasts, blue eyes and lots of hair around her face and thin shoulders. He never crossed the boss-employee line, which sucked. “Yes, boss?” “Get me two apple pies from the kitchen, will you?” He winked. “I can’t right now, boss. I gotta take that table of five. They’ve been waiting for fifteen minutes” She winced. “Alright, I’ll get it myself” Jamie sighed, rolling his eyes.

***

Beth peeked in the oven one more time and grunted. “C’mon, you little piece of worthless metal!” “It doesn’t really cook evenly, does it?” “That’s the problem with this kind of oven.” Beth assured Colin, the nineteen year old that was her help at the busy Connolly’s kitchen “You know what’ll happen? The up pies will be too brown, and the ones on the bottom raw. If I leave those top ones there longer, they’ll turn black pies. Not really what I’m aiming for on my first day on the job.” “Can I teach you a trick?” Colin’s boyish smile was hopeful. “I’m saying yes to anything, right about now” Beth shrugged. “I need two Apple slices and- What the bloody hell are you doing there, lad?” “I’m- Shit!” Colin grunted as his head hit the aluminum counter. “Hey, hey! There’s a lady in the room!” Jamie grunted, taking two long steps and bending his six feet two body to lift the boy up “Jesus, what are you two doing to my oven?” “Trying to make it work.” Beth told him, gesturing at one of the pies “It’s cooking wrong. That pie is raw.” Jamie made a face, got the pie and smelled it. “Looks fine to me.” “That’s why I’m the cook” Beth grunted, rolling her eyes. “Love, the oven’s fine. You’re being paranoid.” Jamie assured her, with a pat on her shoulder “Now, where are my two slices of American apple pie?” Beth sighed but did as she was told. After all, he was the boss, and if he didn’t give a crap about the stupid oven, she wouldn’t be the one pushing the buttons. “Here you go.” She smiled, handing him two nicely cut, juicy and melting on the plate, slices of apple pie “Freshly made.” “Aw, hell! The oven is broken!” Jamie grunted, as he watched the two slices melt on the plate, losing its triangular shape, the pieces of apple melting with its juices “Look at this crap!” “It’s not crap, it’s apple pie. It’s supposed to melt apart” Beth chuckled. “No, it doesn’t” Jamie frowned, sneering at the slices in his hands. “Huh, believe me, yes, it does” Beth snorted, turning her back on him to push a new set of bread to toast in the oven. “No pie I ever ate looked like this!” Jamie grunted, tossing the two plates over the counter “This looks like apple pie someone ate and puke afterwards.” Colin whistled low, turning his back on his boss and the new cook, to watch the bread get golden in the pan. “Excuse me?” Beth grunted, turning from the oven to face the tall Irish man “Puked apple pie? Did you just call my apple pie puke?!” “It looks like it” Jamie grunted, angling his face down to face the shorter American. “You ignorant bastard!” She grunted “You have no clue what an Apple pie is! This is real Apple pie! Not some crap you buy at your local supermarket!” “Are you calling me stupid?” Jamie grunted, dropping his shoulders to face her more closely. “If the shoe fits” Beth mumbled with an acid drop to her voice. “I’m not gonna serve that” He mumbled back, blue eyes glinting with temper, pointing at the two plates. “Then you’ll have to eat it all, ‘cause there’s no way I’m tossing all that work down the drain” Beth whisper was dangerous. “You’re messing with the wrong guy, woman” Jamie warned her, his nose inches from hers. “Oh, please, I’ve been threatened by better.” She snorted, and turned her back to him “Colin, how are those slices of bread turning out?” “Really fine, Miss Kelly.” Colin smiled, and once Jamie grunted and left the kitchen – the pie with him -, the kid chuckled “The guy has got some loose screw, I tell ya.” “Yeah? Well, he’s not scary to me” She mumbled. She’d seen the devil himself, had been married to him for ten years. James Connolly wasn’t going to say and/or do anything she hadn’t heard/seen/felt before. Nor could he surprise her in any way. She knew men, knew their hearts and their tempers. Nothing new would come from the Irish ape. “Is everything ok around here?” Beth looked from over her shoulder to the double doors, only to see the waitress Lisa coming with dozens of empty mugs and tall glasses in her round tray. “Why d’you ask?” Colin wanted to know. “Boss is fuming out there.” Lisa grinned “Looks just like that red monkey Niall said he looked like.” “I googled it. He’s really just like an Uakari” Colin chuckled with his friend. “Jesus, what a wonderful smell” Lisa purred, dark eyes closing. “It’s Miss Kelly’s Apple pie.” Colin grinned at the new cook, whom smiled back from her white chef jacket “It’s just like newly puked vomit.” “Doesn’t smell like it, that’s for sure” Lisa frowned. “Don’t listen to him.” Beth chuckled, smacking the back of the boy’s blond head “He’s just being cute. How full is the house?” “Pretty packed, I’d say.” Lisa shrugged, taking two baskets of newly toasted bread “It’s Friday night, Yankee, not a dry seat in the house.” “No pressure” Colin grinned. “Lisa, can I bribe you into something?” Beth smiled wickedly, and the tanned waitress frowned. “Go on…” The skinny girl purred, interested.

***

“My, oh my, Jamie! I don’t know what new cook you got, but I never had such wonderful apple pie in my whole life!” A short and round woman giggled as she passed by the bar with her husband. “Huh… Thank you, Mrs. O’Roarke” Jamie mumbled, clearing his throat. “My regards to the cook!” She sang as she left the front door, the golden bell chirping her way out. “Hum… maybe I was a too harsh on the American… My, oh my, I should apologize!” “Shut your pipe, Paul” Jamie grunted at his friend, whom was now laughing with Mr. Kingston and Mr. Potter. “C’mon, Jamie! At least admit she was right” Paul shrugged, still smiling. “Paulie, if I go to that kitchen right now and tell her she was right, she’ll crush me under her boot” Jamie was sure of it. “What grand jiffy is this?!” Paul was laughing “James Connolly taking the peaceful way?” “What’s with you, boy?” Mr. Kingston barked, his throaty laugh gurgling like a dog’s. “I’m the boss, men; I can’t go in there and apologize!” Jamie grunted at the word like it stung “Besides, I remain unconvinced: the pie looks like barf.” “What I think is the little pixie cook would eat you up and barf you!” Mr. Kingston teased, and both he and his friend Mr. Potter laughed with Paul. He endured the jokes right until the kitchen closed, and then it was time for the bar and, finally, the pub, to close as well. Gemma, the blonde waitress that kept sending him meaningful grins since she started working there a couple months ago, was messing with the jukebox and played an indie love song. With that song playing in the background, she, Lisa and Stanley, the only male waiter that night, cleaned the messy room. Paul was polishing the glasses behind the counter, and Jamie had the lonesome task to close the cashier. Duty, duty. Every night more and more bills, money would flow at a different rhythm, however, but that night, as it turned out, the apple pie had been the hero. Damn him… Now he was going to have to kiss the new cook’s boots… He walked slowly towards the kitchen, like a man going to his execution, and put a hand on the double doors, with a sigh, bracing himself for the beast. However, he heard a feminine voice singing along with the male voice coming from the speakers around the pub. “… one kiss from you, and I’m drunk up on your potion…” He frowned and peeked up the wooden doors. The cook was cleaning the stove with a wet cloth, and her hips were moving to the beat of the song. Some of her long brown waves played around her shoulders, as they fell from her messy bun. Alright, maaaaaybe Mr. Kingston was right and the cook was pretty. She was also a huge pain in the ass and grumpy as they come. And a nearly divorcée, so that was a pretty big ‘NO’ sign. Plus, she was Katie’s sister. And worked for him. “Whacha doin’?” “Jesus!” Jamie groaned, jumping in his place as he heard Paul’s voice from behind him “Are you delusional?! You took ten years out of my life!” “What’s going on?” Beth frowned, coming up to the double doors “Why are you two hiding over there?” “Jamie has something to tell you” Paul grinned, pushing his friend towards the kitchen. “It’s like you’re sixteen” Jamie grunted at his friend. With an army salute, Paul whistled his way back to the bar. “What do you need to tell me?” Beth asked her boss, fighting with the locks that fell towards her eyes, trying to hold them behind her ear. “Apple pie sold pretty well” He mumbled, after clearing his throat. “Did it?” Beth snapped, a proud side grin jumped on her flushed face “I didn’t notice.” She had been scrubbing the kitchen from head to toe, without Colin’s help, for the kid couldn’t stay until that late or his dad would kill him. Jamie was impressed, he admitted to himself. She was hard working and responsible. “Modesty doesn’t suit you.” Jamie grunted, crossing his arms over his chest “Anyway, I wanted to tell you that you were good, for a first day.” “Good?” Beth snapped, eyes squinted. “Yep.” “I thought you only did great” She snorted. “What I do does not concern you” He grinned. “I meant professionally” Beth’s voice had acid all over. “Oh, I’m a professional in doing it, love…” He purred. “Does sexual harassment exist in Ireland?” She grunted. “I’m not harassing you! Holy- Woman, you really squeeze my patience to a whole new level” He warned her, blue eyes were sparkling like diamonds. “You’re the one taking a double meaning out of everything I say” She accused. Well, yeah, that was true. What could he say? It was hilarious to see her flush, and that beautiful face was meant to look mad all the time. It was sexy as hell and that was the way he liked it. “Back on topic: your work was good. I’m still unconvinced with the apple pie thing” He grunted, eyeing a dirty plate that once had held the stuff. Beth pressed her lips tight, but then smiled slowly, like a snake would before it attacked. As she did, Jamie’s eyes squinted in suspicion. She walked towards the oven, open it, and took out a beautiful plate. It carried a piece of apple pie, cinnamon decorating the white porcelain with designed flowers and other art, and a little Irish Eyebright next to it. “I thought you might want to try it, so I saved you the last piece.” Beth smiled “Notice that the cinnamon spells ‘The Last Piece’.” Jamie’s tongue swept his upper teeth, as he made an attempt not to smile. “I see.” He nodded, tapping his boot on the newly clean floor “I’ll take this to my office. I still got to deal with the cashier. If you’re finished here, you can go home.” “I’ll just wait for Paul, and meanwhile take care of the crepes for tomorrow” She said, sweeping her hair behind her ears again. “Sounds good” Jamie nodded, turning and leaving the kitchen. Once inside his office, he took his seat behind the desk and stared at the small plate. Beautifully decorated, with a hint of temper and just a little nastiness. A mirror to its perpetrator. He grinned and shook his head. As he dug the fork on the melting pie, he prayed not to taste like barf. “Holy Jesus Christ and its saints…” He mumbled “How the hell does she do this?” The sweetness of the pie, the acid of the apples and just a hint of spice from the cinnamon melt into his mouth like Christmas. He actually closed his eyes as he savored it. Damn, Beth Kelly if she wasn’t the best damn cook he’d ever seen!

CHAPTER 5

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Special crust 4 tablespoons of melted butter 25 whole chocolate sandwich cookies

Filling 1 cup of peanut butter 1 & ¼ cups of powdered sugar 8-ounce package of cream cheese 8-ounce package of whipped topping

Note: Serve it with a nice tea and a good shoulder to cry on; I promise you it will be the best pie you ever had.

Jamie cleared his throat and crossed his long arms over his V-neck sweater. Brianna jumped as she closed the door. “Jesus Bloody Christ, Jamie!” She grunted, turning on the front door light; her mascara was smudged under her big blue eyes and her light lipstick smearing her cheek “Stalk much?” “Do you know what time it is?” He asked icily; Brianna swallowed hard “I’ll spare you the trouble to peek into your phone; a phone to which I called a hundred times for hours.” “Yeah, I saw” She snapped, rolling her eyes as she took her boots off. “Where were you?” He snapped, his lips a thin white line. “With Annie and Caitlin” Brianna shrugged, passing by him towards her bedroom. “Really? That’s weird, ‘cause I called Annie’s house. Her mother assured me she was in bed. And I called Caitlin. She’s not even in town; she went to stay with her dad and stepmother.” “So?” Brianna shrugged, tossing her handbag to her purple quilt. “You were with that criminal, weren’t you?” He grunted, holding the white door when she would close it to his face. “The criminal that works for you” Brianna reminded him with a sneer. “Don’t act all witty with me, Bree.” Jamie grunted, grabbing her elbow and turning her to face him; she looked to a far point behind him, not daring to meet him eye to eye “He’s a convicted felon, a nineteen year old adult; you’re a kid. Get the picture?” “You’re my brother, James.” She hissed, her smile was cold and distant “You’re not dad, so stop trying to act like him.” Jamie swallowed hard and felt a thud in the chest. Yeah, he knew he was no Daniel Connolly; he would never be such a great man, such a great dad and person. But either way, his job was to take care of his little sister, take care of his business, make sure Brianna would get into a good college, have a nice future. “Go to bed. It’s past three am, Bree; this is not acceptable” Jamie grunted, closing the door with a loud thud. Inside, Brianna jumped at the noise and then got her phone. ‘He’s pissed’ Minutes later, Colin texted her back. ‘I’m screwed.’ Chuckling at that, she dropped to her bed, sighing with little hearts on her eyes.

***

“If you’re lying to me, Mary Catherine Kelly…!” Katie rolled her eyes at her phone and heard Paul chuckle, as he came out of the shower, with only a towel around his narrow hips. Katie was smiling as she watched her boyfriend change into a new pair of boxers. Biting her lip, she didn’t even hear her mother’s next words. “Sorry, mom. What?” “Austin is worried sick, Katie. Please, honey. If you know anything, tell us! It’s your sister! My daughter!” “If you’re so worried about your daughter, why don’t you ask your son- in-law what he has been doing to my sister, during these ten years?” Katie grunted. “Catherine, that’s the couple’s private business, you shouldn’t meddle” Patricia grunted, in a harsh tone. “Oh, mother! Cut that worshiper of God crap! Your favorite son-in-law hit your daughter for years! You’ve always known, and you did nothing! So, no. Even if I did know where Beth was, I would never, in a million years, tell you!” “Austin is my only son-in-law.” Patricia hissed, and Katie felt tears sting her eyes; it turned worse once she felt Paul’s hands on her shoulders, rubbing them “As long as you choose to live in sin with that… man, he will not be my son-in-law.” “Oh, mom, go to hell!” Katie screamed, tossing her phone to her bed. “Come here.” Paul mumbled, making her turn and embracing her tightly against his naked chest “Talk to me.” “I hate her!” Katie sobbed on his shoulder; Paul kissed her temple, rubbing her neck until she relaxed, like he knew for years “She doesn’t care about my sister and me. She only cares about her moral. What is a good moral, anyway?!” “To each its own, baby.” Paul mumbled in her ear, kissing her temple “You do what you love, you do what you think it’s right. That’s your moral.” “She’s going to help that son of a bitch come here and get my sister.” Katie sobbed again; Paul held her chin so she would look straight at him “He’s not going to go away and he’s definitely not taking the divorce lightly.” “He can’t come to Ireland, baby. Friends in high places, remember?” “Not that high, Paul.” Katie shook her head, cleaning her chin from tears “Not so high that he couldn’t come by and screw things for Beth. And he would, I know he would.” “He’s incarcerated, isn’t he? Who knows for how long?” “He’s just staying there ‘cause he can’t pay bail.” Katie grunted, disgusted “Beth was smart enough to take as much money as she could save. I give her that.” “Your sister won’t fall for his shit anymore, Katie.” Paul assured her, getting a sweater from their wardrobe, pushing it over his head as she took a seat on the neatly made bed, going through her phone “What are you doing?” “I’m calling Mark.” She told Paul, her hazel eyes serious and shiny with temper. “I’m gonna make him get a restraining order.” “Katie…” “I don’t give a rat’s ass.” Katie grunted, listening to the beep at her ear “She’s my sister, Paul. No one is ever going to touch my sister.”

