Page 33 of Arse Over Irish Teacup
“If it’s okay for you to drink coffee the same way every single day, why isn’t it okay for me to want to read the same thing over and over? Besides, it’s not just another romance novel. It’s a book about hope, loss, and finding beauty.”
“You would think you were readingWar and Peacethe way you talk about it.”
“I have read War and Peace. It took me six months to finish. I read your book in a day. Listen, I’m sorry your last couple of books haven’t made the cut but the woman, sorry, man who wrote this book, my favorite book, still has a lot more to offer.”
“It bothers you that a man wrote it, doesn’t it?”
“No, no … Pfft nooo. You have the need for privacy. I can understand that.”
“So, no then?”
“Of course, it doesn’t. The characters you created are who readers take into the darkness with them. When they need comfort, they choose your book, your characters to share those moments. Do you really not know how intimate that is?”
“I hadn’t thought about it like that.”
“Aidan, you wrote a beautiful story. When I want to laugh, I read this book. When I need to cry, I read this book. When I need to feel love, I open this book. It’s all in here. You can feel the love they have for each other leap off the page. And that makes me feel loved too. The author who wrote this isn’t a failure.”
“You should be in charge of my promotions.”
“And you should have more faith in your talents. Maybe you will find some inspiration on your visit?”
“Maybe.” Doubtful but maybe. Either way he was tired of talking about himself. “How about another game, Cupcake?”
Beth smiled and put her paperback away. “You’re on, Sweetums.”
ChapterFourteen
They approachedIreland as the sun was rising. Beth had been peacefully asleep for the past hour, but Aidan couldn't resist rousing her, eager to witness the sparkle in her eyes as she glimpsed Ireland for the first time. His anticipation outweighed any consideration for her rest.
“Spinner? Wake up.” Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled softly at the sight of his face. “Look out your window.” Nothing beat the view of Ireland from the sky.
Beth sat up and rubbed her eyes as she looked out the window. Then her eyes were filled the wonderous sight of the Emerald Isle at the start of a new day. “Aidan! That’s Ireland down there! It’s beautiful already!” Her eyes glistening with happy tears as she watched the sea crash against the rocky shores. “Are those stone walls? And look how green it all is! And look! A rainbow over there!”
Aidan worried for a moment. Over there, on the west side of the island, was where they were headed. And by the looks of the quickly graying sky the rain was barely getting started. Beth’s picture of Ireland was one he’d painted for her in his book. He hoped that picture wasn’t drowned by what looked like storm clouds. That was no way for her first trip to be.
Beth’s face was mushed into the window as her feet danced with excitement. His anticipation was satisfied.
“So, what do you think?”
Beth turned around, her face glowing, her smile wide. “It’s already even more beautiful than I thought it would be.”
Aidan’s lips parted as if to speak but then they closed again.
“Thank you, for waking me up.”
“You’re welcome.”
* * *
Thankfully, they were first in line through customs. Aidan hated waiting in that large, dreary, dank, room and the faster he and Beth parted ways the better. All he had to do now was wait for his suitcase to appear on the luggage trolley, grab it, and go. Which wasn’t going to be easy. Beth had already been run over by the crowd of passengers trampling through the airport, all of them eager to stretch their legs and breathe fresh air. Her shoelace had come untied causing her to trip and heaven forbid anyone slow down for a second. Aidan worried what would happen to her after they parted ways. Who would catch her when her shoelace came untied again? He told himself that that could have happened to anyone. That wasn’t a clumsy moment therefore wouldn’t repeat itself.
They made their way to the baggage claims and waited in comfortable silence as they watched case after case slide down the chute onto the carousel, each one landing with a harsh thud. Then Aidan’s case appeared. He lifted it from the parade of luggage then returned to Beth’s side to wait for hers.
They waited and waited.
“I guess that barge travels slower than the plane?”
Aidan barked a laugh. “They’re probably hoisting your suitcase off the deck as we speak.”
