Page 12 of A Thistle Beyond Time
Jenna was laughing as she watched.
“He sings well, lass,” Cormac pointed out.
“Yes, he does. It’s one of the reasons he likes to come here. He’s a frustrated rock singer. That, and the girls love him.”
“I can see that they do. What of you? Do ye sing?”
“Not usually.”
Cormac was about to speak when Dylan’s song ended to whistles and applause. He bowed and left the stage, accompanied by his little band of groupies.
“Jenna, Jenna!” Her ex’s friends were calling out to her, much to Jenna’s chagrin. “Jenna, sing! Come on, please!”
Jenna just shook her head at them. They weren’t about to take no for an answer and started chanting her name. She rolled her eyes and stood up.
“I guess I’m singing,” she said to Cormac, who offered her a brilliant smile.
As she approached the stage, someone in the group called out, “Sing ‘Rollin in the Deep’,by Adele.”
Cormac watched appreciatively as Jenna made her way onto the stage and stood behind the strange metal pole the people sang into. He had noticed it made their voices louder. When Jenna opened her mouth and began to sing, he was in awe. She had the most beautiful voice. She sang like an angel. Other people in the bar stopped what they were doing and paid attention, obviously enjoying her ability. People in the bar applauded and cheered when Jenna finished singing. She had a happy smile on her face as she made her way back to the bar and Cormac and settled on a barstool.
“Ye sing beautifully, Jenna,” he said with admiration. “I’ve never heard such a wee lass with such a big voice.”
Jenna laughed and Cormac thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She was looking at him differently than she had earlier in the day, and he began to think he might stand a chance.
The door opened and a tall, lanky man with spiky brown hair entered. He walked up behind Jenna, poked her in the ribs, and leaned in so his mouth was right beside her ear.
“Hey, babe, miss me?”
“I’m afraid not, Jonathan.” Jenna eyed him suspiciously and Cormac moved a little closer to her. He felt an urge to shove this man away from Jenna, but he waited to see what this was all about. Edna had warned him that things were different in this time.
“Aw, come on, not even just a little bit?” Jonathan tugged on a lock of her hair.
“Knock it off, Jonathan.” Jenna’s face, which just moments before had been happy, was now looking very angry. Cormac put his arm around her shoulders, effectively blocking Jonathan from further contact with her.
“Who’s this? Is he your new man?” Jonathan sneered, as he looked Cormac up and down.
“Aye. Yer right. I am and I suggest ye leave the lady be.”
“Lady? That’s a good one. When did people start calling you that?” he asked Jenna. When she didn’t respond, he continued. “She’s no lady and you’re welcome to her. She’ll make your life miserable, just like she did with mine.”
“Cormac, really, you don’t have to protect me from this jackass.” Jenna glared at both men.
“Aye. I believe I do. ’Tis my duty asyer man.” A slow smile spread across Cormac’s lips and he looked directly into her eyes. Jenna began to feel a bit warm under his scrutiny, finding his gaze hypnotic.
“Jonathan. Go bother somebody else.” Jenna dismissed him, keeping her attention on Cormac.
“Jonny, man, it looks like there’s an empty stage and a microphone with your name on it,” EJ said, attempting to diffuse the situation.
“Thanks, EJ. Don’t mind if I do. This one’s for you, Jenna.” Jonathan blew her a kiss as he headed for the stage.
Jenna closed her eyes and shook her head.
“Lass, ye dinna need to listen to him,” Cormac offered.
Jenna looked up at him and smiled tightly. “Thanks, but I’m fine.”
Jonathan made his way onto the stage and announced, “I’m dedicating this next song to my ex, Jenna. I hope you all enjoy it, as much as I will.”