***

“Hey, man.” Paul greeted Jamie at the entrance. “Hey.” Jamie mumbled; his blue eyes had dark circles under them, and he looked a bit pale “Sorry to ask this from you, but-” “Hey, c’mon, man.” Paul chuckled, palming his best friend’s shoulder “That’s what awesome friends are for.” “Right, you asshole.” Jamie smiled a little “Is-” “Who the hell do you think you are?!” Beth’s voice roared. “Bad timing?” Jamie asked, one eyebrow up. “Well…” Paul winced, hearing the distinct sound of a broken vase. “You little bitch! That was my favorite vase!” Katie’s voice screamed. “What’s… huh…” Jamie shrugged, pointing down the corridor. “Family troubles.” Paul shrugged, clearing his throat “Hey, babe? Jamie and Bree are here.” The fighting sounds stopped, the female voices cleared and Paul and Katie’s bedroom door opened. Beth, in tight jeans and a burgundy sweater stormed out. Her long hair was sizzling, her honey eyes big and wild. Her steps were fierce as she passed by Paul and Jamie. “Oh… Hi, Brianna” She smiled, but it didn’t stick. “Hey…” Brianna mumbled; her eyes were huge too, she must’ve been thinking the same as Jamie: what a remarkable woman. Well, and maybe not. He hoped his sister wasn’t having the same thoughts he was, because that would be weird. “Hey, love” Jamie grinned. “Bite me, Sasquatch” Beth grunted. Because he was thinking what a knock-out Beth Kelly was: skinny jeans that hug her long curved legs, that perky heart-shaped butt. The eyes were huge and firing arrows to everyone, the hair flowed around her tense shoulders like she had a fan just for herself. What a woman… “Oh, hi.” Katie mumbled, clearing her throat and smiling tensely at the newly comers “Sorry you… huh… heard that. Family issues.” “This is bad timing” Jamie understood, gripping the back of his neck, wincing. “No.” Katie smiled, rolling her eyes at the mad noises coming from the kitchen “It’s not, really. Leave her with us. Go take care of your businesses. It’s really fine, I promise.” “Alright, then” Jamie sighed, and swallowed hard once he bent to kiss Brianna’s head in form of goodbye, and she turned her back on him. “We’ll call” Katie mumbled, by the door, feeling bad for her friend. Once Jamie was out, Katie went straight to the kitchen. Beth was already baking some pie. That’s what she did when she was mad, she baked. And Katie wasn’t going to say she wasn’t damn good at it, either. “I’m sorry.” Katie sighed, taking a sit in the bistro table close to the wall “I know you’re mad. I understand why, honestly. But, Beth…” She sighed again, pushing her hair away from her face “I’m your sister; I love you. I don’t want him to hurt you, ever again!” “It’s my choice, Katie. I’m very thankful to you to take me into your home.” Beth assured her, stopping her cooking, turning and facing her sister “I really am, honestly. But, Katie, it’s my life. It’s bad enough that mom and Austin both tried to control my life for twenty eight years, Katie. You can’t turn into another controller.” “I’m not trying to control you!” Katie gasped, getting up “I’m trying to help you get your control. Mark agrees with me, Beth: you have to report his abuses to the police. You can’t just forgive and forget! He’s dangerous, Beth, he belongs in jail.” “Katie, I just want out.” Beth sighed, turning to her cooking again “I don’t care about him, I don’t care about what he does from now on. All I want is out.” They both looked back when they heard the kitchen door crack. Brianna cursed and cleared her throat, cheeks turning as red as her hair. “Busted” Katie grinned. “Sorry, Paul’s making me watch some horror movie” She winced. Katie gestured for her to come inside, which she did. “Take a seat. Beth is baking an amazing pie. Which is it, by the way?” “Chocolate peanut butter.” Beth smiled, and grinned more at Brianna’s dreamy eyes “Yeah, all goes to your hips, but who really cares?” Katie heard Paul curse and rolled her eyes. “You two bound, I’m gonna remind my sweetheart he’s not home alone” Katie sighed. Beth cleared her throat as she eyed the teen. The girl had crazy, wild red hair, big blue eyes with smudged eyeliner and mascara, bad pink lipstick and not enough blush. Her clothes looked… well, a teen’s, something from an old Nirvana video. “So… Brianna. That’s a cute name.” Beth started and then winced “I’m sorry, I’m not really… huh… into small talk. I hate when people try doing it with me, and I don’t have the gift to do it myself.” “Oh, thank God!” Brianna took a deep breath, smiling a little and taking a seat at the bistro table “Me neither. I hate it. I mean, c’mon, who cares about the weather or how petrol has been getting more and more expensive?” “I’m baking a chocolate peanut butter pie, you want some when it’s done?” Beth asked her, turning to the counter where her utensils were waiting. “So your husband was a bloody bastard, huh?” Beth’s eyebrows went up almost to her scalp. She turned and faced the teen. “Right to the subject, I see.” Beth nodded, pleased “Yeah, he is.” “What did Katie mean by him… huh… abuse you?” Brianna mumbled. “You’re a smart kid. What do you think it meant?” Beth asked, getting back to her work. “He hit you.” She tried the words out, and swallowed hard “Did he?” “From the very first day we got married throughout ten years.” Beth assured her “Until I got out, not so long ago.” “Ten years?” Brianna gasped “You stayed for ten years? Why?!” “Look, Brianna-” “Oh, spare me the ‘I’m just a kid’ speech. Everyone likes to remind me I’m a kid. I’m sixteen, for heaven’s sake! I’m not a kid!” “You know, you are a kid. But I think if someone had told me more about what’s ok and what’s not in a relationship, I wouldn’t have stayed for ten years. So I’m going to tell you: he hit me once, when we were still dating. I was only fifteen.” Beth mumbled, and heard Brianna’s gasp “I was shocked, angry, hurt. He slapped me because he was mad about… God, I don’t even remember. Anyway, he apologized, I understood his explanations – stupid kid, you know…?” “And you married him” Brianna frowned, confused. “Fresh out of high school.” Beth chuckled at how stupid it sounded now, from her own lips “God, I was such a kid… Married at eighteen, the beating bag of a man for ten years. You lose a lot, you know? You change, you adapt, I guess that’s the right word. It’s just… your life, now. You accept it as something natural. Until you remember it’s not; it’s not right, it’s not natural and it’s not acceptable.” “Why the epiphany?” Brianna asked, as Beth shoved the pie into the pre- heated oven. “Isn’t that the question?” Beth smiled from over her shoulder “He called me stupid. He called me a nothing. I’m actually thankful for that, because if he hadn’t snapped that night… I might never have gone out of that house.” “Katie never… None of us knew…” Brianna admitted, swallowing hard. “I asked both her and Paul not to tell anyone. Now I’m asking you, Brianna. In exchange, I’ll listen to you vent something and I’ll keep my mouth shut. How does that sound?” “Hell, yeah.” The girl grunted, and Beth pressed her lips not to chuckle “My brother’s an ass.” “Well, that’s no secret” Beth shrugged, and it seemed such a natural reaction that Brianna giggled like the little teen she was. “Yeah, I know what you mean. Well, he’s got this idea in his head that if I’m dating Colin, I’m gonna be a criminal and get preggo and screw my life over… Jesus, he’s such a drama queen…!” “He’s your brother. He’s your older brother” Beth reminded her, as she washed the dishes she used. “He’s a pain in the ass older brother.” Brianna grunted “He thinks he’s my dad, but he’s not.” “So you and Colin, then.” Beth didn’t really want to meddle in James Connolly’s family business, but she also wanted to leave the spotlight “He looks like a nice kid. Are you two… together?” “We are, but not officially to Jamie, ‘cause he would kill Colin and sent me to a convent” Brianna snorted. “Your brother has the responsibility to take care of you, Brianna. That’s not something to be taken lightly. He’s the adult responsible for you. He’s not your dad, granted, but he’s your educator.” “Oh, shit, you sound just like him…” She grunted, and Beth snorted “Look, it’s not like I asked for him to be my guardian, or anything. I said I rather stay with my aunt Isla, but noooo. Bree has to stay with her brother!” “Brianna-” “Christ, call me Bree.” She grunted, to which Beth smiled “I hate people calling me by my full name, it’s like I did something wrong…” “Fair enough. Bree, Jamie is your brother, he takes care of you, he loves you. That’s the best guardian for you” She said, taking the next seat at the table. “Yeah? Are you happy for your sister taking care of you?” “It’s different, I’m an adult” Beth frowned, snapping her lips tight. “Oh, really? You were doing a fine job letting some asshole use you as his personal boxing bag for ten years. Great job, Betty” Brianna snorted, as she got up and left the kitchen. “Damn Connollys…” Beth mumbled, shaking her head.

***

“Welcome back.” Paul smiled, as he opened the door for his friend to enter “Staying for dinner, right?” “I can’t, mate. I already abused your kindness” Jamie winced. “Nonsense, Jamie.” Katie frowned “C’mon, we still have some pie and I know you hate cooking when you’re tired. Stay, our treat?” “Fine. I’m easily sold.” He grinned, taking off his jacket “Is the magical worker in the kitchen?” “Well, that’s her place. Ouch! Baby, I was kidding!” Paul winced as Katie pulled his ear. “Go ahead. Careful, though. She’s in a bad mood” Katie grunted. Jamie chuckled. Oh, he only hoped she was still in a bad mood. Being tired and grumpy as he was, he needed the distraction. And there she was, frowning at the pan, her long hair pinned up in a messy bun, long neck naked, pearl earrings in her small ears, lean body tucked under a black apron. She wasn’t singing this time, looked incredibly focused on her task. She didn’t hear him entering the kitchen, which was fine by him. He took a seat at the bistro table, crossed his legs by his shins and watched her with an amused look. She moved like she was floating, in the kitchen. Arms everywhere, brain working miles per hour, eyes sharp and hand firm. He had never seen any woman as sexy as she looked at that moment. Bossy little American pixie. “Holy- Are you some kind of leprechaun?” Beth grunted, as she turned and faced him, a hand to her racing heart. “No, but I’ll give you my pot ’a gold.” He grinned, and then held his hands up “Ok, ok, I’m sorry. I just love watching a woman in the kitchen. There’s something so… raw, about it.” “Good God, man, you really have no tact, have you?” Beth sighed, rolling her eyes. “Tact is overrated. I personally believe that if you just get everything out of your chest, no bullshit, things work out for the best ninety nine percent of the time” He assured her, getting up and peeking inside the pan. “Aren’t you a smooth talker?” Beth chuckled, slapping his hand away from the pasta inside the pan “Look, don’t touch.” “The food… or you?” Beth chuckled and was about to roll her eyes at how easy that man flirted, but she swallowed her words when he touched her hair, taking a small lock away from her eyes. “What are you doing?” She muttered, jumping five feet back, eyes huge and heart racing. “Relax, woman.” Jamie chuckled, turning his back to the counter, relaxed “Was just trying to help you keep your hair out of the way.” “I’m perfectly fine on doing it alone, thank you” Beth grunted, shaking her head to get back to her body, and returning to do the dishes again. Jamie was still grinning. She was a jumper, he liked that. Skittish, bad temper, loose tongue and quick mouth. God, he loved all that. She was pushing him away and that only made her look even more like a good challenge. “I’m going to leave you to your cooking, then.” He sighed, making sure his right side brushed her as he walked slowly to the door “Just so you know, Lisa told me she helped you sell your pie. Naughty girl, Miss Kelly.” “All is fair in love and war, right?” Beth snorted, tossing him the hugest smile he ever saw; a mean smile. “Oh, I believe that’s what they say” Jamie grinned, turning his back to Beth and chuckling as he paced slowly to the living room. Yes, they usually said that. Good for her to be aware that all weapons were fair, for he intended to use them all on her. CHAPTER 6

Buttermilk Pie

3 eggs lightly beaten 1 cup of sugar 1 & ½ cups of buttermilk ½ cup of butter 3 teaspoons of all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Note: Go easy on the buttermilk, try making it low fat; too much of a sweet thing might get you nauseous.

“Hey, Yankee.” The waitress Gemma called, coming out of the Connolly’s office “You got a call.” “I’ll be right back” Beth smiled at Mr. Kingston and his friend Mr. Potter, both seated at the bar. “Be quick. It’s work time” Jamie yelled as she quickened her steps towards the office. “Take it out of my paycheck” She yelled back, closing the office door behind her. Beth got towards the wooden desk, picked up the black phone and held it to her ear. “Beth Kelly, here.” “Baby? Oh, God! I’m so glad to hear your voice!” Beth froze in place. Austin. It was Austin’s voice on the other side. “What do you want? How did you get this number?” She mumbled, her spine muscles tense and her stomach fluttering, food barely staying in its place. “Your mom got it from Katie, a while ago. I’m out of jail, Baby Doll.” His voice seemed helpless, like he was about to cry “I’m so sorry. I really am. I know… I know I screwed up. I promise you I’ll never do something like that ever, ever again!” “What? Get your ass thrown in jail or beat me to a pulp?” Beth hissed, gripping the phone with her left hand so tight her knuckles started to throb. “Baby… please…” He sobbed, and she swallowed hard “Look, why don’t I go there and we talk? How does that sound?” “No.” She said right on queue “I… Look, I need some time to… cool off…” She sighed, massaged her temples and talked again “Give me just a few more days… I… I’ll go home. Just give me time, ok?” “Yeah… Ok. I… You’re right. You need time to… rest. You work too much, baby.” Austin sighed, and then his voice turned sweet and caring “I miss you so much, Baby Doll. I love you, ok?” “I know.” Beth mumbled back, she felt numb, now “I love you too. I’ll call you later. Don’t call here, please. It’s Katie’s job…” “Yeah, sure, no problem. I’ll call Katie’s place” Austin assured her quickly, like he only wanted to please her. Once Beth hung the phone, she grabbed the thing and tossed it towards the nearest wall. The cracking sound was loud, but she couldn’t care less, right now. She fell on the chair in front of the desk and her hands held her head, as it throbbed. “What in God’s name- Beth?” Jamie walked inside and closed the door behind him. She was sitting at his desk, shoulders hunched and head down between her knees. “Hey, you feeling ok?” He mumbled, kneeling next to her and rubbing her shoulders. “No.” She mumbled “I’m gonna be sick.” “I’ll get you some water, alright?” He whispered “Stay there.” He came back fast with a tall glass of water and turned the chair so she was facing him. “Hey, love… C’mon, take a deep breath.” She obeyed him, as he took her hands off her face and drank the tall glass of water. As she did, he saw tears rolling down her cheeks and heard some constricted sobs. “Hey, ya… Don’t cry, beautiful…” He mumbled, his hands holding her face, his thumbs cleaning the hot tears “A pretty lass like you shouldn’t cry.” Beth actually smiled at that. “Bad news?” Jamie asked, with a wince. “You can say that…” She sighed, taking one last sip from the glass “It’s fine. I’m fine. Divorce stuff…” “Oh…” Jamie mumbled, his ears turning a bit red “You’re still… huh… hung up on your husband?” “Ex-husband, please.” She mumbled back, with a face “No. Believe me, I don’t have any feelings for my husband. Maybe, except, disdain.” “What did the bastard do?” He asked, with a grunt. Beth chuckled down at him. “Oh, well… You know men, right? They make the sweetest promises and they step on them every chance they got.” “Yeah, men are some disgusting creatures” He agreed with a very serious face, one that made Beth giggle like she haven’t in a long time. “Well, anyway, I’m sorry for your phone. I’ll pay for it” Beth shrugged. “Forget the phone.” Jamie grunted, rolling his eyes “I’ll just take it out of your paycheck.” Beth giggled again, but she stopped once she felt Jamie’s hand touching her cheek. “If you need your happily-soon-to-be-ex-husband to be roughed up, just say the word and I’ll fly to America and kick his sorry ass.” Jamie said it in a very convincing tone. Beth couldn’t be sure if he was kidding or if he was actually serious. “Huh, no. Thanks, but no, there’s no need. He’s really not worth it.” “So why were you crying? What did the idiot want?” “Just… you know, screw my brains. Make promises… Heard them all before” She sighed, shaking her head as in not quite believing he had actually called her place of work. “I’ll tell the guys next time he calls here, not to call you to answer.” Jamie promised, his large and calloused thumb brushing under her left eye “If he keeps calling, I’ll talk to him myself.” “Don’t.” Beth mumbled quickly, her face getting paler and her eyes huge “Please. Really, there’s no need. I can take care of it, I don’t need a bodyguard” “Friends help.” Jamie reminded her, with a slow roll of his blue eyes “Don’t be such a hard head.” “Jamie, I really don’t like to be told what to do” Beth grunted, her lips white with the fierceness of her voice. “I’m not telling you, I’m advising you. Difference” His brow crooked, and his side grin was mischievous. Beth grinned too, and then chuckled. “You’re hopeless…” She mumbled, amused. “You look so damn gorgeous when you smile…” She blinked and looked up. His blue eyes were close, shinning and unblinking, completely focused on hers. Oh, God. What’s a woman to answer to a statement like that? Actually, what’s Beth to answer to that? She wasn’t exactly the pretty upbeat girl Katie was. She didn’t connect with emotions, wasn’t interested in love, in men, in romance, in passion… Any of those things, she could and wanted to live without. “Jamie, I don’t think-” He didn’t give her time to think. Before she knew it, his lips clasped in hers. She felt a jolt going up her spine, her stomach tighten and her head dizzy. “Wait, you’re my bos-” She mumbled, pushing him with her hands; the glass had fallen to her feet. He shut her up by kissing her again. This time, he moved his soft lips over hers with such gentleness that made Beth moan. His hands were on her face, keeping her prisoner to his wishes – and she wasn’t the one about to protest, for sure. Her own hands came up and closed around his strong neck. Jamie shivered himself; his hands came down and picked her up with him, gathering her close to his chest, as his lips kept playing with hers “Jamie, Katie’s here to see you!” The two jolted and jumped apart. Lisa had knocked on the office door and delivered the news. Beth and Jamie stared at each other; she was flushed and goggled eyed, he was panting and shaking. “I gotta…” He pointed towards the door. “Yeah, I gotta… too” Beth finished, nodding too quickly. She picked up the glass and practically ran outside the office. She didn’t say a word until she reached the kitchen and Katie greeted her. “Hey, you!” Her sister grinned. Beth jolted, smiling quickly. “What’s up with you?” Katie frowned “It’s like you’ve seen a ghost, or something…” “Nothing.” Beth shrugged, getting her apron and starting the cooking again “So, what brings you here?” “Gotta review some receipts with Jamie.” Katie said, still frowning at her sister “You look really nervous, Beth. What’s up?” “Austin called her.” Katie and Beth both looked towards the double doors, and the latest rolled her eyes. “He what?!” Katie grunted, stepping away from the counter and grabbing her sister’s wrist so she would stop battering the cake she was making, and could eye her “When was that, and what did the bastard want!?” “Ten minutes ago.” Paul intervened again, his frown deep, his dark eyes murderous looking “He called here, Katie.” “Jesus, Paul. Will you shut up?” Beth grunted, rolling her eyes; she tossed her hands up “Look, it’s nothing. He wanted me to go home, wanted me to forgive him-” “You can’t!” Katie said immediately, nervousness washing down on her, this time “Beth, tell me you’re not leaving!” “God, Katie! Do you seriously think I would?” Beth frowned. “I’ve seen you do stupider things” Katie assured her. “Oh, ‘cause you’re Miss Reason…” Beth grunted. “Beth, you married the guy that hit you even during your boyfriend and girlfriend days.” Katie reminded her, still tugging at her elbow “Like I said, I’ve seen you do really stupid things.” “Don’t start with your moral lessons.” Beth hissed, pushing her away “I can take care of myself.” “Obviously.” Katie snorted, pointing at her “Let’s take a look at how well you took care of yourself, shall we?!” “Katie, don’t” Paul warned her, his hands to her shoulders; this time Katie shrugged him off. “You married him, even knowing how a scrub he was; how stupid and violent he could be. You stayed for ten years in a marriage that was straight out of a horror movie. He hit you and beat you up more times than I could ever count. I’ve taken you to the hospital innumerous times. He threatened you, he broke you-” “Don’t you dare say that to me!” Beth yelled back “You have no idea what’s like, don’t pretend you do!” “Girls, let’s just calm down…” Paul stepped between them, but was pushed back by a fuming Katie. “Is that what this is about? You stayed, I came here?” Katie hissed “Because as far as I can remember, I asked you a million times to come with me! I asked you every damn time I talked to you! But did you take the opening? Oh, noooo! Beth Kelly is the queen of the underdogs! Austin would stop, she said. It’s the liquor that makes him so violent, she said. He just needs to find a better job; he needs a vacation; I was the one who pushed him. Me, me, me, ME!” Beth was now quiet, but Katie didn’t care, she had too many things to yell at her sister. “I worried about you. I cried my eyes out every damn night thinking there was nothing I could do to help you. I couldn’t…” She sobbed now, as she took a hand to her mouth; her hazel eyes shining with tears “I tried not to think that one day, I would be reading your death on a newspaper, someday I would have to bury you.” “Katie…” Paul whispered, pointing towards the double doors. His girlfriend gasped and winced. Jamie was standing with his frown deep, his blue eyes staring at Beth, whom had been quiet through her sister’s speech. “I’m sorry…” Katie mumbled at her sister “I’m really sorry…” Beth didn’t wait for her sister’s apologies. She tossed the wooden spoon to the balcony and quickened her steps towards the kitchen back door. Outside, she took deep breaths from Dublin’s autumn moist. She wouldn’t cry. She forbade herself from doing so. Crying was pointless, really, she was miles and miles away from her old life – which kept coming back to slap at her face. “I take back what I said; I am kicking your ex-husbands sorry ass.” Beth was leaning towards the Connolly’s wall. She looked up as she heard Jamie’s voice. “Don’t.” Beth mumbled, closing her eyes “Don’t look at me like I’m a stray dog.” “You think I pity you.” “I know you do. Who wouldn’t? I would pity someone like me…” Beth shrugged. “Fine. Alright, I do pity you. But I’m more shocked that you endured what… what Katie said…” Jamie mumbled, his hands to the pockets of his dark jeans “Beth, why don’t you just take the day off-” “Don’t you dare.” She grunted, honey eyes round with temper “I’m no poor victim.” “But you are a victim. You report what he did, right?” Jamie frowned, and his blue eyes turned icy as she shrugged “Don’t give me no shrug! He’s a criminal! He hurt you, you have to throw his ass in jail!” “I just want peace and quiet.” Beth mumbled, eyes closed and head leaned back on the wall “I just want to get a hold on my own life, I don’t care about him.” She gasped as she felt his hands grab her head. His eyes locked with hers as he spoke. “It’s your call, but I’ll tell you this: he better not show up here, because if he does, I’m killing him, d’you understand?” Beth swallowed hard, but nodded. Jamie nodded himself and let her go.

