Page 24 of My Irish Roommate

We pass through the kitchen, and Ricki looks at me. She looks so thrilled to be back in her mother’s good graces that I smile back and continue out to the patio with my father. I see the absurdity and hypocrisy of their sudden change of heart. Just two weeks ago, I would have made it a point to throw it back in their faces, but Ricki is all that matters now. If she’s happy, I’m happy.

Alone with my father again, I can’t help but ask him, “Pops, are you happy?”

He takes a puff of his cigar and squints at me. “What do you mean? I’m happy enough. I don’t have any worries if that’s what you’re asking.”

“No, that’s not it. What I’m asking is if you’re happy with your marriage. Was marrying Emma the right thing to do?”

He kicks his toe on the cobblestones while looking at his feet then looks back up at me and asks, “Are you trying to make waves, Rowan?”

“Make waves? No. Just making conversation. I do care about your happiness and, I don’t know, maybe I could learn a thing or two from your situation.”

“If you think you love this girl, plan a future with her. Get married and have a family. Young people today are afraid to settle down because they think they’ll be missing out on something better. I’m telling you that there’s nothing better than having a partner who loves you.”

I let his words sink in. This wasn’t at all the response that I had expected. I’m lost in contemplation when Ricki pops her head out the door to tell us that dinner is ready.

“Thanks, Pops, and I’m glad that you’re happy.”

“I want you to be happy, too, son.”

“I am. I’ve never been happier.”

The table is practically silent through most of the meal, and I begin to believe that Ricki’s mother is deliberately treating me like a ghost. Not that I’m opposed to missing out on her incessant jabbering but I can’t comprehend her inviting us to dinner if she’s still harboring animosity against me. Ricki still seems oblivious to the situation, so I continue to keep this observation to myself.

With the meal complete and the table cleared, I decide that it’s time for some fresh air. I lean into Ricki and ask, “Would you like to take a stroll through the garden?”

Emma speaks to me for the first time. “Before you head outside, I think it’s a good idea for us to clear the air.”

I look around the table and back at her then point to my chest and say, “Sorry, are you speaking to me?”

She rolls her eyes and scoffs, “Yes, Rowan.”

“Alright, then. By all means, let’s clear the air.”

“As you know, I have my concerns about your relationship with my daughter. She’s still very much an innocent young girl and you’re a grown man. You’ve been all over the world, and until now, she’s never left Massachusetts. That, on top of our family connection, I mean, what will people say when they find out that the two of you are step-siblings?”

“So, to be clear, you still have issues?” I point blank at her.

“I’ll always have issues, but that’s not what I’m trying to say. After this horrible situation, your father and I spoke about a lot of things. He reminded me that I hadn’t taken Ricki’s concerns very seriously myself. You were the only one who listened to her and took steps to protect her from this lunatic. For that, I owe you my sincerest gratitude.”

“Thank you, but it isn’t necessary. I will never let anything happen to Ricki.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I don’t necessarily approve of your relationship, but I’ve decided that I will accept it. If this is what she wants, I won’t try to dissuade her.”

“I appreciate that, Emma.”

It was a half-hearted apology and she hasn’t changed her line of thinking at all, but I don’t care about her feelings. I look at Ricki to see how she’s taking her mother’s monologue, and I detect a sense of relief from her. That’s enough for me.

We go out to the garden and walk toward the tree line. A gentle breeze blows through Ricki’s hair and lifts her skirt above her knees.

“It’s so nice here. I can see why they decided to settle outside the city,” Ricki tells me.

“When you lived in Boston, did you go out clubbing with your friends? Once you get a taste of that kind of nightlife, living in the country can get old fast.”

“Clubbing? No, I’ve never been a party girl. I’m not much of a drinker and I never learned how to dance,” she giggles.

“Then maybe the country is the right fit for you someday.”

“Yeah, someday but only if you come with me. I’m not leaving the city without you.”

---