Page 10 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Get him a beer, Jenna. He could probably use one.”
Jenna went to the refrigerator, retrieved a bottle, and handed it to Cormac who looked at it as if it was the most puzzling thing he had ever seen.
“Is that a twist off, Dylan? I didn’t look.”
“No. He needs a bottle opener.”
Cormac was still looking bewildered when Jenna handed him the bottle opener.
“What do I do with this, lass?”
“Are you serious?” she questioned and when he didn’t answer her, she took the bottle out of his hand and using the bottle opener, removed the cap. “Here you go.”
Dylan had retrieved a bottle for himself and took the opener from Jenna. He nodded at Cormac and took a swig from the bottle.
Cormac followed suit, finally realizing what he was supposed to do with the bottle.
“Don’t they have beer in bottles, where you come from?” Jenna asked.
“Nay, not like this.”
“You’ll have to tell me all about… Scotland. The part you’re from, that is.” Jenna’s curiosity was piqued and she hoped to catch him in a lie and then this crazy practical joke would be over.
“Aye. Mayhap another time, if ye dinnae mind.”
“Of course. I think I’ll go get dressed for our night on the town.”
Jenna was relieved to walk out of the kitchen. It was getting a bit awkward in there, and hot. She felt like she would spontaneously combust at the sight of Cormac in the doorway. She hoped the evening would be fun and that she’d be able to relax around him. The way he looked at her made her feel a bit shy, which was an emotion she seldom suffered from. It was as if he was looking into her soul. She didn’t know how she felt about that, but she planned on treating him just like she did all of her other guy friends.Yeah… right!
Cormac and Dylan exchanged knowing glances as Jenna left the kitchen.
“I think you’re getting to her, dude.”
“I would have to agree with ye. She turns a lovely shade of pink when she looks at me.”
“Keep up the good work. Although you’re not really doing much. I wish I had that effect on the ladies. Maybe you could teach me a few of your tricks.”
“I dinna use tricks, Dylan,” Cormac chuckled. “’Tis just me curse to be attractive to the lasses.”
“And that is the unfortunate truth, my man.” Dylan slapped Cormac on the back. “We’ll see how I do tonight. Maybe there’ll be a trickle-down effect from hanging with you.”
“A what?”
“I’m hoping some of your charm will rub off on me, and the ladies will be all over me, like bees to honey.”
“I’ll be sure to send them yer way, as I only have eyes for yer cousin.” Cormac was starting to feel that there might be some hope. Jenna had not been quite as prickly as she had been when they first met. Mayhap Edna was on to something.
“Thanks, I appreciate the help. Do you need to get ready to go out?”
“Nay. I believe I’ll keep the clothes Edna gave me for tonight. Jenna seems to enjoy them.”
Chapter 4
The night air had grown chilly and a misty grey fog was settling on the city as Jenna, Cormac and Dylan made their way into the bar. EJ, the bartender, looked up as they entered.
“Jenna! Good to see you back. It’s been a while.” He smiled, giving her an appreciative once over.
“Hey, EJ, nice to be back.” She felt Cormac inch closer to her back and she said, “This is Dylan’s friend Cormac. Cormac, this is EJ.”