***

The ‘Austin’ theme had been toned down for days, now. He hadn’t called Connolly’s, nor had he called Katie and Paul’s home. Beth was starting to feel confident, now. Especially after Mark D’Amato, her lawyer, told her the divorce papers had been mailed to her husband. Soon, she would be free of him. Soon, she would be her own person again. “That’s the best idea I’ve ever heard from you!” Katie shrieked, giggling. “I’m known to have some good ideas, every now and then” Jamie grinned, as he closed the office door of the pub. “You told her about the trip?” Paul grinned, as he cleaned the bar. “Oh, it’s a wonderful idea, isn’t it?” Katie smiled “I’m missing your family so badly!” “They’re missing you too” Paul smiled at his girlfriend, kissing her as she bent to the bar. “You’re visiting your family? That’s great” Beth smiled, as she took her apron off and freed her hair from its hold. “No, we’re visiting our families” Paul gestured at himself and Katie, Jamie and Beth. “Wait, what?” Beth frowned. “We’re going on a road trip west, to visit our families” Jamie told her, leaning onto the counter. “Oh, no. I’ll stay here. Really” Beth put her hands up as they started to argue “I’ll be fine here.” “Yeah, but you’re not staying, and that’s the end of this discussion” Jamie shrugged, playing with the pub’s keys in his hands. As the four left and headed for their cars, Beth kept whining about how stupid it was for her to go, when she wasn’t even family! “Yes, you are! You’re my sister!” Katie grunted, as she drove her, Beth and Paul home “I want you to meet Paul’s mom and brothers.” “Oh, Katie…” Beth sighed, rubbing her eyes in the back seat “I just don’t think it’s wise, yet… I’ll just hang around you? Isn’t it weird?” “Jamie’s there.” Paul shrugged “And Bree. We usually have dinner with his family. You’ll love it, it’s fun.” Yeah… she could feel the fun already piling up…

***

It had been more than a month since Beth had left him, a week since they talked on the phone. She asked for time, he was giving her that time. And what did the bitch do with that time?! She hired a lawyer and mailed him divorce papers. Divorce! “That little bitch…” Austin chuckled, staring at the papers, sitting across the TV with a bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand “You think you’re so smart, don’t you?” Oh, she did, she did… He would make sure she remembered that she was his till death they do part. And even in death, she would belong to him. “Forever, Baby Doll” He chuckled at their wedding picture.

CHAPTER 7

Bailey’s Irish Cream Pie

Crust 2 cases of crushed Oreos ½ stick of butter

Filling 8 ounces of cream cheese ½ cup of granulated sugar ½ cup of milk ½ cup & 2 teaspoons of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur 1 cup whipping cream

Note: Serve it with a good Irish whiskey and a nice tune for a wonderful evening.

The five travelers were more than halfway through their trip already. Jamie was driving, and he practically demanded Beth to ride by his side. Katie and Paul were crammed in the back seat with Brianna. The teenager had been grumpy throughout the entire trip, for her brother had made her ditch her friends and boyfriend to spend a few days in the village that saw her grow up. That was exactly what she wanted, to go back to the village for a week getaway… Really, what any sane teen would want, in fact. “Ladies and gentleman” Jamie announced “we’re entering Galway now. What’s for lunch?” A fight started as to decide where the group should eat. Finally, they decided to just hit a pub and eat whatever each would want. The busy streets of Galway were shining with a warm sun and white clouds, as the group laughed their way towards one of the innumerous pubs jam-packed with people waiting for lunch. “Thank God we finally got a table! I’m starving!” Katie sighed, as she took off her coat and bag, hanging them on the back of her chair. The group made their requests, and laughed and talked as they waited. “I think we should cheer.” Jamie said, picking his Guinness up and smiling at his friends “Cheers for the Yankee that kicked her lousy ass husband to the curb.” They all smiled and clicked their pipes, except for Brianna that just pretended she was interested in her Coke. “How does it feel to be nearly free?” Beth smiled at Jamie, by her side. “Nearly great.” Jamie grinned, clicking his pipe to hers again. “Tell you what, the day – nay, the minute you turn single, I’m taking you out to dinner and we’re both getting hammered.” Katie glanced at Paul, who shrugged. Brianna rolled her eyes and got up, mumbling she was going to the bathroom. “Huh… Why?” Beth mumbled. “To celebrate, love.” Jamie grinned, shrugging “My treat.” The food arrived at that exact moment, gladly. The four started to eat, and both Beth and Katie turned quiet. Paul and Jamie laughed about old teen pranks, told Beth all about their families and how great it had been growing up close to the beautiful Cliffs of Moher. None seemed to notice the sisters turned quiet. After the lunch was over, the group turned to the car and left Galway. They stopped a few miles ahead for gas, and that was when Katie attacked Paul. “What the hell is he doing?” Paul frowned, as he pumped the gas into the gray car. “What are you talking about?” “Your friend.” Katie grunted, pointing in the distance towards the other side of the road “What’s he doing?” Jamie was crossing the empty road towards Beth. The American was eyeing the distant shore, the hills and the green fields. The afternoon sun was almost meeting the sea, and the halo that created around her was of pure gold. “He’s going to see the view. What about it?” Paul shrugged. “He’s hitting on my sister, Paul!” Katie grunted, pointing towards the tall and broad redhead. “Jamie?! Aw, c’mon, Katie, you know him! He’s just like that, he flirts with everyone!” Paul laughed loudly. Brianna looked up her shoulder to catch Paul laughing. Seeing Katie’s mad face opposing with Paul’s humor, she now paid more attention to their conversation. “Well, maybe, but this is my sister we’re talking about. Friend or no friend, Paul, I won’t let him hit on her, like the male-whore he is.” “Katie, you’re overreacting.” Paul rolled his eyes, pumping more gas “It’s Jamie. He’s harmless! He’s nice and flirty, that’s who he is. He just likes to see people laugh and make them uncomfortable.” “It’s my sister, Paul.” Katie pressed the same button “This isn’t some sort of game for me. She’s been hurt, she’s been betrayed. She needs to heal and feel safe.” “He knows that.” Paul assured her, sighing as he put the gasoline pump in its place “He’s not an ass, Katie, you know that. He’s kind. He’s good. Honestly…” He sighed again, smiling as he saw Jamie stare at Beth, who was leaning towards the stone rail, watching the view “I hope he’s into her. Just listen,” He kept talking as Katie opened her mouth, shocked “Jamie’s a nice guy. Would it be so bad if the two of them… hit it off? Think hard, Katie. She needs someone that treats her good. Who else but Jamie to do that? You know he would treat her right, don’t you?” Katie sighed, rubbing her eyes with the soles of her hands. “You’re right. God, you’re right…” Katie moaned “I just don’t… I don’t know, Paul…! I’m scared for her…” Paul sighed and hugged her tight. “I know, baby. Believe me, I ache for her too, but she’ll be fine. You’ll see, she’ll be fine.” Brianna was smiling from ear to ear. YES! That was the greatest plan ever! If her stuck up brother got a girlfriend, maybe, just maybe, he would leave her alone! Better than that, Beth loved Colin! She loved him, completely! Colin had told her that she laughed at his jokes, taught him a few cooking tricks and helped him with some study for his cooking training. So, Beth loved her boyfriend, and her brother was gaga over her… Brianna’s week might not be so bad after all…

***

“Beautiful view, isn’t it?” Jamie asked, as he stood next to Beth. “Beautiful? It’s breathtaking.” Beth smiled up at him “I don’t know how you could go to Dublin, when you had all this here.” “Ah, you get used to it.” Jamie shrugged, eyeing the beautiful green and golden view ahead “But, hey, it’s always nice to see it again.” “Get used to it? I can’t believe that.” She smiled “So what was like growing up in the far west of Ireland?” “Oh, well. Not so bad.” Jamie grinned, caressing his wild hair “With Paul around was fun. And with his brother Evan and my cousin Sean… Well, you can guess what four lads would do for fun.” “Right.” Beth crocked one eyebrow, looking at him, up and down “The ladies must’ve had very fun times with you heart-breakers.” “Jealous, love?” He grinned, shoving his hands into his dark coat. “Hardly.” Beth snorted, playing with the tips of her hair “Speaking of heartbreakers… I’m just gonna meddle in your business. What’s up with you and your long adopted hatred for Colin?” Beth saw his jaw tense. Oh, yes, this was personal and something he didn’t want to talk about. That was too bad. She showed him her scars – well, not nearly half of them, but still –, now it was time for him to share some, too. “Not much to say. The kid’s a criminal, I don’t want him anywhere near my sister. End of story.” “Why did you give him a job, then?” Beth pressed, crossing her arms over her purple sweater, raising a dark brow. Jamie opened his mouth to retort that it was none of her business, but one look down at her golden eyes and he was sold. “Look, life’s screwed up, agreed?” After her nod, he kept going “Well, the kid got into auto theft – who knows what else –, and got sent to a correction home. I don’t want a guy like that anywhere near my sister, is that a crime?” “You’re just trying to protect her.” Beth understood with a soft smile “I get it; we all get it. She doesn’t, though. Trust me, she’s thinking you just don’t want her to be happy, that you just think of her as a kid.” “She is a kid” Jamie snorted. “No, she’s a teenager, way worse.” Beth chuckled, to which Jamie smiled “From one friend to another: don’t hold her back, let her make her own decisions. She adores Colin and, I guarantee you, Colin is a great kid. He works so hard, Jamie. He’s studying at night, he works during the day, he’s building himself a future, and if you, of all people, don’t support him, I don’t think the kid will have much chance.” “Me?” Jamie frowned, this time turning to face her “What are you talking about?” Beth sighed and smiled. Her hand – the one that had a small mark of her old wedding ring, a ring she sold for a plane ticket – softly landed over his chest. Jamie swallowed hard and looked down at the five feet three woman standing close to him. He felt her warmth, not only through her closeness, but through her voice and shining eyes. “You took care of your sister since your parents died.” Beth mumbled “Another man would let her stay with family; another twenty two year old kid would run away from the responsibility to raise an eight year old. You didn’t.” “She’s my sister” Jamie mumbled, shrugging. “Jamie, my mom is my mother and she keeps telling me the reason why my husband hit me was my own doing” Beth chuckled, a sad sound. Jamie’s frown was deeper this time. “Is your mother crazy?” “I think so.” Beth chuckled “My point is, family not always gets your back; family doesn’t always love you. And sometimes, the people that love you turn into your family; blood ties are so overrated.” Jamie nodded slowly. When had his humorous flirt turned into a very serious and personal conversation? How did she do that without him not even remembering? “Colin needs your approval. I think he sees you as either his dad or his older brother.” “Aw, no!” Jamie moaned, as Beth giggled “Are you kidding me?! I’m no one’s dad, for Christ’s sake! I can barely take care of Bree, much less a punk like Colin McTavish!” “Don’t say that, it’s not true.” Beth frowned, her hands grabbing his face “You’re an amazing brother, believe me. You worry about her. Don’t ever stop, alright?” “Who stopped worrying about you?” He mumbled, looking down at her. He wanted to curse when her hands left his face. He liked her to touch him, loved that she decided to come closer. “Me, I guess.” She shrugged “Katie and Paul never did. It’s my own fault, anyway. It’s not an excuse.” She assured him before he could contradict her “I know Austin is the SOB. What I’m saying is that the fact that he did what he did, and said all the things he said to me, is my fault because I believed them; I thought that was love.” “Love doesn’t hurt.” Jamie mumbled; this time Beth looked up, the frown between her dark eyebrows was painful for him to see “Love doesn’t beat you, doesn’t make you feel small nor stupid nor unworthy. Love, the right kind, turns you invincible; makes you feel like a giant, like you could do and be anything or anyone. Love makes you feel alive, not want to die.” “Have you ever? Loved like that, I mean?” Beth almost whispered. “No. I’m actually afraid of that.” He chuckled, this time looking towards the blue horizon “I mean, to love that much? What would happen if the other person didn’t love you back? It would crush you, wouldn’t it?” “Love is a two way road.” “What?” Jamie chuckled. “Love isn’t a monologue. I mean, that kind of love, the ‘forever’ kind, it has to be one plus one. You love and are loved. If you’re alone in the relation, it’s just dependence, it isn’t love. You have to be loved in order to live it.” “Hey! Are you two coming or what?” Paul yelled, getting into the car “I’m driving now!” Beth waved back and nodded. She started to go back, but Jamie stayed in his place, staring at her back while she grunted at her sister not to be such a pain in the ass. “I’m screwed, aren’t I?” Jamie mumbled at the sky.

