by Jill Snow
Chapter 62
Zoe shook the man’s hand. He had a lovely smile and reminded her of Declan. She’d thought they would take a cab to their hotel where they could freshen up before meeting his parents. But it sounded like his mother had other plans.
She looked out the window at the passing scenery, having elected to sit in the back with Dominic. Declan and his dad chatted about this and that. She didn’t pay their conversation any heed as she was too busy trying to calm her stomach. What would his mother think of her?
They turned onto a small street and pulled up outside an ordinary looking house. There were a couple of women standing outside their houses but otherwise the area was fairly quiet.
Declan got out first and held the door for her.
“Nice to see you home Dec. Your ma’s been missing ya,” one of the neighbors called to him.
“That latest film of yours was the business. Me kids keep on about it. When’s the next one coming out?” another one asked.
“Did you see the state of your girlfriend in the papers this weekend? Why do you bother with that blonde piece? You need a nice Irish girl like my Maureen.”
“Your Maureen would stick out like a sore toe in the middle of Hollywood. He needs someone like Rosin Doyle. She’s class.”
Zoe listened in amazement as they discussed his love life as if he weren’t there. Never mind her. Who did they think she was?
“Afternoon ladies.” Declan left to give each woman a kiss on the cheek. “Sure I would be tempted between Maureen and Rosin all right if my heart wasn’t already taken. As you can see she isn’t blonde. Don’t believe everything you read in the papers.”
“Oh love, we’re sorry. Didn’t see you there. Are you the latest girlfriend? That’s not your kid is it? Jeez they start young in America.”
“No Mrs. Murphy, that’s her brother, Dominic. Zoe is our guest. Now play nice please or I will tell her to keep indoors.”
The women laughed, but Zoe was finding the conversation hard to follow. Declan’s mother was standing on her front step. Zoe wasn’t sure how to greet her so held her hand out, but Patricia pulled her into a hug.
“So nice to meet you. Dominic, aren’t you a grand size for a lad of your age. Are ye hungry? I hate the food they serve on the plane. Did you get any sleep at all? It’s hard isn't it? Although first class is a luxury compared to economy.
Zoe stared. The woman hadn’t taken a breath but had asked all those questions. Was she supposed to answer?
“Your Declan is a right one, Patricia Malone. A blonde on his arm last week and now bringing home a new one to your door.”
“Keep your opinions to yourself, Mags Haggarty. I don’t talk about your Nora and all she gets up to.” Patricia spoke sharply to her neighbor before turning a beaming smile back to Zoe. “Come along inside before that lot get their claws out. Honestly, some people have nothing better to be doing than standing around all day gossiping. It’s off to Father Francis they should be going asking forgiveness for their wicked thoughts.”
Wishing she had asked to go straight to the hotel, Zoe took a step inside. The house was tiny compared to hers, never mind Declan’s. She couldn’t imagine he had grown up here yet there was plenty of evidence around in the form of school portraits and family pictures. On the wall along the hall was a picture of each child making their communion and some other event as they sat smiling for the camera. They were a good-looking family.
Zoe took a seat in the kitchen.
“I hope you like Irish food. I made you the full breakfast although it’s lunch time. Me lad can’t get enough black pudding and rashers when he gets home.”
“Rashers?”
“Bacon—fried or grilled. I forget you have different words to us. So how do you like Ireland so far?”
“Ma will you give her a chance? She’s only landed.”
“Sorry love, I get ahead of myself. I just want it to be nice for you. Dominic, you take whatever you want. I had five growing boys just like you. I know you’re always hungry.”
“Thank you ma’am.” Dominic did just as she suggested, piling his plate high with food.
“Hasn’t he lovely manners? He’s a credit to you, Zoe. Dec told us you had to raise him after your parents passed on. God Rest them. I lit a couple of candles for them in the church. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all Mrs. Malone. Thanks for making us so welcome.”
