Page 130 of Since We're Here

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“Aye. I’ll make it available for you if you want it. We can take it slow.”

“As slow as moving to another country for a man is, anyway.”

“But for the record, I don’t want to take it slow.”

She kisses me again and I feel her smile against my lips.

“One question.” She pauses and kisses me again, sweetly, gently. “Do you think I can have a job?”

“Of course. O’Brien’s would love to have you back.”

“I was actually thinking about Slea Head, although I’m happy to help at the pub. I have more ideas. Marketing, events, promotions...”

“Like your Dingle passport idea? Or book club nights at the pub?”

“Yup. Those. And more.”

“I could use a marketing person to work with Lola. We can start there.”

“That’s perfect.”

“You’re hired. Now I have one more question.” I adjust her body, still wrapped around mine. I never want to set her down.

“What’s that?” Maddie glances down at my lips then up into my eyes.

“Can we share a room tonight?”

She laughs and kisses me again.

36

MADDIE

Saturday, April 26

BoyfriendDisaster#11: Patrick

Job Location & Length: Slea Head Brewery, presently employed

My Age: 33

I met Patrick at an Irish pub in Dingle, Ireland. I asked him to kiss me to help me get over my ex, and he complied. The next day I figured out that he is my sister’s fiancé’s best friend.

We made a mess of things for a while, but it all worked out when he told me he loved me on the Cliffs of Moher.

He’s my eleventh relationship at my eleventh job since dropping out of college.

And he’s going to be the last one.

Breakup Reason: n/a

My Distress Level: no distress, just love

Lesson Learned: Follow your heart, no matter how scary it is.

The group got to Dingle yesterday, and I’ve never been so happy to show my sisters around. I know this remarkable place as well as if it’s my home.

Which it is.

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