***

As the gray car entered the village, Beth was grinning like a total fool. “And there’s the O’Brian’s house.” Brianna was pointing at an orange small cottage “Oh, there’s Mrs. Murphy! Mrs. Murphy!” She waved happily. “Jesus, Brianna! That woman hates my guts!” Jamie grunted, next to her, on the back seat. “Oh, really? And whose fault is that?” Brianna crocked a brow at him, with a mischievous grin. “Bree, don’t…” He warned her. “What?” Beth asked, sitting on the other side. “My little brother here tumbled with Mrs. Murphy’s daughter, Moreen.” Brianna giggled, moaning after her brother pulled the tip of her ponytail “You did, too!” “That’s not for your ears, Brianna Connolly!” Jamie grunted, his face red like a tomato. “Oh, you did, did you?” Beth grinned “And what did Mrs. Murphy think about that?” “She caught the two of them-” Paul was laughing. “Paul!” Jamie grunted “Shut up before I start talking, too.” “What did he mean by that?” Katie squinted her eyes at her boyfriend. “Nothing, baby.” Paul assured her, shrugging nervously “He’s just being an ass as always.” “Mrs. Murphy saw Jamie’s ass when he was-” Brianna was giggling, until her brother clasped a hand over her mouth; she kept grinning behind his hand. “Bree, shut it if you want to go to Annie’s sleepover next week” Jamie grunted. “Damn…” Brianna sighed “Fine, you win. I’ll shut up, now.” The group kept teasing Jamie as they followed the main road of the village. They passed innumerous colorful houses, empty fields, all to get to a white country house at the base of a hill, facing the Cliffs. “Oh my God…” Beth mumbled, as she got out of the car “This is the best postcard ever.” “It’s my uncles’ house.” Jamie smiled, going around the car to stand next to her “It’s home.” “And that over there is my family’s place.” Paul pointed at the blue house a few feet away from the white one, on the other side of the road “That’s where we’ll sleep.” Jamie frowned at Paul, whom shrugged. Jamie pressed his lips. They would discuss the sleeping arrangements later… “God, smells so good!” Beth moaned, closing her eyes as she felt the wonderful and delicious aroma coming from the white cottage. “My aunt’s the second best cook in the country.” Jamie smiled down at her, picking up her bag before she could “Don’t tell her I told you that, she would cut my balls off.” Beth laughed hard, she threw her head back and just laughed. Katie felt a tug around her heart. How long had she waited to see her sister that happy again? To see her twin back to her old self? Maybe Paul was right… maybe Jamie would be a good thing, maybe his foolish ways and stupid jokes and flirting were exactly what she needed to let go of the heavy past. She felt Paul’s hand grab hers and his thumb caressing her knuckles. Katie smiled up at her boyfriend, who smiled back. “Just let it roll” Paul whispered in her ear, kissing her temples. The front door opened as they walked up the small rocky path towards the blue door. A round and tall man with a warm coat and heavy boots grinned and opened his arms. “Hey ya, Jackeens!” The man’s hard melodic voice chanted “Where did you scatter from?” “Uncle Garret” Jamie chuckled, and his air left his chest as the tall man hugged him hard. “Nice to see ya! Katie, you pretty lass! Gimme a tight hug, will you?” The man chuckled, hugging Katie tight. The big man was grinning and smiling as he hugged everyone around him. Beth stood quietly in her own place, not daring to intrude in the whole family reunion. “Your mom and brothers are inside.” Garret told Paul, palming his shoulder with brute force, making him grunt in response “They’re cursing at you for hours.” “The usual weekend at the Delaney’s household” Paul assured Beth with a smile. “It’s the Matchmaking Festival!” Garrett snorted “You know your mother and your sister love goin’ there!” “Don’t forget about Jeanine.” Jamie chuckled, tapping his uncle’s shoulder “Uncle, this is Katie’s sister, Beth.” “Oh, you’re the twin sister!” Garret smiled, grabbing the woman’s hands and shaking them happily “You two are very different. A blond and a brunette.” “They’re like water and olive.” Jamie assured his uncle “Let’s go inside, uncle, get acquainted and go down to Lisdoonvarna for the festival.” It was the most amazing thing for Beth, a big loving family. She met Paul’s mother, Arlene, and one of his siblings, Bridget; Jamie and Brianna’s cousin Jeanine and her father Garrett were the only ones around. They were all incredibly friendly and hilarious, so she could only imagine how all of them sounded like once they were all together under one roof. “Well, we’ll go home for a five minute sprint and get your bags there, alright?” Arlene said, a very thin in an ant like form woman with a very kind heart. “I’m so sorry for this intrusion” Beth smiled, grabbing her bag, the same as her sister and Paul. “Hey. Where do you think you’re going?” Jamie frowned, as the entire Delaney family plus guests left through the Connolly’s front door. “I don’t understand what you mean” Beth frowned, pulling her clutch to her shoulder. “He’s right, Beth.” Brianna decided it was the best time to start defending her brother’s interests “The Delaney’s have few rooms. I mean, you want to sleep crammed in a twin bed with Bridget?!” “And what’s wrong with me person, if I may ask?” The skinny also ant like eighteen year old girl asked Brianna, pulling the tip of her ponytail “Beth will sleep just fine with me, won’t you, Yankee?” “Huh, yes, of course” Beth assured, clearing her throat in the end. “C’mon, why don’t you sleep here and I go sleep with my great great friend Bridget?!” Brianna grinned, playing the sweet child card, opening her big blue eyes so Beth would pity her “Please?” “Oh, now I’m your great friend, hey?!” Bridget chuckled, shaking her dark curly mane. “You get a whole bed just to yourself!” Brianna assured Beth, grabbing her hands and squeezing them tight “And Jeanine is very close to your age, she’s twenty six and a single girl too! You’ll get along just fine!” “Alright, alright, stop begging.” Beth snorted “Fine, I’ll sleep here. Go get your things ready with your bestie.” “Come, I’ll show you your room” Jeanine, the copper head woman smiled, green eyes sparkling with humor. “I owe you, kiddo” Jamie whispered into his sister’s ear, as she passed him by the door. “Oh, you have no idea” Brianna grinned from over her shoulder, making her brother laugh. Jeanine loosely gave her a tour of the house, showing her the innumerous pictures that embellished the walls of the main entrance, up the stairs into the bedrooms, and again inside them. Jeanine babbled about her family’s accomplishments as she walked her into the bedroom. So apparently Jamie had lost his parents when he is only twenty two, and Brianna a little eight year old child. Contrary to what the entire family advised him, Jamie decided to be the girl’s guardian, and he moved to Dublin to open his pub with longtime friend Paul. He succeeded, with some family help – but, hey, that’s what they’re there for, right? – and a lot of work. “Oh, he’s a little town hero, but don’t let him hear you say it. His head would explode” Jeanine smiled, opening the wooden door of her bedroom and helping Beth carry her bag inside. “I came to learn whatever you tell James Connolly, will end up being twisted into his own will, no matter the topic at hand” Beth sighed, as she dropped the bag at the feet of one of the two existing beds. “I couldn’t have said it in a more right way!” Jeanine chuckled “Ok, so there’s only one bathroom for the entire house – downstairs one is in the middle of a renovation, for over six months; don’t ask.” She sighed, putting her hands up “What else? Oh, if you hear footsteps and some noises really early – like, at five am or so –, don’t be alarmed, it’s just my dad. He needs to wake up early to go take care of the animals. Breakfast is usually at nine – don’t get too late, mom hates it and she’s not afraid to say it to your face –; we’ll have to discuss bathroom time, but later. Mom and Sean – that’s my stupid brother – are at the Matchmaking Festival, already. Mom likes to go in early to make fun of the dumb floozies. Again, don’t ask. Sean and Evan – that’s Paul’s brother – go early to have fun with said floozies.” “Ok, I think I got the essentials. Nine am, sharp; don’t be late; don’t ask, don’t tell and definitely don’t praise Jamie” Beth grinned, taking out some high heeled suede boots for the night. “Right on the money. You ready to go? Wonderful. Let’s just meet them at the Festival, I love to laugh at the desperate tourists!” The plump woman grinned.

CHAPTER 8

Chocolate Strawberry Pie

6 egg yolks 6 ounces of bittersweet chocolate, chopped 2cups of sugar 2 ½ cups of whole milk ¼ cup of cornstarch 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tablespoon of Bourbon 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg Pinch of salt

Note: All I can tell you is to take a bite and enjoy; sometimes the best tastes in life come when you forget to count the calories.

The Matchmaking Festival of Lisdoonvarna was the biggest event in the village and its surroundings. Hundreds – scratch that, thousands – of tourists and other nearby residents came to the small and usually quiet village, and turned it into the hotspot for an entire week. “There are nightclubs and everything!” Katie was telling her sister, between laughs and very un-Katie like giggles; she was already feeling tipsy and Beth could see it “Oh, God! You gotta see some of these girls! They’re hopeless!” “On the Festival, they’re not!” Paul assured, dropping both his arms on each sister’s shoulders “No one’s hopeless at Lisdoonvarna!” “I think you two had too much already, and it’s not nearly seven pm” A smiling Jamie put in, shoving his hands to the pockets of his jeans, as the four of them strolled down the main street, enjoying the music around, the people and the colors that filled the village. “I think you haven’t had nearly enough, old man” Paul grunted, elbowing him. “I’m deliberately staying sober, at least until I get my way with this lady right here” He winked down at Beth, whom blushed and cleared her throat, pretending not to pay attention. “Hey you, you Irish scoundrel!” Katie twirled to stand right at Jamie’s face “This is my baby sister over here – I was the first to come to the world –; you hurt her in any way, I swear I’ll kick your ass! I might let that American bastard get away without the rightful punishment, but I’ll be damned if I’ll shut up, again!” “Katie, you had too much, as well” Beth mumbled, taking the big plastic cup of beer out from her sister’s grasp. “Hey, uncle Gar?” Jamie called, pushing his uncle’s arm “Can you take these two somewhere where their condition won’t be noticed?” “Hey you kids, let’s go meet Isla and the boys!” A very smiling Garrett offered, each one of his big heavy arms grasped the couple’s shoulders and he almost carried the two of them up the street. “They’re weirder when they get drunk…” Beth mumbled, frowning at her sister’s loud laugh. “I like to think they’re just careless.” Jamie shrugged, smiling “It’s good to forget society’s conventions, every once in a while.” “I wouldn’t go that far, although I agree in relaxing and letting problems just go away for a few minutes” Beth admitted, shrugging. “I’m glad you said that. Come.” Jamie grabbed her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers, pulling her down the street “Let’s go for a nice walk away from all this noise.” “But your family-” Beth started to protest. “They’ll be fine, and I’ll introduce you to the rest of them. Later. I wanna show you something really amazing first” He said, smiling from over his shoulder. He kept introducing her to the village surroundings, as the noise from the party started to fade away, once they turned into a deserted old road going up a very green hill. The sunset was already touching the sea just a couple of miles away, and Jamie wanted her to see it set in the most beautiful place he knew. “So, this road goes up for a long time, and passing its highest point – we’re just ten minutes away, don’t worry – it goes down again, to Lahinch – that’s another village, really close.” He was telling her, his hand still grabbing hers “And, further away, you’ll see the Cliffs.” “We’re going to the Cliffs?” Beth gasped; she winced as she eyed her high boots – maybe that had been a bad idea after all. “No!” Jamie laughed loudly “You and I would both lose a lung if we did that. No, we’ll see it in the distance. It’s really amazing during the sunset, believe me.” She nodded, smiling. As the highest peak of the road came by, Beth gasped. He was right in one thing: it was really amazing! “What’s that over there? Are those islands?” Beth pointed towards the black spots on the sea far away. “Those are the Aran Islands.” Jamie explained, pointing as he named the places “To the right – you can’t really see it, but you’ll just have to believe my word for it – is Fanore beach; to our left, are the Cliffs.” “It’s such an amazing view…” She mumbled, as the smoldering orange sun kissed the dark sea; its reflection on the water turned the Cliffs a beautiful shade of red. “At its most southerly point, you see the Hag’s Head.” Jamie pointed to a protuberance in the Cliffs “They call it the ‘Head of the Old Sea Witch’.” “Why is that?” Beth frowned, both at his explanation as to protect her eyes from the low sun. “Well, there was this old witch hag named Mal, and she fell in love with a great warrior, named Cú Chulainn.” Jamie kept telling her, starting to walk a little further towards south, where the green grass turned yellow, and the white flowers around bent in the breeze “Cú Chulainn, however, didn’t love her back. So the old witch, hurt and angry by his rejection, stalked him all over Ireland. The hero, finally, made his escape through the Cliffs. Mal, however, wasn’t as fit as a tough Irish hero-” “Obviously” Beth chuckled. “And so she tripped and fell, meeting her death right at Hags Head. Her blood stained the entire sea.” “Ouch…” Beth grimaced. “So, moral of the story: when someone crazy stalks you, you better kill them before they get you killed.” “Was that the moral? I didn’t take it to be that” Beth chuckled. “What I’m trying to tell you in a less… blaming way, is that you really should listen to Katie: you should charge your ex-husband with domestic violence. Think about it for a second, alright?” He grabbed her shoulders so she wouldn’t turn around and leave “You divorce him, you’re free. Done and dealt with. Perfect. Then what? What makes you so sure he won’t do that again, to some other poor woman? Or worse, what makes you think he’ll just accept the divorce and leave you alone? Don’t you own a TV? Haven’t you seen what these kind of men do to their wives?” “And why should I be the one to embark on a heroic quest?!” Beth hissed, shoving his hands away “I’m just me, just plain Beth from a small town in Texas, with no real aspirations and no real dreams.” “That’s not true, and you know it.” Jamie mumbled softly, his hands turning into white fists “You do have dreams, and you do have amazing qualities. It took balls, really gigantic balls to get your stuff and run.” “Yeah, running is really balsy” Beth mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest. “It was. It is.” He corrected, his hands placed over her shoulders again, his big thumbs caressing her collarbone in a way it was making her heart race and her sensitive skin shiver “You’re a survivor. Alright, sorry about that one. I know you don’t want to be a crying Oprah’s guest, but seriously,” Beth chuckled at that “you need to take action, before he makes something that can hurt you. And he’ll try. He’s that kind of man – scratch that; that kind of beast works that way: destroy what it has and what it can’t have.” “If I press charges… I’ll have to... tell the police what he did…” Beth mumbled, honey eyes looking down at the flowers under her feet, getting helplessly crushed “What he did to me… I can’t, Jamie.” Her voice turned higher and faster “I’m not telling some police officer what he did. I can’t. I just can’t go through all of it again.” Jamie opened his mouth to strike back some sense into her, but as her beautiful almond shaped eyes stared back at him, he swallowed all the reasonable facts he was going to present. “You’re afraid.” He realized; his hands grasped her tighter, his thumbs caressed her thin and smooth jaw “You’re really terrified he’ll find you and ruin everything for you. You don’t fear his strikes, you would rather have him hit you again, if it made him happy, so far as you could keep what you have now. Am I right?” “Don’t tell Katie, she would never understand.” Beth mumbled softly, the first time she showed vulnerability “She would make me go to some fancy and over-expensive therapist, and I really hate shrink crap.” “I won’t.” Jamie assured her with a side smile “On one condition: you’ll talk to Mark and tell him you want to file a domestic violence offense. Do it, Beth.” He added before she could argue “Do what’s right. He won’t hurt you, he won’t hurt your sister. And he sure as hell won’t take you back. That I can promise you, no problem, no second thoughts.” “What if he refuses to give me the divorce?” Beth mumbled, her honey eyes huge with real fear, now “I’ll have to go to trial, back to the US, to face him, face a judge and… and many lies and truths being tossed from one lawyer to another. I can’t face that! I won’t face that! I just want out!” “There’s no easy way out of this, Beth.” Jamie explained her softly, his hands dropped to the bottom of her spine, thumbs caressing the soft skin under her sweater “And if you have to go to the US for a trial or something like that, you won’ be going alone. We’ll go with you. I assure you both Katie and Paul wouldn’t let you fly there and deal with all that by yourself. And neither would I.” “You don’t have to do that…” She mumbled, usually strong and hard eyes now shining with glossy wetness that made Jamie’s chest get tighter “You’re just my boss, Jamie. This isn’t a healthy boss-employee relationship.” “I don’t have to, but I want to and I will.” He assured her, one of his hands coming to touch her face, a large and calloused thumb brushing the soft skin under her eye “And this isn’t a boss-employee relationship, certainly not at this instant.” “You always turn the tables to your own terms, don’t you?” Beth’s smile was soft and pleased. “I’m one in a billion, and you know you love it.” He grinned “Your eyes are the exact same color as a good whiskey, did you know that?” Beth blinked, astonished by the sudden change in the subject. “Huh, they’re brown.” “No. They’re whiskey. Especially in this sunset. Golden, turbulent and strong as oak. Beautiful whiskey eyes…” His Irish tilt was rougher now, as he dropped his voice lower; it made her entire guts crunch tighter together “The kind not everyone could stand straight up. No rocks for this kind of whiskey… Pure malt gold…” She could cry, now. She could really tear up and make a total fool of herself. But Jamie didn’t give her time for an ugly scene, for his soft smiling lips closed over hers in the most amazing perfect lock and key. He was never rough when he touched her. Maybe it was just the way he was, a soft man – she hardly believed that –; maybe he was just double careful because he knew what she’d suffered at the hands of another man. Or maybe… God, just maybe, he was like that just for her, the same way she melted just for him. His kiss was slow but with intent, alluring, but carnal; it was plain Jamie Connolly, no pretenses, just the man and the amazing art of kissing that came with him. “I’m gonna break my promise. Have dinner with me, tomorrow.” He added, once she frowned, as his nose and forehead touched hers “Just you and me. I want some time alone with you; no nagging sisters – mine and yours, obviously –, no Cricket, the conscious friend – that’s Paul, I guess you got that too –, no meddling family and no ex-husband SOBs. Just you and I.” “That would be weird, wouldn’t it?” She mumbled, wincing. “It will be weird if you said no, after all I said and done this afternoon” He grinned. “You’re really pushy” She chuckled, her hands caressing his nape. “I’m only pushy because I know you want it, too. I can see it bubbling in your eyes. You want it, but you’re afraid.” He assured her, kissing her lips softly “I get it. I’m scared, too. But, we’re adults, and we’ll behave like adults, most of the time.” “So what? We go out on an actual date? What happens once we have to go back to being boss and employee?” Beth mumbled, frowning and swallowing hard. “Love, I’ll always be your boss” He grinned with mischief, and Beth punched his shoulder, playfully. “Alright. Dinner. Just dinner. Stop walking hand-in-hand with me.” She added, blushing as he grabbed her hand again “And kissing me, it’s… weird.” “Not a chance, and hell no, I will never.” He snorted, pulling her to him as a reminder “I’ll stop doing both, once you stop melting and sighing as I do it.” “I don’t-” She started to protest, but Jamie grabbed her face and kissed her hard, stealing her breath away with his mouth, wet tongue and roughed beard. He pulled her away and had the nerve to grin with an obvious manly proud look on his face. “Let’s go back, or they’ll start wondering terrible things about you and me.” Jamie pulled her with him again, down the hill, and Beth followed, silent; there was nothing she could actually say to save her pride, for every time Jamie touched her and, worse, kissed her, she was just as he portrayed: a female puddle of sighs and wobbly legs.