“Don’t call me that. I always look for me mother-in-law when I get called that. My name’s Patricia, but hopefully you will call me Mam one day.”
“Mam!” Declan cried out as Zoe almost choked on her food.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Only you’re the first girl our Dec has ever brought home.”
“Mam. You’re making it worse.”
Zoe giggled and once she started she couldn’t stop. Soon everyone was laughing.
“Sorry, Zoe. I will try to behave. Only you know what it’s like with Irish Mammies and their sons.”
“It’s fine Mrs.—I mean, Patricia. This is lovely, thank you.”
Chapter 63
The food was so fresh and delicious Zoe ate more than she thought possible. Just as she finished, the back door opened and a younger girl came in.
“You must be the girlfriend.” The girl looked at Zoe and then to Declan. “Reporters are on the front step again Dec. Mrs. Haggarty wants to know if she should take care of them.”
Declan jumped up, his face white. “No, not again.” He ran off, leaving Zoe to look at the girl who had grabbed a rasher from the table.
“Last time reporters came, Mrs. Haggarty threw water at them from her upstairs window. Only she used a commode and they thought it was—”
“Caitlin Malone, don’t use vulgar language in my house,” Declan’s dad scolded.
“I wasn’t, Da. I was just explaining.”
“I am sure Zoe knows what you meant.”
Zoe wanted to laugh, but didn’t think it was appropriate.
“I didn’t think you and Mrs. Haggarty were friendly?” she said.
“Oh, ignore what you heard earlier. That’s just our way.” Patricia chewed on a mouthful of food. “Our neighbors have hearts of gold. That’s why we still live here. Dec and his brothers wanted to buy us a big house somewhere posh, but I wanted to stay with what I know. Those rich people look down on us.”
“Why?” Zoe asked, genuinely surprised anyone could dismiss people as nice as the Malones.
“I guess you wouldn’t have heard of the whole North/South thing that happened in Dublin. If you speak like we do, then you couldn’t possibly live in certain areas.”
“That seems unfair.”
“True, but given what I have read in the papers, isn’t it the same in America?”
“I don’t know. I never came across it,” Zoe said.
“Even in Hollywood?”
Zoe knew what Declan’s mother meant. She wasn’t exactly subtle.
“That’s a bit different. I mean, those people aren’t living real lives. They have more money than most of the USA put together,” Zoe said.
“Still, we are all people underneath, aren’t we?” Declan’s mom asked as she moved around the room.
“What are you going to do while you’re here, Zoe?” Caitlin asked.
“I don’t know, really. Dominic wants to go to Tayto park. Declan said he would take him on the roller coaster there.”
“Cool. I’ll go with you,” Caitlin said.
“Declan will have to show you the sights. There’s the Guinness factory and the crypt on Thomas Street and the Book of Kells at Trinity.”
“Will you be quiet woman, and leave the girl alone. I guess she’d like to put her head down in a real bed. Would you love?”
“Yes please, Mr. Malone. I’m very tired.”
“I’m not. I want to see Ireland,” Dominic piped up.
“Sure you can stay here if your sister says it’s okay. Caitlin will look after you.”
“But Mam…”
“Don’t you ‘but Mam’ me. We have guests.”
“Yes Mam.”
“That okay, Zoe?” Dom asked.
“Yes but be good, okay? Don’t give Caitlin any trouble.”
“I won’t. So where are we going? To Tayto park?”
“Nah that’s miles away. Come on, we can go into town. I can show you the bullet holes in the General post office.”
Zoe smiled at Declan’s sister. The sixteen year old probably had better things to do but she was obviously trying to make Dominic feel comfortable.
“Cool.”
The door banged after them. Zoe sat in silence for a few minutes before Declan’s mother spoke again.
“Zoe I’m sorry if I came across a little heavy earlier. We are just thrilled Declan has found someone. He was very lonely over there in the US. It’s an awful big place to be on your own.”
“Please don’t apologize, you’ve been very welcoming.” Zoe hoped that sounded neutral. She didn’t want to build up his mom’s hopes.
