Page 25 of Just Say Yes
Right now I couldn’t think of anything that would make me feel better but it was worth a shot.
‘It might do.’
‘Fine,’ he condescended. ‘But remember I’m only telling you this because of exceptional circumstances.’
‘Duly noted. So what happened? Turbulence?’
‘No, I’m afraid not. You at least have that excuse. I have none other than drinking far too much, knowing I had drunk far too much, and still getting on the plane.’
‘I think we’ve all done things like that when we were young.’
‘That is true. Unfortunately I don’t have that excuse either. I was definitely old enough to know better at this point.’
Calmer now as we taxied into our gate, I studied him. I had been about to ask more about the circumstances but there was something in his eyes that halted me. I got the feeling that his aeroplane episode wasn’t simply the result of a night out on the lash with the boys. There was something more to it and I didn’t want to pry further than I already had.
‘Thank you,’ I said.
‘Did it make you feel better?’
‘I’m not sure. But I appreciate the effort. Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome,’ he said, looking forward, as he repeatedly stretched his left hand out, then balled it into a fist.
‘Is everything OK?’ I asked, looking at his hand before raising my eyes to his face.
‘Everything’s grand. You just have quite the grip for a wee thing.’
‘Oh, God. Sorry.’
‘No problem.’
‘Were you really not worried?’
‘Jesus. Absolutely terrified!’
‘Really?’ My voice jumped an octave. Attractive, Maddie.
The laughter was back. ‘I’m teasing you.’
Admittedly his laughter had taken my stress levels down another notch, which I guessed had been his intention.
‘And no. Not particularly and I’m sure the flight back will be far less eventful. The storm should have passed through by then.’
‘I hope so.’
Lorcan looked down at his hand, flexing the long fingers. ‘I hope so too,’ he replied before giving me a mischievous grin and bending down to lift Bod’s carrier up onto his lap, ready for disembarkation.
* * *
A short time later, we were through the airport and waiting at the hire-car area to collect the vehicle Lorcan had already arranged. Bod had been taken out of his carrier and was now investigating on the end of his lead while his master sorted out the paperwork for the car. The little dog seemed no worse for wear despite our adventurous trip over and happily sniffed around and watered various bits of the surrounding area until Lorcan reappeared from the building and Bod lurched for him as though he’d been gone years.
9
‘How are you feeling now?’ Lorcan asked as we left Dublin behind and headed west. He’d produced a bottle of cold water from somewhere before we’d even left the plane and I’d been sipping it ever since. My heartbeat was now somewhere back around its normal rate but I wasn’t sure if my stomach would ever be the same again.
‘Better, thanks.’
He glanced over. ‘You still look a little green around the gills.’