***

“There they are!” A tall and lean man with dark hair and blue eyes grinned, as Beth and Jamie entered a pub, sometime later “Took you long enough to woo the Yankee, ol’ timer!” “Filter, on.” Jamie grunted at the guy, as he palmed his strong shoulder “That’s my cousin Sean, he has no real tact.” “I see the resemblance” Beth mumbled to herself, but around the booth people laughed; maybe she calculated her tone wrongly. “That’ll cost you.” Jamie whispered in her ear with a dark chuckle “That’s his mom, my aunt Isla.” He pointed to a copper head woman that sat next to Jeanine “And that’s Paul’s brother Evan, and his mother Arlene.” She smiled and greeted everyone politely. She wanted to sit next to Katie, but truth be told, she was drunker than a Texan trucker – and so was Paul. Her only choice at a friendly face was either Brianna – whom was laughing with her eighteen year old cousin Bridget about some boy stuff, for sure –, or Jamie, the pub owner that kept wooing her with no shame whatsoever. She accepted all the beer that came her way; if she wanted to pass as a normal human being, she was going to need lots of alcohol for that. “You and Katie aren’t very twin like” Sean, the blue-eyed cousin with the Connolly charm, put in, straddling a chair next to Beth. “Huh… Thank you?” Beth frowned, shrugging. “Oh, it wasn’t neither an offense nor a compliment, it was just a statement.” Sean shrugged, gulping down more beer “And Katie forgot to tell us how beautiful her sister is.” “Aw, Sean, bring it down a notch!” Jeanine grunted, making a nauseous face “Don’t listen to him. He flirts with everything that moves.” “Hey, not true. I’m a selective man!” Sean gasped, as if offended, putting a hand over his heart. “He selectively sleeps with every floozy in the county and its surroundings” Jamie assured Beth with a wink and a click to her mug. “Are you trying to make me get grossed out by your cousin, so he’s not a threat to your courting?” Beth snorted, crocking a brow up at the redhead man. “Will you look at that? You got yourself a biter, Jamie!” Sean laughed, cheering again. “So it seems…” Jamie chuckled, looking down at Beth with dreaming blue eyes “Back off, then, little cousin, and go get your own tourist!” “Hey ya, calm down, ol’ timer!” Sean snorted, rolling his eyes “The more you fight it, the more the lady will see how desperate you are for a woman! Has it been that long?!” “Sean Logan Connolly!” Isla, his mother, kicked him from under the table “Mind your manners!” “I’m gonna kick that skinny ass of yours, you little hipster, if you don’t shut that damned witty mouth.” Jamie grunted, squinting his eyes at his cousin “And quit calling me ol’ timer, we’re the same age.” “Only in number.” Sean shrugged, as he saw his cousin’s face get red with rage “My hair is still all attached to my head.” “Quit it!” Beth groaned, frowning deeply as she saw Jamie brush his short red hair “He’s not losing any hair!” “Oh, yes he is. He’s got a Widow’s peak and everything” Evan put in, the dark haired round guy chuckled. “You really aren’t.” Beth assured Jamie with a soft smile “Your hair’s just fine.” “Well, thank you, Yankee.” Jamie grinned, his left hand massaging her tense nape, making her spine bend like a cat’s “I prefer yours, though.” “Oh, God, will you two just jump on each other and get it over with?!” Katie moaned, finishing another beer. “Katie, I think you need to get some air” Beth grunted, getting up from her seat and grabbing her sister’s thin arm. “I’m fine!” Katie assured her with a heavy sigh and a big roll of her eyes. “We’re just going outside so she can get some air.” Beth mumbled around the table; and, she needed to admit to herself, she could use some fresh air too “Five minutes. C’mon, Katie.” “Go on, Yankee! But not too far!” Sean was grinning as she bypassed his chair “Better swing that sexy butt back in five minutes or I’ll just take the hint and kidnap you!” Sean was prepared to smack her butt as she passed by him, but Jamie caught his arm by the wrist and stopped him. “Hey, ya sleeveen culchie!” Jamie grunted, smacking his cousin’s head “Don’t put your paws on her!” “Calm down, boyo!” Sean grunted, rubbing the back of his head, which stung “What is she, your girlfriend?!” “You just met her, so back off.” Jamie mumbled, shrugging and feeling himself blush “She’s not the kind of person to get all friendly and personal as you meet her.” “Ah, the tool’s gone in the head for her!” Evan grunted painfully “Not you of all people, Connolly! I’ve had it bad with my brother, can’t deal with you turning all sappy, too! “Leave him be!” Arlene put in, rolling her eyes “Jamie’s a good boy, and he deserves a sweet girl. She’s a real sweet girl, darling.” “Very nice and very beautiful.” Isla smiled too “You did well.” Jamie was too embarrassed, and his chest was too tight around his lungs for him to retort. All he knew, was that there was a beautiful Yankee in his life, with so many complicated issues for any man to deal with. He felt the same way, but all the ‘buts’ melted away, as he saw her walk inside with her sister hanging by her side, laughing and grinning with joy, her high cheeks reddened by pure bliss, and the most beautiful whiskey eyes that smiled right into his own. Evan was right, he was indeed gone in the head for that woman.

CHAPTER 9

Caramel Pecan Pie

3 eggs 30 caramels 1 cup of pecan nuts (cut in halves) ¼ cup of butter ¼ cup of milk ¾ cup of white sugar ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon of salt

Note: Eat at your own description, but be warned, it’s so sweet it will make your teeth hurt.

She’d decided not to go. Then, she realized she was being a coward. Later, she was convinced that she was NOT being a coward, but merely realistic. “You’re overthinking this” Katie told her, watching her put on and take off every piece of clothing she’d taken to the west. “Am I? Am I really, Katie?” Beth mumbled, taking off yet another loose dress Katie made her try on “I’m not yet divorced, I know Jamie for – what, two months, now? And I’m going out with him! Just like that.” “Jesus, Beth! For someone who doesn’t want to be portrayed as the victim, you play the part perfectly.” Beth frowned, offended, looking at her sister through the mirror, as she tried on another dress Katie thrown her way. “You sound like mom; you’re not enjoying what you have, Beth. You’re overthinking everything: your work, you staying here, Jamie…” “I’m just being cautious. That’s a thing, Katie. Maybe not for you, but for me it’s important to cover all the bad things that can happen” Beth mumbled, deciding no dress would make her feel comfortable. “If you keep bombing your head with the worst case scenario, you’ll end up lonely and sad. There’s a gorgeous, sweet and caring man who wants to go out with you, and you’re actually considering not taking that amazing shot, because things might not work out.” Katie said, getting up from one of the beds she was lying in “You have to stay positive, Beth. Your life’s been shitty thus far, but no more. You gotta stay strong, positive and keep an open mind. Look…” She sighed this time, pushing Beth’s hands away from her dark hair and brushing it with a large comb, so her locks wouldn’t be ruined “I was the first person to notice Jamie had his eye on you. I know him well: he’s a flirter, but he’s honest and a good man; he’s sweet, funny, and he’s really caring of his friends. So, if he’s interested in you, that makes me happy, because I love you, and I love him; most importantly, I know he would be a breath of fresh hair that you desperately need.” Katie dropped the comb over the nightstand in front of her sister, picked up a tight black dress and smiled. “Wear this one, fits you perfectly. He’ll be K.O as soon as he sees you.”

***

Stay positive. Stay strong. Open minded. You can do this. She repeated the mantra as she walked on the black heels towards the front door of the Connolly’s. She could hear Jamie chuckling with his cousin; he was wearing dark slacks, a light blue shirt and brown Oxford shoes. Beth’s mouth turned dry, and she felt her stomach quiver at the sight of him. “Well, what a femme fatale we got here!” Sean grinned, his black hair almost touched his strong shoulders, especially when he tilted his head and whistled as Beth smiled her way towards him and his cousin “Cous’, I’m definitely stealing this woman away, if you don’t watch yourself.” “Ah, cousin… We’re not high school lads any more. I’m not leaving this one out of my sight, not ever. Now beat it, ‘cause I’m on a date.” Jamie gestured with his thumb for his cousin to walk away, which Sean did, still chuckling, winking at Beth as he passed by “Before anything else, let me tell you that you have amazing legs.” Beth chuckled, clearing her throat at the end and tapping her foot nervously as he eyed her from head to toe, like he was memorizing every inch of her. It was nerve-racking. “Well, thank you. Aren’t we going?” She crocked a brow, gesturing for the door. “Come here so I can get your coat on.” He gestured with his head to the coatrack by the door; he grabbed her dark one and helped her put it on “Alright, now you’re perfect.” He opened the door and made a gallant gesture for her to lead the way. They paced quickly to the parked car; the darkness of the night in the west was incredibly romantic, Beth thought as she entered the car. “I hope you don’t think I’m a pervert or something, because I’m really trying hard not to stare at you in that dress, and it’s turning out to be an impossible mission.” “I don’t think that, but I do think you should use some sort of filter between your brain and your mouth” Beth frowned. “Oh, you think I don’t?! That’s cute!” He laughed. “This is you with a filter?” Beth mumbled “That’s just scary, then.” “You really have no idea” His smile was like a snake’s, which made Beth chuckle. He drove the car onto the Highway and Beth frowned. “Where are we having dinner, exactly?” Beth asked, as he turned on the radio and Adele started to sing. “A really nice seafood place in Ennis.” “Isn’t Ennis a little far?” Beth mumbled. “An hour away, not really that far. Why, are you afraid to be alone with me?” He teased with a grin. “That’s not what I meant. I was just making conversation” She shrugged, crossing her arms over her lap. “Well, aren’t you evolving? Making conversation just like earthlings do!” He teased her again. “Ok, cute. Can we stop with the ‘Teasing Beth’ show? I’m not an entertaining person, I get it” She grunted. “Oh, but you are!” He grinned “I just like to tease you, love, and it’s damn personal. You look beautiful when you’re angry.” Beth pressed her lips together and kept quiet. “You don’t really deal well with compliments, do you?” He mumbled after a long time. “Why a pub?” She asked, instead of answering to his usual personal question. “Why a pub? Jesus, I don’t know…” He chuckled, shrugging “Well, actually I think I do. My pa and my uncle Garret owned a pub for thirty years. I used to help there, since I was a kid. So, when I decided to go all teenage rebel on them, and traveled to Dublin on my own, a pub looked like a good idea.” “You ran from home to live in Dublin?” Beth blinked, surprised “Why?” “Can you imagine this piece of heaven stuck in this God forsaken village for the rest of his life?” He grinned, making Beth laugh loud; she stopped once she saw him staring at the dark road ahead with a grim look, now “My parents were great people. Really great people. But pa was… Well, he had his mind set on everything. Things were black and white with that man, right and wrong, no shades of gray, ever.” Beth kept quiet; she got that, her mother was the same, whether something was right or completely wrong and sinful, there was no middle ground with that woman. “Guess you two didn’t get along that well” Beth mumbled. “He was my dad. I loved him. But the man was a hard-head son of a bitch.” He chuckled with no humor “He wanted me to stay here, deal with the family business, marry a nice village girl and pop out some kids.” “Ah, I see” Beth smiled softly. “Do you, now?” He crocked a brow, amused. “Jamie Connolly would rather die to be told what to do, isn’t that right?” She grinned, and he chuckled “Sorry, go on.” “It was sort of that. I wanted to live a little, see the world. So I got the money I put together from summer jobs, and went traveling for a while. Got some low paid jobs here and there; been to the US, Chicago and Boston, basically. Then I came back, decided to settle in Dublin. Paul and I got into a partnership and opened Connolly’s. Not a year later, my mom got sick. Breast cancer. She died really quickly, within months.” “I’m so sorry, Jamie” Beth mumbled, swallowing hard as she watched his blue eyes stare ahead, not blinking, his jaw set tight. “Dad turned crazier, if that was even possible. We believe he died of heartache.” He mumbled, as matter-of-factly, shrugging “Bree was…” He sighed now, a hand brushing back his hair, swallowing hard “Let’s change the subject. God, I look like an Oprah guest, monopolizing the entire conversation!” He chuckled. “Go on.” She frowned, squeezing one of his hands, on the wheel “It’s not fair to leave me hanging when I told you everything about my dysfunctional family.” “That’s true.” He chuckled softly, his thumb caressing her knuckles “So Bree… she was only eight, she was a kid. I decided to keep her with me.” “Why?” Jamie blinked and shrugged. “She’s my sister. I don’t know, Beth…” He sighed, brushing his hair again “She was upset, sad and confused. I just wanted to take care of her.” So that’s why… Interesting… James Connolly had this innate way about him that compelled him to care for all things that were hurt, around him. Beth’s heart turned softer towards him as she realized how disguisedly kind hearted he was. “So you brought her to Dublin.” “Yeah… Maybe it was a bad idea. Well, you see how we get along…” He mumbled in the end. “Your sister loves you, Jamie.” Beth assured him with a smile, her hand caressed his again; for some reason she was in the mood to touch him “And although you keep stomping your foot down, I have to remind you that you’re doing the same thing your dad did.” “Look, I know Colin is a good kid. Deep down. Deep, deep down. But it’s my sister, Beth.” He mumbled, eyeing her intensely “Someone tries to hurt the people I care about, I go crazy. And Colin? He has plastered ‘Road of pain’ on his dumb going-though-puberty face.” “James Connolly, could it be that you’re afraid?” She smiled softly. “You tell anyone, I’ll have to kidnap and keep you locked under seven keys for decades” He smiled. As they arrived the restaurant with a wonderful view towards the river, Beth was feeling much calmer and confident. This had been a good idea, no doubt. Jamie was funny, kind and honest, which was refreshing. She didn’t even flinch every time he touched her, whispered in her ear and kissed her. She felt good, she felt normal and feminine. “I’m going to make you wear that dress for work” He mumbled to her ear, later when they were having dessert. She actually giggled at that, smacking his thigh. Jamie chuckled in her ear and kissed her neck. There was a romantic song playing in the background, and a nice warm and loving atmosphere for the couples. Jamie stood up and pulled her by her hand. “What are you doing?” Beth frowned, as he pulled her into his chest. “We’re dancing” He shrugged, one of his hands traveling down to her waist, as the other grabbed one of hers. “Jamie, no one’s dancing!” She whispered, as he started to make her move to his own slow rhythm; the other couples smiled and chuckled at them “Everyone’s looking! We’re being silly!” “We’re being romantic and spontaneous.” He corrected, lowering his face to her hair, chuckling in her ear and kissing her neck; he felt her stiff and shiver, then relax as his nose caressed her collarbone “Mo ghrá álainn…” “What did you say?” She frowned, smiling up at him. “Oh, nothing, don’t worry.” He smiled, feeling his neck getting redder “Do you want to go for a walk down the river?” They walked for half an hour under a starry September night, Jamie making sure his hand kept holding Beth’s, asking her question after question, making her laugh and blush every chance he got. From the way she kept asking him questions and being playful, Jamie was now more than sure this wonderful and confusing woman, was a keeper. Well, he would make sure he would keep her, that is. “Do you know what I missed the most? I mean, when I got to Dublin, the thing that I couldn’t wait to do?” “Bake a pie?” He grinned. “Jackass.” She smiled, leaning onto the river, as both she and Jamie rested next to a small bridge that overpassed it “No, I actually missed to take a good seat, alone, in the couch, and read a nice book. No schedules, no laundry to do, or the dishes. I just wanted to be quiet and alone for a while. Isn’t that completely anti-ambitious?” She chuckled. “No, it’s Beth. It’s very simple and down to earth.” Jamie assured her with a soft smile, pushing her hair behind her ear, as it was gently blown by the night breeze “You wanted to be at peace, safe and relieved.” “Yes…” Beth sighed, turning her back to the river and facing the lights of the city “Relieved… God, I felt so relieved when I got on that plane… The last one, out of the states, I mean. I never thought I could do it… Honestly, I still wake up shaking, sometimes, thinking I was having a dream, and that as soon as I open my eyes, I’ll be back home, and… well, everything sucks from then on…” “But you’re not dreaming, love.” He mumbled, caressing her chin “Although I understand it’s hard for you to be sure I’m real, I’m that wonderful.” “You’re just so full of it, aren’t you?” She smiled, looking up at him “Is it just a show? I mean, are you secretly afraid of losing all that hair, like your cousin Sean says?” “I’m not losing my hair!” Jamie grunted, a hand rubbing his short waves, making Beth grin “And Sean wished he looked this good.” “You’re not losing your hair.” She assured him with a smile “It’s just like a mane: proud and arrogant. Heart of a lion… You’re the Lion man” She chuckled, caressing the trends with her fingers, making him laugh with his head back. “And what are you? A tiger, with whiskey eyes and sharp mouth” He chuckled, grabbing her cheeks with his big hands. “I would win in a fight with you, anytime” She assured him with a crocked brow and pretentious smile. “I’m crazy about you, Beth” He mumbled softly, his smile more private, now, his blue eyes sparkling like stars. Beth swallowed hard, not sure of what to say. She didn’t have to, especially since Jamie dropped his mouth to hers, and erased any thinking capability she might have ever had. If she didn’t know better, if she weren’t a smart woman, if she didn’t know how impossible that was, she would have bet every lousy penny she had that she was falling for the Irish scoundrel.

