The irish blessing, p.5
The Irish Blessing, page 5
“You ordered wine. I’m surprised.” I peered across the table at Mel.
“I don’t want a mixed drink right now. After last night, I’ll stick with something light.”
“I don’t blame you. You didn’t look so great this morning. Did you look at those brochures I left on the coffee table in our hotel room? I was hoping you’d pick out a couple of excursions for us to book.”
“Here you go.” Darla returned with a tray in her hands, setting our glasses of wine, Mel’s water, and some bread and butter on the table.
Mel took a sip from her glass. “Huh. The wine’s not bad. Anyway, yes, I looked at the brochures. I’m game for the island jeep tour and the snorkeling tour.”
“I was hoping you’d pick those. We can stop at the concierge desk in the morning and book them.”
Darla brought our dinner plates to the table. “I have the shrimp scampi for you.” She put the plate in front of Mel. “The herb-crusted snapper goes to you.” She set my plate down next. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No, we’re good. Thank you.” I took a roll from the basket and cut it open with my butter knife. There were two types of butter. I scooped what I hoped was the garlic butter out of a small dish and spread it on my roll.
“Shane’s been sneaking glances at you the whole time we’ve been sitting here. It’s cute.”
“Don’t start, Mel.”
“Fine. I was just sharing.”
We finished dinner. I slipped cash into the check folder Darla left on the table and gave Caitlin a quick wave goodbye. Shane watched me as we left the dining room and headed back to the bar.
“You’re back for the story. What can I get you before I start?” Thomas folded the towel in his hand and placed it on the counter behind him.
“Two glasses of the house chardonnay,” I said.
“You got it. Coming right up.” Thomas poured two glasses of wine and set them down in front of us. “Okay. The story. My uncle’s new reservation clerk got the email with your revised pickup time and flight number. The problem was she entered it in their system wrong. When my uncle checked your flight status, he realized your plane had already landed.”
“So, how did you get involved?” I said.
“That was easy. No one else was available. My uncle called me and asked if I’d help him out. I had to borrow my brother’s suit, grab one of my uncle’s cars, and head to the airport.” Thomas glanced at a couple at the other end of the bar and then at us. “You’ll have to excuse me. I need to take care of them.” He strolled down the bar, wiping it with the rag.
“I’m going to run to the restroom. It feels like I have a piece of food stuck between my teeth. I’ll be right back.” I got up and went to the powder room by the front entry. I was standing in front of the mirror checking my teeth when the door opened.
“It’s you.” Anna glared at me with hatred in her eyes. “Just so you know, Caitlin told me Shane was planning to propose to me. So stay away from him. He’s not yours.”
“Look. I don’t know what you think is going on, but I can tell you nothing is happening between us. I’m not interested in Shane, and I’m quite happy with my life at the moment.”
“Keep it that way.” Anna’s eyes were like daggers as she turned and went into one of the stalls.
I leaned against the sink and expelled a deep breath. Shane was already causing me trouble. I’d only been on the island for a little more than a day, and it was far from peaceful. I tossed my paper towel in the trash and left the bathroom.
“Besides your black eye, you don’t look too good. What’s up?” Mel leaned back in her chair as she studied my face.
“Anna just caught me in the ladies’ room and told me to stay away from Shane.”
“No way. What did you tell the witch?”
“I told her nothing was going on between us, and I wasn’t interested in him. What am I supposed to say? I told you I needed to stay away from him.” I retook my seat and rubbed my forehead, a headache beginning to develop. “On top of that, I’m just tired. I woke up early this morning. I had the dream again.”
“Seriously? You’re having them all the time now.”
“I know, and I’m not sure why. Besides frustrating, it worries me.”
“I heard dreams can have hidden meanings. What if yours is some weird omen or something? Are you positive Alex isn’t the groom?”
“It isn’t Alex. The groom has a tattoo of an elf on his left inner wrist. Alex had tattoos, but nothing like that.”
Thomas had finished tending to a group of new arrivals at the far end of the bar and was working his way back to us.