Declan came in after about half an hour. “I promised them a story in a week if they left us alone in the meantime.”
“That worked?” Declan’s mother asked, her tone matching the look of disbelief on her face.
“Well, it could have been the 200 euros I gave them to have a round of drinks on me.”
“The demon drink. Works every time.” Declan’s dad stood up. “Come on then, sleeping beauty. Let me drive you to your hotel.”
“Dad you sit down, I’ll drive her.”
“No lad, you spend a little while with your mam. She’s missed you. I’d like to get to know Zoe a little better.”
Zoe’s heart beat faster. Would his dad grill her about her intentions? Did he think she was a gold digger?
“Don’t look so worried, pet. I’m only giving you a lift, not the third degree. Declan’s a big boy. He can look after himself.”
Relieved, Zoe smiled. Putting her purse under her arm, she thanked the Malones again.
“I’ll see you later gorgeous,” Declan said, brushing his lips against hers despite his parent’s presence.
She ducked and ran to the car. This time none of the neighbors commented but just waved a greeting to Declan’s dad.
“All getting a bit much for you, isn’t it?” Dave asked her. “I mean, it can’t be easy dating a film star and then coming to a new country. It’s a wonder you know whether you’re coming or going.”
“Does everyone talk in long sentences in Ireland?” Zoe said without thinking. Thankfully he laughed, rather than taking offense.
“Yes, I guess they do. Give us a chance love. I think you might like it here.”
“I’m sure I will. You have a lovely family.”
“I am lucky and know it. Luckier than you, by the sound of things. I am so sorry you were left to be a ma at such a young age. You’ve done a great job from what I can see.”
“Thank you.”
“What? You have a funny look in your eyes. Want to talk about it?” Dave looked at her closely. “Maybe after you sleep and get settled in, I can take you fishing. It’s a great way to give your mind some space to think.”
“I’ve never been fishing,” Zoe said.
“Everyone needs to try fishing. If we all did it and learned to keep our gobs shut, the world would be a much easier place. Right lass, you get yourself to bed. Your suite is booked under your own name. Declan didn’t want to bring attention to you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Malone.”
“Call me Dave. I still think of my da when people say Mr. Malone. God rest him.”
“Thank you Dave.”
Zoe left the car, walked to reception to check in and was in her bed fifteen minutes later. She was exhausted.
Chapter 64
Declan left to find Caitlin and Dominic. The boy was having the time of his life. Declan gave Caitlin some cash to buy dinner for herself and Dominic. He wanted some time alone with his parents.
“Want us to go to see a movie, too? Give you more time?”
Declan grinned at his sister. She understood without him saying anything. He went home, hoping his dad was back. He needed to speak to them together.
“Mam, Da what do you think of Zoe?”
“She’s a lovely girl from what we have seen but we have only just met her. You care about her a lot don’t you?”
“Yes, I love her. I want to marry her.”
“Oh a wedding. Will you have it here? I can ask Fr. Francis when he is free. This is so exciting.”
“Hold on a minute, mam. I don’t know if Zoe is catholic. I don’t even know if she is ready to marry me.”
“You haven’t asked her yet?” his dad asked.
“What do you mean you don’t know if she is ready to marry you or not? Why wouldn’t she want you? You are a fine man.”
“Mam, don’t get all upset. Zoe doesn’t think we’ve known each other for long enough. She also has an issue with the fact I am an actor and she is a mechanic. I don’t care what she does. I love her. And I aim to convince her to marry me.”
He took a deep breath. “I would like you both to be happy for me.”
“Me darling boy, we are happy with anyone you chose. So long as she loves you for who you are Declan Malone, we will accept her.”
“Thanks Mam.”
He showered and shaved before dressing carefully. He had booked a reservation at a romantic Italian restaurant for himself and Zoe. His da had told him to treat her like a queen.