***

Soon. Very soon he would be with his Beth again. She was his, and his alone. He already had his new passport with him, a new ID and an intent. She was his, goddamn it! He felt a whole lot better as his passport and ticket were cleared in New York, and he was a few hours away from his wife. His mother-in-law advised him to stay at home and wait; she would do the traveling and convince Beth to come back. But no, he knew how stupid the church bitch was, how easily manipulated she could be. Hell, he’d done it himself during his marriage, how hard would it be for her own daughters to do it, as well? As he embarked, Austin Peterson checked his watch. Seven, eight hours of sleep and he would be in jolly Ireland, holding his wife and taking her back home. They would go on a small trip, after they went back home, of course. He wanted to be alone with her for a while, maybe… try some new things… Things she had always rejected and begged for him not to do. But now… Oh, now she would have to submit to them; she ran from him, and she knew he wouldn’t tolerate it, now, didn’t she? Soon… “Ladies and gentlemen, please, lock your seatbelts, we are preparing for lift off.” Very, very soon.

CHAPTER 10

Chocolate Layered Pie

½ cup of chopped pecan nuts ½ cup of melted butter 2 cups of milk 1 cup of flour 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar 2 cups of frozen whipped topping 8 ounces of cream cheese 6 ounces of instant chocolate pudding mix

Note: The more chocolate and sugar the better, it melts in your mouth and makes you forget about everything else.

And so they were back home. A week away in the west, being off work and flirted around by a sexy and funny man could do wonders, Beth was now sure of it. It was still foreign to her that Jamie kept beating around the bush – meaning, following her around and stealing kisses and hugs and whatever else he could. He was shameless, which was invigorating. He wasn’t pushy – well… maybe he was a little, but if Beth actually said ‘No’, he would respect her decision and try to dissuade her with his flawless grin and no-filter mouth. “But you said I could!” Brianna shrieked, as Paul stopped the car in front of Jamie’s flat. “Bree, we’ll talk inside.” Jamie grunted at his sister; he opened the trunk and took off his and Brianna’s bags “Now, say goodbye to the guys.” The girl crossed her arms over her chest as she got out of the car and pouted. “Jamie, you did promise her” Katie put in, pressing her lips tight. “What is it with everyone thinking they have a say in my way of educating my sister?!” Jamie grunted, tossing his bag to the sidewalk with brutal force; Beth shook as his temper fired up “You all keep your noses out of my business, will you? I know what I’m doing.” “You can’t take your word back.” Katie insisted, circling Brianna’s shoulders with one of her thin arms; the teenager tossed her chin up, blue eyes glaring icily at her brother “What are you teaching her, that a person’s word means nothing?” “Jesus, Katie…!” Jamie groaned, pushing at his hair “You know she’s lying, don’t you? She’s not going to Annie’s slumber party, or what’s the girl called, anyway! She’s meeting that kid, so she’s not leaving the house, and that’s final!” Beth was shaking; she hated confrontations, especially with men. Granted, Jamie wasn’t confronting her, and he had never been violent towards a soul. Still, Beth’s instinct was to stay put and try to calm down her heartbeat, waiting for the hit that would eventually come. “Why are you looking at me like something is gonna fall onto your head?” Jamie grunted at Beth, and he cursed under his breath as she jumped like a skittish cat and put out a hand over her face to shield herself. Paul and Katie swallowed hard, Brianna felt her chest tight. Beth was scared of Jamie, she had thought he would hit her, and no one wanted to address the big elephant in the room. “We should go home” Katie mumbled, her hand grabbing her sister’s to push her towards the car. “Katie, please can you help Bree take the bags upstairs?” Jamie mumbled at his friend, his eyes never leaving Beth’s. Katie pressed her lips tight, but as her twin smiled tensely at her from over her shoulder, she nodded. Paul whistled softly and got in the car again, turning the hazard lights on for the traffic to bypass him in the busy street; he had a feeling he would be waiting for a while. “You thought I was gonna hit you?” Beth swallowed hard again, and she shook her head, staring down at her feet. She bit the inside of her lower lip as she felt Jamie’s hand cup her chin and turn her eyes right at his blue stare. “Don’t you ever cower before me.” Jamie’s voice was hard, his eyes shining with hurt “I will never in my life hurt you, Beth. I would rather cut off my balls with a butter knife and get a nasty infection to cause you any bruises.” Beth couldn’t help but chuckle at his words. Leave it to Jamie Connolly to make her laugh at the most inappropriate moment. The man had, in fact, no filter. “I’m serious.” He pressed, his other hand cupped the back of her neck, so their bodies were pressed together “I’m being dead serious, Mary Elizabeth. You are precious to me, and I will never harm you in any way.” “You’re being unfair to Bree.” She mumbled, trying to sway the conversation in a different direction “You did promise her, Jamie. And, let’s face it, she’s most likely not lying to you about the slumber party. You could find out in two seconds, just calling the girl’s mom. Plus, you know she’s crazy about Colin – for him is the same, trust me – , and you crucifying her every time she goes out with him isn’t the best policy.” “Why do you always avoid talking about yourself? I’m not an idiot, Beth – well, not that much of an idiot, anyway.” He shrugged “Tell you what, we’ll settle both arguments right here, right now. The slumber party is tonight; Bree’s gonna be out, so, come have dinner with me.” “Jamie, don’t you think you should enjoy the rest of the weekend alone?” Beth mumbled, saying the first stupid excuse that came to her mind. “You say yes to dinner at my place, Bree’s aloud to go out with her friends” He shrugged, his hands dropping to the hollow of her back, his thumbs caressing her skin under the hem of her sweater. “You’re using your own sister to get me to have dinner with you?” Beth mumbled, frowning in shock. “Like you said: all is fair in love and war.” Jamie grinned with mischief, his teeth scrapping her tender neck; she gasped at the feeling it caused “I’ll use all my weapons with you, Beth.” “This isn’t a war.” She mumbled, feeling her knees buckle as his lips kept caressing the side of her neck right into the hollow of her ear “And it’s definitely not a love story.” Jamie swallowed the words he wanted to scream at her, and he tried to ignore the tug on his heart. Slow… Beth Kelly was like a scared wild cat that needed to be softly seduced, slowly until she trusted him blindly; only then he could hope for something more from her. But he was a patient man, he would wait and he would go easy on her. As easy as he could manage, at least. “Dinner? And Bree will be allowed to go to her little party.” He mumbled to her ear, his lips brushing by hers in a featherlike touch as he spoke “Think about it.” They all missed the man waiting on the other side of the road, as Katie came down again and Jamie waved goodbye to his friends, with a big satisfied grin in his face. The man had been watching the entire scene right from the start. Austin had gone to Katie’s has soon as he arrived to Dublin; he missed his wife and he wanted to talk to her first of all. No one answered from her place, he called and still no answer. They must’ve not been at home. So, he went to Connolly’s, hoping his wife would come by, only to find out the pub had been closed for a few days, now. Austin had asked around the other pubs and they told him they had closed for a week. He pressed a few buttons here and there, and found out that the owner and his business partner – Paul – had traveled west to their home village for the week. Most likely Katie, the slut, had gone with her lover, and probably dragged Beth along with her, as well. She had always been a bad influence on his wife, but he was confident that would change real soon. First of all, Katie wouldn’t be welcome to their home anymore, due to the moral offense she was – even her own mother agreed with Austin on that. Plus, Beth would never travel to Ireland again, as far as Austin was concerned. Austin waited, for he had no other way to contact his wife. He checked in a hotel close to Katie’s place and waited. He passed by Connoly’s and Katie’s place every day. After a few days in Dublin, he found out where the owner lived, and he had heard just the night before, they would be coming back the next day. And as sure as he was feeling his blood boil, they did. So, his little sneaky wife was in fact sleeping with some other man; only it wasn’t some loser from their hometown. Oh, no, she went to the high ranks: a foreigner! A tall and strong Irish ginger bastard. She liked to be the damsel that needed to be safe, Austin had always known. She loved when he showed her how strong he was. But now she went to look for someone much taller and stronger. Figures, she was a little slut just like her sister. Oh, but she would see. She would learn not to mess with him, not to be two-timing him. He would wait, for now, he would follow her and see what she was doing exactly with that son of a bitch. Oh, and for sure, he would spend his time finding a way to make her pay.

***

Beth could hardly think, by now. It had been a bad idea from the start to give in to Jamie’s moves. But, if she were to be honest with herself, she had had no choice. Truth was, when it came to Jamie Connolly, she was as helpless as she had been with Austin, only in a different way. While Austin had pushed himself into her, giving her no choice, and making real clear that fact, Jamie had seduced, had been there, had made her laugh and chuckle and cry… and – she decided this was as important as the rest – he had made her want. She wanted to feel all the things he made her feel, all the shivers and tingles, all the unexpected gasps and even the mixed feelings. She had felt stupid in baking a pie for dessert, she felt even worse as she knocked on his apartment door. What on earth was she doing, anyway?! Katie had told her to have fun, Paul had winked and smacked her shoulder, like a brother or a dad would. Still, they both had looked worried and weird. Katie had made her wear some fitted jeans and a low cut blouse; and Beth wasn’t too happy about it, especially because it was kinda chilly that night, and the blouse was almost sheer, as it was too thin. She had never really paid attention to clothing and to looking like she cared about fashion; it was jeans and a tee, sometimes a sweater and that was it. “It’s not fair for you to always look beautiful.” Jamie grinned as he opened the door, eyeing her up and down with hungry blue eyes “I can’t be held responsible for my pervert thoughts.” “I believe that’s a compliment. If so, thanks” Beth chuckled, walking inside his apartment. “It was a statement of how stunning you are.” He grinned, leaning down to kiss her lips really softly, like a butterfly once it sets in an open flower “I’m no Beth Kelly, but I can cook something eatable. So, I hope you’re hungry, because we’re having lamb.” “Smells wonderful” Beth sighed, closing her eyes at the heavenly scent. “Hopefully, it will taste as good.” He chuckled, taking her jacket off, the pie, and gesturing for her to follow him down the white hallway towards the first door on the left “So, this kitchen isn’t as packed up as the Connolly’s, but hopefully a feast can be made in here.” Beth smiled as she walked inside the blue and white kitchen. He was right, it wasn’t a modern kitchen, it was small and contained the basic: microwave, stove, blender, cutlery and the dishes. Either way, it looked like a home, and that’s what Beth thought it matter. “Come here and taste it.” Jamie pulled her hand so she would join him by the stove; he opened the black door and took a small spoon of gravy “Taste it and tell me what you think. Don’t be nice. I can take it.” Beth took it and closed her eyes. It was a rich, slightly bitter taste; it had some sort of spice, she could feel it on her tongue. “It has a lot of character.” She grinned at him “Spicy and nasty, just like you.” “Aw, that’s the nicest thing you ever said to me!” He chuckled, closing the stove and serving two glasses of red wine “So you baked a chocolate pie. You have a sweet tooth, don’t you?” “A bad one.” She chuckled, accepting the glass of wine and taking a sip “Have to watch out, though. Can’t eat too much.” “You’re fine.” He assured her, taking a long look up and down her body; Beth swallowed more wine and Jamie chuckled, taking the glass off her hands “No chance in hell, ma’am. You’re not getting drunk tonight. I want you in your best vigilant mode.” “Oh, really?” Beth tried to smile, but she was still shaking with Jamie’s intense look. “I have a plan, see? I’m planning to seduce you, tonight” His smile was like a lion’s grin, full of pride, confidence and arrogance. Beth caught her breath in her throat. Crap, that wasn’t good…! If she was getting terrified of falling in love with him, the fact that he was expecting… more, tonight, was a horror movie. “Look, Jamie-” She started, smoothing her hair. “Shh, shh. No, you’re not starting to read me your loooong list of ‘Shouldn’ts’.” He interrupted, putting a finger to her lips “We’re having dinner, we’re gonna talk, we’re gonna bond. I’m sure as hell bringing my A- game tonight, I only wanted you to be prepared for what’s coming your way.” “You are the most conceited-” She started, with a squint. “Oh, love, you haven’t seen the worst of it” His grin was the lion’s, again; Beth would be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t feeling excited about it.

***

Well, Jamie did make her feel relaxed. The dinner was amazing, the conversation was personal and light. Jamie was a comedian, and he did make her feel like a normal woman. She felt wanted, she knew he heard her when she talked about her projects and ideas; she felt as if he actually cared for her. “Well, you’re on a roll at the pub.” He grinned, as he finished throwing the dishes into the washer; he washed his hands and served another glass of wine at Beth and himself “folks are crazy about your cooking. Some fancy restaurant is gonna steal you away from me, one of these days.” “Oh, don’t be silly.” Beth chuckled, taking one last sip from her glass “I’m not big restaurant material. They want the big guns, the famous chefs.” “Love, you are one of the big guns.” He assured her, finishing his wine and tossing the glass to the sinker; his blue eyes never leaving Beth’s face “You really should get a clearer view of your self-worth, because you’re an amazing cook, and an even better woman.” Beth swallowed hard, and she felt her stomach tighten once Jamie took the glass off her hands. He walked towards her like he was approaching a scared gazelle, like he was the predator and her his meal. “I, huh… It’s getting late; I should, huh, you know, go home. Katie’s probably worried, by now” Beth mumbled, walking backwards as he approached her with a soft smile on his lips. “I assure you Katie’s not expecting you anytime soon. She’s enjoying her night alone with my buddy Paul” He chuckled, and Beth felt his throaty laugh all the way to parts of her body she didn’t know it could feel warm like that. “Jamie, you’re scaring me” She mumbled; and he actually was, because she couldn’t control her feelings nor her body’s reaction, and it was damn scary. “Love, I will never, in my miserable life, hurt you.” He assured her, his hands grabbing her waist so she wouldn’t run away, as they met in the middle of the hallway “Yes, I’m a son of a bitch and I’ll annoy you, make you crazy and frustrate you. But never, Mary Elizabeth Kelly, never will I harm you in any way. I’m not a psycho, I hope you know that and, most important, I love you. I never hurt those whom I love.” “Jamie, you’re getting way out of-” She started, her whisky eyes wide with shock. “Don’t.” He snapped, frowning, like he was hurt “Don’t you dare saying I don’t know what I’m saying. I know what I’m saying, and I know my feelings. I also understand your concerns, and I respect your own feelings, honestly, I do. But I’m not keeping my feelings to myself; I love you and I want you to know it; damn it, I want the whole world to know how much you mean to me…!” “Jamie, that’s a lot of pressure you’re putting on me.” Beth muttered, her hands clasping his gray buttoned down shirt; his eyes were still smiling, his side grin was still soft and full of tenderness “You have to tone it down a lot.” “No. Sorry, but not toning it down. Not even for you to feel comfortable.” He chuckled, dropping his mouth down to her jaw, kissing it tenderly up to her ear “I want you. I want you badly. I’m no boy, Beth. I’m a grown man, and I want this woman; I need this woman so badly. Shh, love, calm down…” He mumbled in her ear, kissing the hollow behind it; she was shaking and panting “Don’t worry, we’ll go slowly. I promise we’ll go slow, at your own rhythm. I won’t push you, ok? That’s an honest promise, love.” “Jamie, I’m not ready…” She mumbled, feeling his hands caress down her back, so her muscles would relax “I… I’m…” “I know you’re scared.” He assured her, looking right into her wide eyes “It breaks my heart to see you look at me like you’re expecting me to… to pin you down to the floor and have it my way. I won’t, alright? You know me better than that. We have all night, plus tomorrow.” Beth actually chuckled at that. Figures, Jamie Connolly feeling over confident. “Jamie…” She mumbled, pushing him away for a second “What if… What if I’m not… feeling it?” “Love, if I can’t make you feel it, you just drag me to the backyard and put me down; I’m not worthy to live if I can’t make my woman feel it.” “I’m not your-” “Love, believe me, after tonight, you’ll be my woman.” His soft chuckle should make her angry, but her body’s traitorous reaction could not be misread “Because, mo ghrá, I already am yours. Just let me try.” He mumbled, kissing her lips while he spoke, his eyes focused on hers “Give us a try, Beth…” With those last words, he closed his arms around her, his mouth over hers, and pushed her softly towards his room. It was dark inside, and the only light he turned on was a small lamp by the bedside table. He wanted the moment to be only theirs, to be private and secured, romantic. He never stopped whispering soothing words, he never stopped kissing her mouth, her jaw, her neck and face. His hands caressed her back, her butt and her hair; she felt her own body’s desire build up. It had been so long since she felt desire, since she had wanted to be close to a man. Truth be told, her sex life was a sad one. When they were dating, Austin was already demanding; yes, he pushed, and tried to seduce. She could see, now, his seductions were nothing, compared to the way Jamie was doing it. Jamie would whisper soft words, endearments and sweet praises, as his hands both relaxed as ignited her body, his own body wrapping around hers, both giving and taking what it needed. Once he took off her blouse, unzipped her jeans and helped move out of them, Jamie looked down. “Damn, Beth. You’re glowing” He mumbled, nuzzling her neck and kissing his way up to her mouth. Beth groaned as her hands roamed his chest. She unbuttoned his shirt, and felt his hairy and muscled chest with her fingertips. She heard him gasp and felt his muscles clench to her touch. She gasped and jumped herself. “What? What is it, love?” He mumbled, caressing her hair, frowning with worry as she pushed a bit back to stare up at him “Are you scared? Do you want to stop?” Deep down, he was begging whatever God could help him to make Beth relax. Damn it all, he needed her; he needed her to know how good it could be, how wonderful and filled with joy a man and a woman’s union could be. “No.” She mumbled; Jamie felt his heart sink at her word “I’m ok.” She swallowed hard as she looked up at him with huge whisky eyes; damn those gorgeous eyes… “I’m not scared… I’m… I’m actually fine…!” Jamie’s soft smile turned out slow. He sighed and hugged her tight to his naked chest. He felt like a giant, a God, when she buried her face in his neck, her fingers clasping to his back muscles, pulling him closer. Yes… This was what he wanted, what they both needed. This was the woman he’d been waiting all his life for. Now, for the first time ever, all his past disgraceful relationships made sense. “Love, you’re more than fine” He chuckled in her ear, and was rewarded with a smile and a passionate kiss. If she made him stop, now, he would die; honest to God, he would slice his wrists and let himself bleed to death if she asked him to stop. But she didn’t. Even when Jamie took off his own pants, socks and underwear, even when he took off Beth’s black bra and panties, she didn’t make him stop. He actually heard her sigh, moan and chuckle. Once he laid her on his blue sheets, her bright eyes staring up at his with a plea as strong as his, Jamie fell in love all over again. He caressed her long locks on his white pillow, feeling the softness and strength of the brown curls on his rough fingers. “Mo chroí… Mo shíorghrá…” He mumbled. “What’s that?” She demanded with a curious smile; her hands roamed his back, feeling the pattern of strong muscles, shivering under her palms. “My heart, my eternal love” He smiled. She had no time to answer what she wanted, because his mouth took hers in a passionate kiss. She was panting as he kissed her neck, her breasts, her belly, her legs… He loved her entire body, took his time to learn all her needs, to feel all her curves, to make her whole body ache and shiver with need. By the time he laid over her again, she was moaning and panting his name, she was boiling with the need for him. And, as softly as a rose’s petals, he entered her, inch by inch. Her little gasps of surprise shot right to his heart, and his chest swallowed with pride and happiness. She undulated under him, moaning and smiling as their bodies moved together in one perfect whole. For the first time in his life, he was sure of something; he was absolutely sure this woman was the one, the one and only for him; forever. And, as far as Beth was concerned, this had been the very first time she had made love to a man. Anything before this night had been the Limbo. Now, this… Ah, this was Heaven, finally. “Jamie…” She mumbled softly in his ear, as she felt her body starting to lose control of itself “Oh, Jamie…! I love you. I love you…” Jamie’s eyes shot to hers, as he felt her contract around him, her body squeezing him whole, her hands grabbing his hair, her legs his waist. Her eyes had tears that wouldn’t fall, and as he kissed her lids, he joined her in their united peak.