“Thomas, I have a question for you. Yesterday, you mentioned you knew one of the bartenders at our hotel. You said his name was Kip. By any chance, is Kip a nickname for Christopher?” I said.
“Yes. Why? Was he working at the bar yesterday?”
Mel hung her head and stared at the floor.
“Yes, Kip was working there last night. Mel woke up with a vicious hangover this morning.”
“I warned you,” Thomas said, snickering. He shook his head at Mel.
“Yes, you did. But the name tripped us up. You should have told us his name was Christopher,” I said.
“Yeah. I should have. Sorry about that.”
Mel pursed her lips as she looked at me and then Thomas. “At least I know which bartender to keep an eye on. Too bad for Kip. We’re now at war.” Mel grabbed a straw from the container in front of Thomas and pointed it at him like a sword. “You need to tell your friend to watch out. It’s payback time.”
CHAPTER 4
THURSDAY NIGHT FISH FRY
Mel and I decided to spend the evening at the fish fry at Bight Park. According to the flyer we’d stumbled across at the concierge desk, it was a weekly event hosted by the tourist board, exhibiting food and craft vendors, bands, and cultural performers. Having walked along the beach from our hotel to the park, we hiked up a sandy path framed by clumps of beachgrass to the parking lot where the event was taking place.
“This place is cool. It’s like a big street fair. Look at all the vendor tents and the smoke from the barbeque grills. Dang. The food smells good.” Mel talked to me over her shoulder as she stepped in front of me to make room on the path for a group of people walking toward us.
“The event’s bigger than I thought it would be.” I moved aside for two men rushing past me, appearing in a hurry to get to the event. “Let’s hang a left at the first vendor tent and loop around the area before deciding where to eat.”
We stepped off the path into the parking lot. The vendors lined its length, and a stage was at the far end to our left. Locals and tourists alike milled about, filling the open space between the rows of tents. The two of us strolled through the lot. The aroma of grilled fish, lobster, shrimp, chicken, and barbeque ribs was incredible. The sun was starting to set, and there was a light breeze. It pushed the smoke and tantalizing array of smells from the onslaught of barbeque grills across the event area.
“Hang on, Mel. I want to check out the jewelry.”
Mel turned around and joined me at a table full of beaded jewelry, handmade dolls, and an assortment of trinkets. “Ooh. I love the turquoise color of these beads. I want this bracelet.” Mel handed the woman standing behind the display table payment for the piece of jewelry. She slipped it on her wrist and held up her arm so I could see it.
There was suddenly a male voice next to me.
“How’s it going, Liz?”
I turned, finding myself staring at Rick. “Hey. Fancy meeting you here. I’m fine. You?”
“I’m great. Steve and I thought we’d check out the fish fry. The food’s good. Have you tried any of it yet?”
“Not yet. I’m still debating on what I want.”
“Here. Try a conch fritter.” Rick stabbed one with his fork and held it out so I could take a bite.
“Oh, that’s good.”
“Liz! What a welcome surprise.” Steve walked up to us and stood next to Rick.
“Excuse me. How about introducing me to your friends?” Mel stood with a hand on her hip as she eyed Rick and Steve.
“Mel, this is Rick. The guy next to him with the delicious-looking plate of jerk chicken and rice is Steve. They’re from our hotel.”
“Ah, you’re sober and functional. That’s a nice improvement,” Steve said.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Mel glared at Steve, her voice snappy.
“Whoa. Don’t get testy.” I held my hand up. “Remember the other night at the bar when you had too much to drink? These are the two guys that escorted you to our room. To be completely honest, Steve carried you.”
“Oh my God. You are such a liar. You told me the two guys that helped me were old and chubby.” Mel looked daggers at me, her face turning pink.
“Old and chubby? I’ve never heard anyone call me that before.” Rick shook his head as he let out a chuckle.
“If I told you the two of them were adorable, you’d bug me until I introduced you to them. I couldn’t put these guys through something so horrible.” I laughed as Mel smacked my arm and stamped her foot.
