Page 51 of St. Lucia Escapades
“Aye, but that doesn’t make it hurt less.” Moira mumbled.
Roxi nodded in understanding as they sat down with Kiernan and Maureen. Internally, Roxi was happy with this new revelation. ‘At least she listened to his voicemails. That should make the next phase a bit easier. Hopefully.’
Moira sat at the table virtually silent as the conversation flowed easily between Roxi and her parents. Her mind however was toiling over what she was going to do about the situation with Cord. In his last message he had pleaded with her to call him. To talk to him, or at least call and just listen to what he had to say. All day she had to stop herself from doing just that. There was a big part of her that was afraid to hear his voice. Afraid that all the memories of their time together would overwhelm her and crush her. She missed Cord something fierce but her Irish pride was holding her back.
“So, tell us about this pub that we’re going to.” Kiernan said.
“All I know about it is that there isn’t a place like it here in DC.” Roxi began, “The owners built it to resemble an authentic Irish pub, inside and out. There will be food, drinks, and live music. I believe they plan to keep the musical acts strictly of the Irish nature for the time being, but I think in the future they may open it up a bit more depending on what the clientele wants.”
“Sounds fun.” Maureen smiled. “Heaven knows I’ve not been to a proper pub since me Da’s wake nearly twenty-five years ago.”
“Aye, I agree.” Kiernan nodded.
“How did you find out about all this?” Moira questioned, before sipping her coffee.
“Oh, Jana told me. She was writing a piece on the pub for the paper and thought I’d be interested because of you guys.” Roxi grinned.
“Because of us?” Moira inquired, arching a brow.
“Yes, you guys silly. Jana knows that your folks were born and raised in Ireland and that you guys are proud of your Irish heritage. It was her idea that I bring you all tonight. I couldn’t think of a better way to bring you out of the hole that you call your bedroom than a night of good Irish whiskey.” Roxi explained.
Moira hmphed, “Well, getting pissed on good whiskey sounds like a plan I guess.”
Cord
Cord and Collen stood in the security room watching the monitors closely. Kiernan had texted him about twenty minutes ago saying they were on their way. Cord felt his heart pounding in his chest. Tonight, would be the first time in two weeks that he and Moira would be in such close proximity and frankly he was scared as hell at what she would do. Would she listen to him? Walk away? Clobber him with a whiskey bottle? All the above? So many questions and no inkling as to what the answers would be.
“You okay Cord?” Collen asked.
“I’m scared to tell ya the truth Collie.” Cord sighed, reaching up to rub the back of his neck.
“Look, just be honest with her. Show her what you showed Roxi. After that, the rest is up to her.” Collen said.
“And even if after all that she still doesn’t want to be with me anymore?” Cord demanded, facing his little brother.
Collen didn’t have an answer and that didn’t ease Cord’s fears one iota. He looked up and felt his heart skip. There, on the screen he watched Moira walk in with Roxi, Kiernan and Maureen. God she was as beautiful as ever. That gorgeous mane of red hair was down and some of it had fallen over her left shoulder. She wore an emerald green shirt that contrasted with her hair perfectly and hugged her torso deliciously. In the low lighting of the main floor, he could just make out the tight-fitting jeans she wore. His mind instantly drew up images of the last time he had felt her body against his. Cord called on his mental fortitude to keep the threatening erection at bay. He couldn’t afford to blow this. If she took him back, there would plenty of time for that later. Tonight, he had to win her back first.
“She’s here. John just walked them to their private table.” Collen reported, clicking off his walkie.
“Okay. Okay, I can do this.” Cord said.
“Yes, you can. Now get your ass down there and get your woman back.” Collen pushed.
“Right.” Cord nodded and headed for the door. There he paused and turned to face Collen. “Hey Collie, you might want to have an ambulance on call. Just in case she decided to clobber me.”
“You got it.” Collen laughed.
With a slow breath, Cord opened the security door and started to make his way downstairs. As he passed the main bar, he shared a look with Kat. She simply smiled and gave him a nod of encouragement. Cord navigated the sea of people dancing and having an overall good time as the Irish band he booked for the night played. The closer he got to the table, the more his heart pounded. Finally, he was there. Kiernan spotted him first and gave him a smile. When Moira turned, he watched the shock wash over her beautiful face.
“C…Cord?”
“Hello Moira.” Cord said.
Moira
Moira was floored. Before her stood Cord. She couldn’t stop herself from drinking in the man. He was as handsome as ever. He wore a soft looking cream-colored V-neck sweater that seemed to make his hazel green eyes glow in the low lighting. Her eyes traveled further down and saw he was in a pair of dark jeans that hugged his legs and thighs perfectly. Moira could feel her heart thudding against her ribs and her mouth go dry at the mere sight and closeness of him. She licked her lips, but when she opened her mouth nothing came out.
“Well, we’ll leave you two to talk.” Maureen stated as she, Kiernan and Roxi stood from the table.
