Page 18 of Arse Over Irish Teacup
He accidentally chuckled a little at her play on phrases. “Why is that?”Why? Why?Did he really need to knowwhy? Here’s a why: why was she so easy to talk to? Why was he asking her these personal questions?
He knew why.
“I’ve haven’t been out of the country in ten years. Except to Canada twice. I almost didn’t renew my passport but Gram told me I should. I haven’t even been on a plane.”
“Ever?”
“No, I’ve flown but not in a while.”
“Are you taking a bus tour? Meeting some friends?” He gulped with very real dread. The determination behind her eyes was unmistakable.
“No, I’m alone, I rented a car, and plan on driving around and seeing the sights for myself.”
Dear God in heaven no. Bethany Spinner was going to be loose.
In Ireland.
With a car.
Unsupervised.
Did she even know they drove on the left? This was too much.
Aidan finished his drink in one gulp. “How long do you plan on being there?”
“I didn’t get a return ticket yet. I have a list of places I want to see but Lauren said she wouldn’t let me come home until I’ve traveled around for at least a month.”
What did Lauren have against the Irish? What had they done to deserve this natural disaster driving around?
A month!
A whole month?
His head was spinning again.
“Aidan? You don’t look so good. How do you feel?”
“You know, I think I’m tired. I’m going to put my feet up and close my eyes.”
“Okay, I’ll make sure you wake up in time for our flight.”
He was afraid of that. “Thank you.” He pushed back on his armrests and a kickstand appeared underneath his calves. Then he crossed his arms over his chest, closed his eyes, and wishing he carried rosary beads, prayed for a coma.
ChapterNine
Aidan had no sooner closedhis eyes than fallen asleep. Beth observed his chest rise and fall in deep breaths. He must have been tired which wasn’t surprising, considering how pale he looked. Surely, a brief nap would do him good.
Beth turned her attention back to the window. Outside the sun was shining but in the distance were rain clouds. It would probably rain by nighttime. A shiver ran up her arm. Holding an ice-cold drink was making her cold. Good thing Lauren had suggested she bring a shawl. She pushed back on her armrests and a kickstand appeared.
Beth giggled a little as she snuggled herself down and stared out the window at the air traffic control men. Some were driving around in carts, others waving orders to an incoming plane. Jeez Louise that plane was big! She tried not to think about it. A distraction was needed so she reached for her purse and rummaged inside for her phone and earbuds. Her belongings had been jumbled around when she dumped everything out at the check-in desk. She found her phone first and pulled it out, then reached back inside looking for the earbuds when her fingers touched a thick paper. She grabbed hold and pulled out a lavender envelope.
Beth tore it open and unfolded a letter from Lauren.
Dear Klutzy,
By now you have probably dropped your purse all over the floor and found this letter. Hopefully you aren’t actually reading it at the check-in desk. I wanted to remind you how brave you are, and how proud I am of you for taking this trip. Gram was right, you’ve been living for her long enough. It’s time to live for yourself and you’re not allowed back here until you’ve had an adventure! I’ll only be a phone call away and expect a call every day. If you don’t, I’ll worry that you’ve fallen into another grave or over a cliff. Wave hello to the fairies for me!
Love,
