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CHAPTER 23
Happy News
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It was funny to me how Fleur still pointed out beautiful old historic buildings with awe in her voice every time we passed one.
“You’ve lived in Ireland for years. Aren’t you used to it by now?” I said as we drove into Limerick to visit Noah and River.
“I might be used to it, but I’m just as impressed as the first time I saw these buildings. Someone told me the castle here dates back to the thirteenth century.
Fleur’s farm was less than half an hour from Limerick city center, but it was a drive that took us from rural countryside with nothing but lush fields and small narrow roads to a bustling city with a vibrant art and restaurant scene.
“How many people live in Limerick? Do you know?”
I thought about it. “I’m not sure, probably somewhere around a hundred thousand. I wonder why River and Noah didn’t move to Dublin.”
“Why would they? This part of Ireland is gorgeous.”
I smiled. “Every part of Ireland is gorgeous, but Dublin has an international airport and River always loved to travel.”
“You’ll have to ask her that question.”
The GPS led us to the address River had given us and as I pulled up, Fleur pointed. “I see it. It’s right there.”
The large window front to River’s new gallery was covered with a sign that said:
Art Gallery Opening Soon.
Getting out of my large Land Rover, we walked to the gallery and knocked on the glass door, which was covered from the inside with paper.
It was Noah who opened the door with a huge grin. “Finally! River is so eager to show you the place.”
While I walked in to hug my brother-in-law, Fleur kneeled down to greet the puppy that came running through Noah’s legs.
“Oh, look at you. Hey, handsome.”
River came from behind Noah and opened her arms wide to hug me.
“It’s typical that you give the dog more attention than the rest of us,” Noah teased Fleur, who picked up the Bernese mountain dog and settled on a sideways hug with River and Noah.
“I’m happy to see you both, I’m just happier to see Bernie. I can’t believe how much he’s grown. Soon I won’t be able to pick him up anymore.” The dog was licking Fleur’s face and she pulled her head back. “No licking, sweetheart.”
I scratched the cute dog behind his ears. “That’s right. Only I can lick her.”
We all laughed and then River spread out her arms. “This is it. My new gallery. The painters just got done yesterday and the new floors are in. Tomorrow the electrician is putting up all the spotlights and the security system is getting installed in a few days as well. Can you believe that I’ll have my own gallery?”
“I’m so happy for you.” My smile was large and genuine. “This is a really nice location too.”
“Yes. That’s why we picked it.”
“We marked our calendars for the opening,” Fleur said and put Bernie down.
“Good. We’re starting with a bang. I’m exhibiting an American artist that will blow you away.”
“That’s wonderful. Anyone we know?”
River’s eyes were glowing with excitement as she raised her hands and made a high-pitched sound of glee. “Cia Black. I’ve been following her work for a while. She makes these incredibly rich and multi-layered paintings that will take your breath away. It’s only the second time she’s exhibiting her paintings outside of the US, but she’s coming for the opening with her friend Darren, who’s a gallery owner himself. I’m so excited to meet them both.”