CHAPTER 11

Blackberry Pie

4 cups of fresh Blackberries ½ cup of white sugar 3 tablespoons of tapioca 2 tablespoons of milk 1 teaspoon of lemon juice ½ teaspoon of cinnamon ¼ teaspoon of almond extract

Note: It’s an explosion of flavor; it will blast your brains out!

The little bitch had spent the night at the Irish’s place. That whore, that backstabbing slut was already sleeping with another man! She wasn’t yet divorced and she was already warming another man’s bed. Oh, she would pay; long gone was Mr. Nice and Forgiving. Beth would now see vengeful Austin, he promised as he entered a cab and drove off Jamie’s place. This time, he and Beth would settle their scores.

***

Beth opened her eyes as she felt the sun scratch them with its imperious rays. She moaned at the pain it inflicted, but she immediately relaxed, as she felt Jamie’s strong arms contract around her waist, as he slept on her back. The reminders of last night’s entertainments were still scorched in her mind and entire body; well, no wonder, since she had barely slept. She was still feeling drowsy and sluggish. And, as she could get from Jamie’s soft snore on her shoulder, so was her partner in crime. She got up slowly, taking Jamie’s arms from her with a lot of effort – even sleeping, the man had strength. He grunted in his sleep and frowned as she slid off him. Beth muffled a giggle as she saw him lying down on his side, mouth slightly open, hair a mess on the pillow, his beautiful long and lean body wrapped lazily around the blue sheets. He looked like he was sleeping on a cloud, a redhead God floating in the sky. Beth grabbed his oversized shirt, put it on – she hoped he didn’t wake up to see that, because it had been one of her long time wishes to wear a man’s shirt, and Austin’s had always seemed wrong to wear; they carried his smell and Beth had a nasty gag reflex every time she felt his smell. But Austin was long gone, now. She was now in the present, and a future ahead that looked bright and full with possibilities. The man’s shirt she was wearing now was Jamie’s, and his smell made her entire body shake for a whole a lot of reasons, all of them wonderful. When she finished her morning hygiene in Jamie’s bathroom, she felt a big shiver going up her spine – busted. He was stretching on his back, over the bed, and the side grin tugged at his face was full of male pride and arrogance, as he eyed her from head to toe, on his gray shirt. “Looks even better on you.” He assured her with a groggy voice; he chuckled as he saw her blush “C’mere, mavourneen…” Beth smiled and kneeled over the bed, giggling as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to lay under him, trapping her with his heavy body and long neck kisses. “Hum… you have the most delicious smell in the world…” He purred on her neck, covering her with kisses and gentle rubs with his big palms “You slept well, love?” “Hum hum…” She purred herself, gasping as Jamie’s hard desire tugged at her “Jamie, it’s morning!” “That’s exactly why I’m… excited to see you” He chuckled enticing as he kissed her jaw. Beth gasped as he entered her in one swift move. She locked her arms around his neck and held on for dear life, because she knew every time Jamie Connolly touched her, the only thing she could do was pray she made it out alive and in one piece.

***

“Hey, you young lovers!” Jamie grunted a ‘Shut up’ at Paul as he entered his friend’s home with Beth. They had been hiding in his own apartment for the entire day, since Jamie had let Brianna stay at her friend’s place for the rest of the weekend. And now he would have to endure all of Paul’s smart bickers. Not a problem for him, he’d won the final prize, anyway, he could survive – gladly, in fact – his friend’s teasing. “Shut up, Paul.” Beth grunted, blushing like a tomato as she entered the apartment and tossed her keys to the coffee table by the entrance “Where’s Katie?” “She’s pretending to take care of dinner.” Paul was still grinning and winking at his friend “So… did you kids have fun?” “Paul, I’m gonna hit you so hard on that potato head of yours, you’ll be feeling queasy until you turn eighty” Jamie grunted, smacking the back of his head; Paul yelped. “I’m gonna help Katie.” Beth mumbled, still blushing “You two are having dinner with us, right?” She asked Jamie, looking up at him they followed to the small living room. “You got anything from school?” Jamie asked his sister, whom shook her head with a huge satisfied grin “Great. We’re having dinner. You need help?” “Oh, no. I’m fine” Beth smiled up at him; she cleared her throat after she stood on her toes and kissed Jamie’s cheek. “You’re making her uncomfortable.” Jamie grunted at a smiling Paul “Stop, now.” “Relax, old man! I’m just teasing her! I know Beth far longer than you, brother. She knows I’m only kidding.” “Yeah, but she’s my girl, now, and you don’t mess with her, are we clear?” Jamie muttered, feeling his ears blush too “Now go get me a beer” He grunted at Paul, whom made an army salute.

***

Katie was cursing at the stove, for she couldn’t get the thing to work. The pasta was waiting to be boiled, and there was no chance in hell she could make the sauce Beth usually made. “Are you done pretending?” “Oh, thank Heavens, you’re finally here!” Katie moaned, tossing the matches to the counter; yes, she was done, now that mom was here “I was starting to think he had eat you all.” “Funny, Katie.” Beth grunted, turning the stove on and letting the water boil, sprinkling it with a bit of salt and olive oil “I’m here, safe and sound, ready to rescue our stomachs.” “I love you. I don’t say that enough.” Katie grinned, stealing a string of raw pasta and chewing on it while she eyed her sister curiously “So… I guess you two… well…” “He said he loves me, Katie…” Beth mumbled, biting her lower lip as she prepared the frying pan to make the gravy. “He what?” Katie gasped, her eyes stinging with tears that wanted to come out; she stopped them, though, for she still had to know what Beth was feeling herself “And… what did you say? Please, tell me you didn’t thank him! That’s, like, really bad!” “No, Katie.” Beth chuckled, smoothing her hair as she leaned onto the counter, sighing as a hopeless teenager “We made love… I’ve never felt… I’ve never made love to a man before, Katie… not until him…” Katie felt her throat tight at her sister’s glow and watery eyes. Yes… Katie could see the love irradiating through her sister. “Oh, God…” Katie mumbled, feeling her tears coming down cheeks and the sobs building in her throat “C’mere, you little idiot!” The girls were both crying softly and hugging when Paul and Jamie entered the kitchen, laughing at some joke they were sharing. They went to look for beers, but stopped midway once they saw the girls holding each other tight on a fierce hug. “Is… huh… everything ok, around here?” Paul mumbled, frowning with concern. “Oh, yes.” Katie chuckled, taking her arms from her sister’s neck and cleaning the tears from her cheeks “Hormones. Girl stuff, you wouldn’t understand.” “I understand that I’m starving, and there hasn’t been any sort of development in this kitchen” Paul snorted, grinning with mischief. “Oh, bite me” Katie snapped, turning to the cabinets so she could get the plates out. “Are you sure you’re ok?” Jamie asked Beth, closing an arm around her waist, so she was snuggled into his chest “Are those the happy tears?” “Happy tears.” Beth smiled, standing on her tiptoes and kissing his lips softly “Don’t worry, it’s really just girl stuff.” “Yeah, maybe, but I do worry about you.” Jamie frowned, setting his cold beer on the counter and encircling her waist with both his arms, so her whole body would be molded into his own “Hey, has Mark called, yet? We have to know how the divorce is moving. How long do those things take, anyway?! It’s like it’s going on forever.” “Calm down, Romeo.” Katie grinned; call her a hopeless romantic, but she loved the way Jamie held her sister, and the way Beth would lean into him like gravity, one hundred percent trusting the man that held her “These things take time. Especially knowing Austin. He’s not taking the hit lightly; so we’ll probably have to fight it in court…” “To hell with that!” Jamie grunted, squeezing Beth to his chest, as if Austin’s reaction could take her away from him “Even if he does, if Beth wants it, he just has to take it like a man- Scratch that, he ain’t no man.” “I love you” Katie decided, to which Jamie grinned and winked. “Sorry, babe. I’m already taken.” He chuckled, making Beth smile up to his eyes “I’m in this for the long run. We’re gonna be brothers too, Katie!” “Yeah, yeah. Isn’t this just a perfect family?” Katie mumbled, but smiled and sighed like a mushy fool once Jamie and her sister forgot about the other people and just stared down at each other, giggling and mumbling. Nothing in the world could ever ruin this moment, Katie decided; she took Paul’s hand and gave it a squeeze. She was absolutely sure nothing in the world could ever ruin how perfect everything turned out to be.