“Liz, take a bite of my jerk chicken before I finish it.” Steve held out a piece of his chicken so I could try it.
“That’s delicious. I need to get a plate. Where did you get it?”
“Come on. I’ll show you.” Rick took hold of my arm and led me down the row of vendors. “Where’s Irish? I’m surprised he’s not with you.”
“Irish? Are you talking about Shane?”
“Yeah. I guess that’s the guy’s name.”
We stopped at one of the tents. Buffet-sized chafing dishes lined the table in front of us, and two large barbeque grills were against the backside of the stall, the aroma from the chicken as it cooked drifted toward us.
“What do you want, Liz?”
“I want a piece of the chicken, some rice, and a couple of the conch fritters.”
A woman dressed in a turquoise-colored T-shirt and a white pair of pants nodded at me and started to put together my plate. Her male coworker, also dressed in a blue T-shirt and white pants, took a bunch of chicken off the grill and put it in one of the chafing dishes.
I opened my purse to pull out some money.
“I got it.” Rick waved his hand to stop me. “Can you hold my plate so I can pay her?”
“Sure.” I took Rick’s plate when he held it out, eyeing the remnants of his lobster.
Rick paid the woman and took my plate from her. “Let’s go over there behind those tents to get out of the way.” He nodded toward an area on our left.
I followed Rick to an empty spot behind the vendor tents. Mel was ordering her food with Steve at her side when we walked away.
“Thank you for paying for my food. That was sweet of you. Can I try your lobster before I hand your plate back?”
“Sure. Just don’t eat it all. I want another bite.”
I took a small bite. “The lobster is good. So far, everything I’ve tried has been delicious.” I switched plates with Rick. “So why would you think I’d be with Shane?”
“He’s crazy about you, and I thought the two of you might have gotten together by now.” Rick rubbed his chin. “The guy seemed pretty upset when that man slammed into you in the volleyball game and then a little bent out of shape when I offered to take you back to your lounge chair. I don’t think he wanted me near you. Of course, he had no idea you’re not exactly my type.”
“Excuse me?” I stared at him for a second, trying to comprehend why he’d make a blatant statement like that. I might not be drop-dead gorgeous, but I wasn’t unattractive either. Then it dawned on me. “Rick—are you gay?”
“Do you have a problem with that?”
“No, not at all. Honestly, it makes me more comfortable. Anyway, about Shane. There’s a bit of a problem with your theory. He has a girlfriend.”
“Not for long. Irish’s bundle of eye candy is one of those high-maintenance, shallow women who like to hang on a man’s arm. I honestly can’t see him keeping Barbie around for too much longer.”
“Barbie? Damn. Remind me never to get on your bad side. The bottom line is he’s in a relationship, and I have no intention of becoming a home-wrecker. I’m not going to fight over a man either. So, if he’s interested in me, he’ll have to be unattached to get my attention.” I took a bite of my rice. It was just as good as the rest.
“I need to get something to drink. Walk with me over to the beer tent.” Rick motioned to Steve, who was several yards away, carrying on a conversation with Mel. “Hey, Liz and I are going to get a beer. Are you staying or coming with us?”
“We’ll join you.” Steve walked with Mel as they followed us down the row of vendors.
“I have to say, you and Irish look good together. You fit like two pieces in a puzzle.” Rick tossed his empty plate in a trash can as we walked past it. “The two of you remind me of my husband and me. He’s flying in tomorrow to join me for a couple of days. Steve’s leaving in the morning. He and I came here on business to negotiate the purchase of a parcel of land. We finalized the sale yesterday, so there’s no reason for Steve to stay.”
“Ah, you’re a savvy businessperson. And I thought you were just here on vacation. There’s more to you than I thought. Of course, the ring on your finger was a giveaway you had a spouse.” I chuckled at Rick’s raised brow. Then it hit me. Alex used to look at me like that. A pang of sadness crept over me as I stared at Rick.
