Page 36 of Naughty Irish Fate
Chapter Thirteen
Bronwyn
Rooker walked out four days ago.
It’s been just a few days, but it feels like a lifetime.
Before he left, he told me he was coming back. I refuse to believe him. Refuse to go to those docks and hope to see him coming back to me. Keeping his promise.
Even if he does, it will be too late.
“You sure about this, Bronwyn?” Bryan asks me with a small smile as we sit together at the bar.
“Positive. Time to let it go.” I sign my name to the deed with a flourish.
Two days after Rooker left, I knew I had to go too. Not because of him, really. Because of my mother. My father. The pub. The pier. All of it. I needed to go to be able to let go of the pain I chained myself to.
Flipped my coin three times, and all three times it gave the same answer.
Time to go, Bronwyn.
After talking with Bryan I decided to sell him the pub. Bryan tried to charm me into staying with him and giving him a shot, but I knew I couldn’t do that. To him or to myself.
I gave myself to Rooker and I couldn’t get that back.
“I am glad to get the place, Bronwyn. It’s always going to be your home too, though.” When we share a look, I know what he’s trying to say. And I know this time he means it the right way. Bryan wants me to know I can always call Flanagan's and Shore Ridge home.
“You know,” I sigh and look around with a smile, “Not sure it ever felt like home till right now. I loved it while I could, I suppose. I know you will take good care of it, Bryan.” I stand and brush a kiss over his cheek before I step away.
Bryan nods as he folds up the paperwork making the pub his. St. Patrick’s Day is this weekend and I offered to stick around to help but he’s ready to take over. Trudi will stay on because she loves the place and it sounds like he has lots of plans. Good for him.
“Will you be here this weekend?” As he folds up the paperwork, smiling at me softly, I shake my head.
“Don’t think so. Figured if you had a handle on things now would be the best time for me to slip out of Shore Ridge. No more St. Patrick’s celebrations for me, friend.” I smile a little sadly but he nods as if he understands.
“I get it. Pop in if you happen to be here still. Would be a great way to see you off, Bronwyn. Know the locals will miss your face this weekend.” Again I try to smile but sadness twists it.
I made my choice and I am not someone who backs down. Especially after those coin tosses told me my gut was right. Been a long time coming. I don’t love this place anymore. If I ever did. I was honest when I told Rooker it had never felt like home.
Until Rooker I didn’t realize how much I wanted a home.
“Maybe. Take care of the place, Bryan. I know if anyone will it’s going to be you.” I nod and turn to take a walk around.
My family pub now belongs to a new family.
We never talked about his plans, but I hope he keeps some of what we left behind. Maybe the leather and wood booths my great-great-grandfather built. Or maybe the custom bar his father put in before him. Maybe the wall of photos of the town growing and changing.
I’m not sad really but it’s not easy knowing this place is no longer mine. It’s been in my family for over a century. Memories of good and bad surround me every day.
Paps would want me to let it go to save myself from that pain.
I take one photo off the wall. One of me with Paps, Grams, Trudi and even Bryan is there in the crowd. I pack it along with the few trinkets I hold dear as I clean out my apartment.
With the money from the sale and a lifetime of savings, I decided to let go entirely. I chartered a boat to take me to see the world. I don’t know where I might land after this trip, hell maybe I even come back to Shore Ridge, but I finally want to see what my father, Rook, and so many others chase out on the sea.
Six coin tosses later I knew I couldn’t talk myself out of it.
As I tape my final box shut on the few boxes I intend to leave in storage for now, I hear a knock at the door. Just as I go to answer it, it shoves open. We never lock doors around here.