***

There were two ways to do things: the easy way, or the sad hard way. Austin had tried to be nice, hence the easy way; he had been sweet and caring and a gentle husband, giving his wife plenty of time for her to calm down and go back home. And what did the little bitch do: got a lover and send the divorce papers, tattooing in Austin’s forehead the word ‘Idiot’. Now, it’s time for the hard way, he thought, as he knocked on Paul and Katie’s apartment door. “Damn it, Katie! I told you we should lower our voices!” Paul’s voice grunted inside. “Oh, I’ll take it! I’m sorry, Mrs-” Katie’s voice stopped once she opened the door and saw it wasn’t her neighbor Mrs. Lehman “What the hell are you doing here, you lousy excuse of a man?” Katie’s voice was low, as she held the door with her hand, gripping it like it was Austin’s neck. “I’m here to see my wife” Austin’s blue eyes squinted, as he tried to push Katie away, only the skinny girl had more strength than he ever gave her credit for. “You’re not seeing anyone. We’re busy, here. We have people over, and if you step a foot in my house, I’ll call the cops” Katie hissed, pushing the door on his face; except, Austin trapped one of his feet, so she wouldn’t. “I really don’t want to turn this into a big mess, Katie.” Austin growled, his hands on the pockets of his coat “You just call your sister so we can talk, and I’ll be out of your way in no time.” “Hey, Katie! Is Mrs. Lehman that mad?” They heard Paul chuckle from the kitchen. “You should really come by, honey.” Katie answered, her eyes never leaving Austin’s “She needs your… man charm.” “Oh, you think I’m scared of that loser you call your partner, Katie?!” Austin chuckled, amusement wasn’t present in his voice, though “You always had a sense of humor, I give you that.” “You’re not coming inside” Katie growled again, pushing him away once he tried to bypass her again. “Oh, but I think I am.” He chuckled, taking off the gun from his pocket and shoving it into her stomach; Katie gasped, her eyes turned black with fear “Move. Slowly.” Katie did as she was told. There was no way out, now. God, she should have looked through the spyglass! How stupid of her to forget such an easy thing! “Hey, what’s tak-” Paul also stopped midsentence when he saw Katie being directed through the hallway by a man with a gun pointed to her lower back “Son of a bitch. You son of a bitch! Jamie!” “Shut your mouth, you worthless tot.” Austin grunted, shoving the gun deeper into Katie’s kidney zone, making her moan “Any of you makes a move or a sound, and she’ll need a wheelchair for the rest of her life.” “Paul, please… Don’t try anything stupid, honey.” Katie mumbled, her eyes spread with tears “He’s crazy.” “Katie-” Jamie started, and gasped as he saw the woman being held with a gun to her back “Paul, talk to me.” “You’re the Irish bastard that’s screwing my wife” Austin announced, a chuckle at the end. “She’s not your wife, man.” Paul snorted, all humor abandoning his usual happy tone “And what you’re doing is just sad.” “Shut your mouth, you son of a bitch!” Austin hissed, pushing Katie to Paul’s arms and aiming his black gun to Jamie’s chest “You had fun with her, didn’t you? Oh, she’s a beauty, ain’t she? A great shag, I might say.” “Don’t you dare mare her name on that filthy mouth of yours.” Jamie’s usual charm and good humor were now replaced with a mask of coldness and rage, boiling and waiting to explode “You’re not worthy to even think of her.” “I’m her husband!” Austin roared, his hands shaking in the gun. “Oh, God!” Beth gasped, once she peeked into the corridor to see what was taking everyone so long to go back into the kitchen and finish dessert “Oh, God, Jamie!” “Oh, there you are, my beautiful adulterous wife!” Austin greeted with a crazy smile and wide eyes “I was thinking you wouldn’t be joining our little party.” “Beth, go to the kitchen.” Jamie told her, a long arm making sure to hold her behind his back; he never took his eyes off the armed man “Call the police, now.” “You do that, Betty. Call them, and tell them to bring a funeral home, ‘cause if you move one inch, I’ll kill your sister, then your lousy excuse of a brother-in-law, and your little lover as well” Austin’s smile was sweet and pleasant. “Don’t listen to him, Beth.” Jamie put in, pushing her back “Go and call the police.” Austin took two steps forward and showed a hand to his wife. “Come with me, and everyone lives to tell the tale.” “Fuck you” Jamie hissed, taking himself two steps forward, the gun now an inch from his broad chest. “No!” Beth gasped, tears flowing down her cheeks as she held onto Jamie’s shoulder “No, no! Get back, you cabbage head! Are you stupid?!” “You’re not taking her anywhere.” Jamie assured Austin, who was now taking his forefinger right to the trigger, a warm desire building up at the mere sight of having the Irish killed right there, in front of Beth’s eyes “You’re not a man, you’re a wuss.” “Shut up!” Beth begged Jamie, her eyes never leaving his pale face, like he was now some sort of stone statue of a soon-to-be-dead hero “Turn on the mouth filter now! This is the right time to be careful with what you say.” “You were always the sensible one, Beth.” Austin smiled at his wife “You’re right. One should be very careful not to make the man with the gun angry, right?” “You think I’m scared of you because you have a gun?” Jamie chuckled, not a happy sound; he lowered his head so he could meet Austin eye-to-eye “You can try to shoot me, but I assure you my reflexes are far sharper than yours. For starters, I’m not drunk like you.” Austin did reeked alcohol, which wasn’t a good combination, alcohol plus a gun on his hand, equals a big disaster. “And, second, I’ve got a lot more to lose in this than you” Jamie assured him; he was a full head taller than the drunk punk, and he could easily overpower him – if he had time, that is. “Oh, I know…!” Austin chuckled himself “I know what you’re afraid to lose, Connolly. Believe me” Austin grinned at Beth, his gun slowly turning her way “I know exactly what you mean.” Then, everything happened too fast. First, Jamie gasped and widened his eyes, at the same time Austin turned his gun at Beth’s face and pulled the trigger; while this happened, Katie yelled louder than a full group of Acapella singers, and Paul pushed his sister-in-law out of the line of fire, as the bang sounded. Everyone and everything stopped for two seconds, after the bang. The sound seemed to die for a while; time stayed still. Jamie looked immediately at Beth. She looked back with huge honey eyes. Jamie didn’t see any holes in her tiny body; she was fine. He smelled blood almost instantly, and that made him look back. “No!” It was Katie’s cry that woke everyone up. Paul’s usually humorous dark eyes were round with shock. His gray buttoned down was now a sick shade of dark red, glued to his chest and down his abdomen. Drops of hot, dark blood smeared down his shaking hands to his brown shoes. His knees gave out under him, one at a time, as his hands collided with the hardwood floor with a tiny splash of blood. Austin gasped. In Beth’s mind, she believed he wasn’t actually expecting to shoot the gun; it had been more of a prop to make his will stand. But, alas, it had taken a shot; a loud, smelly and terrifying shot. “Pau!” Katie yelled, running to her wide-eyed boyfriend. Her rose sweater immediately got covered in blood as she hugged Paul from the side, so he would fall over her lap and not on the cold, wet floor. “Oh, God!” She was sobbing, cradling his head “Someone call 999! Please, God, no! Please don’t do this to me!” “You bastard!” Beth yelled, her voice cracked midsentence, as she jumped on Austin, still in shock to have taken the shot. She slapped the gun from his hold and punched him in the face. He woke up in that second, groaned, and hit back. He pulled her hair and slapped her hard. Jamie’s roar made Paul’s bones shake – or maybe it was just his body refusing to let his soul leave. Jamie looked to him like a vengeful Viking, a Berserker ready for battle. Has he heard and saw Beth take a slap that sent her flying to the ground, he snapped. The man had hurt his woman, and now he had hurt his best friend, his brother. This was all kinds of personal for Jamie, and he wouldn’t stop kicking, punching and tossing the lousy American at the wall, until he stopped breathing. Not even as he begged, Jamie stopped. Not even when he broke the man’s nose, when he busted his lip and eyes, when he most likely had squished his organs into juice, Jamie stopped. He would only stop as soon as Katie’s sobs and screams and beggings at God would stop as well; only then, and Jamie couldn’t even promise it. “Stop. Jamie… stop… can’t kill…” Jamie wouldn’t listen to Paul’s whispers, as his friend’s breathing turned into a very low, constricted sound. Jamie kept his attack. He was seeing everything red; Paul’s blood, Beth’s tears, Katie’s pain at the possibility of seeing her love dead. Austin deserved nothing more than being beaten to death. “Honey, please, stop this.” He stopped immediately at the hurt voice. He looked at his side and saw a crying Beth with a busted lip, staring at him, smoothing his hair back from his forehead. “Your friend needs a doctor. Don’t waste time on this piece of shit” Her voice was hurt, but soothing, as she kept smoothing his hair and locking eyes with his. “I want to kill him” Jamie muttered, still sitting on the bloodied guy that moaned. “I know…” Beth’s smile was fast and sweet; she kissed his bloodied cheek and whispered in his ear “But you’re worth more than that, baby. And I love you for it.” That was all he had to hear to decide that it was time to stop. He looked down at the pulp he had turned the bastard into, and although he felt pride – which scared him to death –, he also felt disgust. Beth was right: he belonged in jail, where he would most likely rot or get killed. “Paul…” Jamie mumbled as he turned to kneel next to his friend, while Beth joined his side to call 999 “Mo chara, I’m so sorry! God, I’m so sorry… “Nah…” Paul’s white lips tried to smile around his tense face “It’s really… fine. Not so bad.” “Please, just stay still and focus on us.” Jamie grabbed his friend’s cold and tense hand, hard “Just stay awake for me, agreed?” “They’ll be here in ten. Police is coming too.” Beth told the rest of them, her eyes dropping to her brother-in-law “Are you in too much pain?” Paul tried to shake his head, but he decided to just look into Beth’s eyes and smile. “You ok?” Beth nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks and her lips trembling. “I’m so sorry.” She sobbed, hands to her mouth “This is all my fault.” Jamie couldn’t face her right now, he only had eyes for his friend. He felt how cold Paul’s skin was, and how much he was shaking. “How much longer until they are here?” Jamie asked. “Eight minutes” Beth whispered. “That’s too long.” Jamie decided, getting up instantly “We’re taking him to the hospital ourselves.” “Are you crazy?!” Beth stood up and grabbed one of his shoulders “If we move him, he can-” “He will die if we don’t move him!” Jamie yelled at her face. “Stop. Please.” Katie moaned; her face was red as a tomato, her entire body ached and she couldn’t let out all the pain she was feeling “Please. I don’t know what to do.” She cried some more, her face contorted, her moans of pain ripped Beth’s heart apart “I… I don’t know…” “We apply pressure.” Beth’s trembling voice was low as she took her cardigan off and pressed it gently over Paul’s hut abdomen; once he cringe, she jerked “I’m sorry, Paul. I’m so, so sorry, but I have to.” “Yeah…” He smiled a little bit “Hey, where… you get the flowers?” Katie’s crying face frowned at Beth. “What flowers, baby?” Katie mumbled, caressing his head. “Smells like…” He was whispering now, his eyes unfocused, his smile peaceful “Spring… back home.” Jamie squeezed his fists tightly. He turned to face his friend one more time. Katie looked up at him with all the pain in the world on her eyes. He was losing a lot of blood. Beth’s hands couldn’t stop it, and Katie’s sweater was absorbing most of it. Jamie kneeled next to his best friend again, grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “Remember that one time we made Brandon O’Malley believe we had actually jumped off the Cliffs?” Jamie smiled. “Oh… yes.” Paul smiled into the darkness in front of his eyes “And the… bloody idiot… not me, Brandon.” “Are you seriously making a joke right now?” Katie mumbled, lowering her hands on his head softly. “He believed we had.” Paul finished “He… jumped. Remember?” “Ay.” Jamie sighed, feeling the strength leaving his friend’s fingers “He almost got killed, the bloody bastard.” “But he got… all the lasses… that summer…” Paul tried to chuckle, but it came out as a hiss “I’m not…” “Paul?” Katie sobbed, as he seemed to choke. “I can’t… see” He muttered, looking terrified. “Oh, God!” Katie sobbed again, her hands grasping his head tight “Honey, please don’t leave me! Please, I can’t bear it… I can’t!” “Hey, buddy. Open your eyes for me.” Jamie muttered, his whole body was ice cold “Don’t let go of my hand. Don’t let go!” “I love you.” Paul whispered, as a sobbing Katie kissed his forehead “Oh, God…” He sobbed too, tears pooling his unfocused eyes “I… love you… so… so…”

***

God was a funny fellow. Karma was, in fact, a fickle whore. You meet people throughout your life, really bad, vicious people, and they seem to have it all. You then meet good, warm hearted people. And they get screwed. Life works funny that way. You never really know what’ll bring you next, but you can be sure that justice is merely a Human way to dreamily believe there was some sort of right and wrong in the universe, and something or someone would set things right, eventually. Well, there was nothing of that sort, in Jamie’s opinion. If it were, Austin would’ve been the one blooding on the nice hardwood floor of Katie and Paul’s apartment; and Paul wouldn’t be the one in the shiny white coffin. “This will be some very hard times, lad.” Isla sighed to her nephew Jamie “On the Delaneys and on Katie.” Jamie nodded, looking to the blonde girl still standing in front of Paul’s grave, as all other family members and friends came down the small hill of the old graveyard. She was careless to the rain and thunder, as she kneeled in front of the tombstone and kissed it, leaning her forehead into the wet cold stone. “Ay…” Jamie nodded, clearing his throat not to let the cry come back again “Ay, it’ll be.” “It’ll pass. Not now, not soon. But he was loved, and he’ll be loved for the rest of our lives” Isla stepped on her toes and kissed her nephew’s cheek. “He didn’t deserve this.” Jamie muttered, his fists tight inside his black pants “Katie didn’t deserve this. He was the best person in the world. And that-” “A leanbh…” Isla sighed, caressing her nephews wild hair “All things shall pass. Some only take longer, and are harder on your soul, than others.” He saw Beth standing with Brianna close to his family. Paul’s brother Evan was silent as a mute, his mother, Arlene, was still in shock. He could almost listen to Beth’s brain work; her honey eyes were huge and red with tears and shock. Her arms were cradling herself as she followed the rest of the Delaneys and the Connollys and all the other participants in the Delaney house. “She hasn’t said a word to me ever since…” Jamie gestured to Beth with one of his unsteady hands. “C’mon, then, lad.” Isla patted Jamie’s back as the rain poured down on the entire village “No need to get a bad cold. Let’s get inside and warm our bodies and hearts with some whiskey.”

***

Beth felt the cold water run down her cheeks and felt blessed. The chill was invigorating. Truth be told, she had preferred to stay outside in the rain for a little while longer, at least until her sister decided to come to the house, which took about half an hour until one of Paul’s aunts went back to the old small graveyard and bring her inside to the warmth. All of this was her fault, of course. Not that she would mention it to anyone, not a soul, but she was certain her sister could never face her, now. Katie would never, for sure, want to speak to her again. Beth was prepared for that, she was prepared to go back to the USA and rot in her guilt. Her brain swirled with images of Paul’s blood, Paul’s heavy breathing and his last words as she grabbed the sides of the bathroom mirror. She wanted to punch it; by God, she wanted to punch it so bad. She had wanted to kill Austin, that night, but once the police and the ambulance arrived, she felt numb. At the station and then at the hospital, she had been silent, in shock, cold. She still felt cold. She was still in shock that the man she had loved the most in the whole world – before she met James Connolly, that rotten bastard! – was now gone from this world. He had been a brother to her, and she had let him die. “Beth? Are you in there?” Beth jumped, startled, at the knock on the door. “Katie?” She mumbled. “Can I come in?” She mumbled back. Beth nodded and then rolled her eyes, as she remembered Katie couldn’t actually see her from behind a wooden door. She opened the door and peeked outside. Her sister’s blond hair was completely soaked, her face pale and her black dress with grass smudges on her knees. One of her hands touched the side of the door so Beth wouldn’t close it. “I need to wash my face and do something with my hair.” Katie sighed, touching her ruined sleek locks “Can I come in?” “Sure. I’ll go back downstairs-” Katie entered the bathroom and locked the door behind her back. She stepped in front of the mirror and winced. “God, don’t I look like a ghost, now?” She tried to smile, but there was no joy in her eyes, only pain “What would Paul say if he saw me like this?” “That you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.” Beth smiled, but tears ran down her eyes “I’m… I’m so sorry… Katie, I’m-” Katie turned fast and closed her arms around her sisters head, cradling Beth’s sobs on her shoulder. “I’m so sorry!” Beth’s moan was a bit louder this time. “Shh.” Katie whispered, kissing her sister’s hair “It was not your fault. Remember the man with the gun?” Katie tried to chuckle “You know, the lunatic murderer who will – God forgive me – rot in prison like his kind should? Well, then, he is the one who should apologize and I know where he could shove his apologies.” “If I hadn’t come-” Beth started. “Then you had been the one up there!” Katie gestured through the bathroom window to the not so distant graveyard “Beth, I could never choose between you and Paul.” She admitted, her face contorting into a painful cry “But I already lost part of my heart and soul, please… I could never father losing the other half.” Beth nodded and the sisters embraced again. “Mom has tried to call.” Beth told her sister after what seemed an eternity “She looked distressed.” “Well… I guess this is as good time as any to make up with that other lunatic” Katie snorted, cleaning her tears with a tissue she got from her cardigan. “She might just come down to her senses. Thank you.” Beth mumbled as Katie gave her a clean tissue as well “I think she actually liked Paul, you know? She is just… well…” “A Goddamn crazy bitch” Katie snorted. “Katie.” Beth frowned “Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain.” Katie smiled at her sister. She touched Beth’s cheek and kissed her forehead with a smile. “Let’s go down? I’m actually starving” Katie muttered, pressing a hand to her empty stomach.” “I bet. You haven’t eaten anything in days.” Beth sighed, caressing her sister’s wet hair “Come on, I baked a pie.” Katie actually tilted her head back and laughed. Beth grinned and chuckled. “I do love you, Beth Kelly” Katie smiled. Both sisters shrieked as they left the bathroom. Jamie Connolly was waiting on the other side and he too was startled. “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Kellys!” He grunted “You took years off my life.” “Same here.” Katie tossed “Is everyone eating already?” “Ay.” Jamie nodded “Nothing consoles a grieving heart more than a full stomach.” “Well, then… I guess I’ll try that.” Katie tried a smile, but it still felt strange to her; she shrugged that thought away and turned to her sister “Are you coming down with me?” “Actually” Jamie interrupted before Beth could speak “could I have a word with Beth for a moment?” Katie raised a brow at her sister. Beth nodded with a not so confident smile. Katie patted Jamie’s shoulder before she went back down the stairs. As her footsteps were silent, Jamie looked down at the other Kelly sister. “She’s gonna be fine” Jamie assured her. “I know she will.” Beth nodded back “It will always hurt, but Katie will recover. Someday…” “Ay… someday…” Jamie swallowed hard, he was trying hard to fight the tears from his eyes “Everyone just needs ti-” He stopped midsentence to clear his throat. He couldn’t finish it. He couldn’t believe is best friend in the whole world was gone. “Oh, Jamie…” Beth muttered, crying as well. “Nah, I’m fine.” He cleared his throat again, and shook his head to stop the tears “I’ll… be fine.” They both stood in the tiny hallway, in silence, for a long time. People were talking an eating downstairs, the pain had to be shared and hopes for a better future had to be promised. It was expected in times like this, was it not? “My mother called.” Beth frowned and chuckled at what she had just said. “I don’t know why I said that.” She shrugged “She was very… I can’t say the word ‘sad’, but she was something very close to it, once I told her about Paul.” Jamie just nodded, carefully. He was just waiting for the next blow, the final one who would ruin him for life. “Just say it, Elizabeth” He muttered, swallowing hard. “What?” Beth frowned. “Just say what you got to say. Just finish it” He snapped. “What are you-” “You’re going back.” He interrupted, with a shrug “Home. You feel guilty, you feel like you shouldn’t stay, considering. Your mother called, and you’re now sure you belong there and not here. So, just say it.” Beth opened her mouth to retort something quick and nasty, but she stopped herself. He looked like a haunted man, about to break apart right at her feet. “I’m home.” She whispered; he frowned “This is my home. Here” She touched his chest with a shaky hand “is where I belong, Jamie.” His blue eyes blinked and then cleared. His mouth traced a smile, and his arms went around Beth with ease. He cradled her there, as she hugged him tight. “True, I did feel I should go back.” She mumbled into his chest, as he caressed her back “But I can’t. I can’t leave Katie. She’s my soul mate.” “What am I, then?” He chuckled. “You’re my best friend.” She mumbled, looking up at his eyes “You’re my lover, my partner here, on earth. My companion for life. One day, I hope, the father of my children. The one person in the whole word I could not give up. Ever” She whispered, caressing his cheek. Jamie felt his chest tight with emotion. He couldn’t say anything after that. He could only grab Beth’s hands and kiss them hard, in gratitude and love. “Marry me” He whispered, eyes closed. Beth’s hands tensed, and Jamie opened his eyes to smile at her. “Not right now.” He chuckled “But… soon.” “You mean, right after I get divorced, don’t you?” Beth chuckled as well. “Right the next minute.” He promised “I know this is not… the best time or place… I know our hearts are broken for Paul and Katie.” He swallowed once more, and Beth’s hand traced his pale face “I know… it will be hard… I haven’t even thought about the pub…! I don-t-” “You have time.” Beth interrupted, kissing his lips tenderly “And Katie will help you of course.” “Ay, I know she will.” Jamie nodded with a tense smile “I’m just so… lost, Beth. I… I…” “I know.” Beth muttered, patting his face “I know, a mhuirnín.” Jamie chuckled and kissed Beth’s lips, as well. “Where did you learn that?” “Sean told me” Beth chuckled with her fianceé. “I love you.” He declared, both hands grabbing Beth’s face “This definitely not the place nor the time… but I do love you, and I honestly can’t think of my life from now on without you.” “Well, James Alan Connolly.” Beth smiled, letting her fingers play with the locks of his wild hair “You’re in luck, because I can’t imagine a future of mine where you’re not in it.” “I’ll get you a ring, I promise” Jamie promised as he kissed her, now, proposed knuckle. “I don’t need anything else.” She mumbled, grabbing his face to pull him down for a kiss, his arms around his bride’s waist “I only need this…”

THE END