“What’s with the sad look on your face?” Rick stopped at the beer tent and glanced at me over his shoulder.
“The expression on your face and the way you raised your brow at me reminded me of my husband. He died in an accident three years ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear you lost your husband. I’d be completely devastated if I lost mine. I can’t imagine going through something like that.” Rick put his arm around my shoulder and gently squeezed me.
“What can I get you?” The vendor stood in front of us, waiting for Rick’s order.
Rick scanned the list of beers on a sign on the counter. “I’ll have the lager.” He turned toward me. “What do you want?”
“I’ll have the amber ale.” I finished the last of my rice and tossed my plate in the trash can next to me. I took the beer Rick handed me after he paid the vendor.
Rick turned around to talk to Steve, standing behind us in line. “We’re going to walk over toward the stage. It looks like the band is setting up to play.” After receiving a nod from Steve, Rick took my arm and guided me through a large group of people. We had almost gotten clear of them when Rick suddenly pulled me backward.
Startled, it took me a second to realize what had happened. “Okay, that was close. I didn’t see the guy start to cut in front of me. Thanks for pulling me back.”
“No problem.” Rick scanned the crowd in front of us and started laughing. “Speaking of Irish, he’s up ahead of us by the stage and has his eyes on you. He doesn’t look too happy to see us together.”
I followed Rick’s gaze, spotting Shane in the crowd. “Based on the scowl on his face and the way he’s looking at you, I think you’re right.”
“Come on. Let’s watch the group on stage. They’re getting ready to start.” Rick led us toward the performers, dodging around people as we moved closer. He stopped about fifteen feet away, so we could watch without being in the crush of people standing directly in front of the musicians.
The five-person band started playing. The music had a danceable rhythm, and I couldn’t help swaying my hips to it. I glanced to my right, spotting Shane about twenty feet away from us. Rick was right. He had his eyes on me. I couldn’t help noticing how handsome Shane looked, dressed in khaki shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. He smiled at me, and I smiled back, wishing he were the one at my side. Caitlin, Patrick, Dylan, and Margaret were with Shane, but I didn’t see Anna. Just when it seemed she had stayed behind, she walked up and stood next to him. She must have been off somewhere getting a drink because she was holding a pineapple with the top half cut off and a straw sticking out of it.
Mel and Steve joined us and stood next to Rick. Steve had his arm around Mel, and she had a look of contentment on her face. The sun had gone down, and a row of streetlights illuminated the crowd, which had gotten thicker as darkness filled the sky.
“The band is wonderful. Dance with me, Rick.” I stepped in front of him, moving my body in rhythm to the Caribbean music.
“Hmm. I’d say you’re causing quite a commotion.” Rick took my hand and started dancing with me. “Irish is feasting on you as if you were a mouthwatering banquet, and Barbie is glaring at you.” Rick spun me around. “Where did you learn to dance like that anyway?”
“I learned it in the dance classes I take. It’s great exercise and tones the body. I have to say, you’ve got some nice moves yourself. I’m impressed.” The music stopped, and I stood next to Rick.
Mel reached out and grabbed my arm when the music started up again. “Ooh, the Caribbean slide. We have to go up front and dance. Rick and Steve have to join us.” She grabbed Steve’s hand and pulled him through the crowd toward the area in front of the stage.
“You have to dance too. There’s no getting out of it.” I took Rick’s hand and followed Mel through the crowd, getting in line with Rick on my left and Mel and Steve on my right. I peeked over my shoulder at Rick while he danced. “You’re good at this.”
“My husband likes to dance to the electric slide and always makes me join him on the dance floor.”
We made another turn, and now Shane, Anna, Dylan, and Margaret were in front of us. I focused on Shane as he danced to the music, his steps light and relaxed besides being incredibly sexy.
Rick leaned toward me. “You look like you’re going to start drooling. I’d recommend taking your eyes off his ass.”
“Oh, shush.” I reached out and smacked his arm, making him laugh.
The music stopped, and the band started playing another rhythmic dance beat. I started dancing next to Rick again.