He called to ask her to dinner and suggested she wear something on the smart side rather than casual. Unlike most venues in Dublin, this restaurant frowned on jeans and trainers.
When he arrived at her hotel to pick her up, he waited in the lobby bar. His chair was slightly hidden to avoid having to deal with fans but he didn’t want to miss her either. Her entrance took his breath away. He hadn’t seen the dress she was wearing before and it clung to her figure in all the right places. Judging by the looks she was getting, he wasn’t the only one impressed. She seemed nervous and a little unsure of herself as she looked around. He stood up and watched as her eyes widened as did her smile. His heart thumped. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she made her way over to his table.
“You look amazing.”
“Thank you.”
Silence lingered as she sat down. He wasn’t sure what to say to her.
“Would you like a drink, miss?” the waiter asked. Declan ordered her a glass of wine and another beer.
“This is a lovely hotel, thank you Declan.”
“Least I can do is make sure your vacation is comfortable.” He reached into his pocket. “I picked up something for you.”
She glanced at the small guide book in his hand. Her eyes lit up.
“Thank you. I was going to buy one. Your family mentioned so many places I didn’t want to miss any of them.”
Their drinks arrived and they chatted about this and that. Frustrated he couldn’t tell how she was feeling, Declan finished his beer in record time.
“Shall we go?”
“Sure.” She stood up and he held out his hand. As she took it the electricity between them sparked again. He wanted to pick her up and run through the hotel to her room. She licked her lips, probably self consciously. Didn’t she know how much she was tempting him?
“Declan, are you ready?”
“Oh yeah sorry. Let’s go. It’s a short walk.”
They walked along hand in hand. He’d forgotten the path was made of cobbled stones. As she stumbled a little in her high heels, he picked her up and carried her to the door of the restaurant. He kissed her quickly before letting her go. He didn’t wait but held the door open for her. He didn’t want her to say anything to ruin the mood between them.
Chapter 65
Zoe didn’t think she could eat. Her stomach was fluttering with butterflies and her heart was beating so fast she thought she might faint. His touch was enough to lig
ht up her whole body, never mind his kisses. It made her nervous. She knew he had the power to hurt her badly and that scared her senseless. Not because she thought he would do it on purpose, but what if they didn’t work out? Despite seeing where he had grown up, which was a surprise, she knew their lives in America were totally different.
“Why are you frowning? Did you not like Italian?”
“No, I do. I love it. I was just thinking.”
“Stop thinking and let’s just enjoy tonight.” His hand played with hers, his thumb circling the sensitive spot between her thumb and finger. She couldn’t think straight as the sensations spread throughout her body.
“Can you choose something for me?” she asked. “There are too many good things on the menu.”
His gaze lingered on hers as if he knew the real reason. Her brain had melted.
He ordered for them, and when the waiter asked what drinks they wanted, he asked Zoe if she’d prefer champagne or wine. She chose water. She was intoxicated enough without alcohol.
The meal passed in a blur. She could have been eating cardboard for all she knew. Her mind was full of him. He made her laugh and the time flew by. By the time they were finished with their meals, the restaurant was empty.
“Do you want another drink?” he asked.
“No, thank you.”
“Let’s walk this way. Save my back from carrying you again,” he said with a smile.
“Are you telling me I’m too fat?”
“Well you did have two starters, a full main course and a dessert.”
“Did I?” she couldn’t remember eating.
“No. Just teasing. I want to go this way as it’s longer. I’m not ready for the night to end.”
He stopped to take her in his arms. Her whole body responded as her stomach turned cartwheels, her heart beating faster and her mouth going dry. He looked into her eyes. She was drowning. Her gaze flicked to his lips and back to his eyes. He was smiling now. He’d caught her. She tried to turn her face but his finger stopped her. Instead she had no option but to meet his gaze. It was like she was hypnotized. She saw his head coming toward hers, knew he was going to kiss her but did nothing to stop it. His lips brushed against her, like a feather. She wanted more. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
