Chapter Twenty-One
I had no idea where I was going. Literally none. My maps app wouldn’t work, but I knew I was heading away from town. Eventually, I’d find food and just wandering around Ireland was nice enough. Driving really did help me process. As soon as I’d gotten my driver’s license, I started taking these long trips, winding around the Texas Hill Country, taking farm road to farm road. I’d go until my tank got low, then fill up and head back to St. Ailbe’s. It was my way of coping when everyone else was shifting and doing pack things that I couldn’t do while cursed. Ever since then, when I needed to think, the car was my answer.
I drove for a while, letting my mind quiet for a bit, before I saw a pub with two massive tables and benches outside. The huge awning said that it had the “Best Fish and Chips in Ireland.” If they were printing it that big, they had to be at least a little bit certain it was true, or else no one would go. No one sat outside, but the parking lot was mostly full, even though it was three p.m. Too late for lunch, too early for dinner.
As soon as I opened the car door, mouth-watering scents hit me. If I wasn’t mistaken, I smelled lobster mac and cheese. This place was going to be my favorite ever. I didn’t even have to try it out. The scent told me everything I needed to know.
The inside of the pub was dimly lit and smelled old and musty. There were people tucked away in every corner, but they were too busy chatting and enjoying their pints to really notice me. Which suited me just fine. I took a menu and ordered at the bar.
“I’ll just be at the table outside.”
The middle-aged bartender paused as he entered my order into the computer. “It’s a wee bit chilly out there. You sure?”
“Yes. I prefer it.”
He nodded. “I’ll bring you a hot tea if you like.”
I wasn’t a tea person, but apparently that was going to have to change. “Do you have jasmine?”
“I do indeed.”
“That would be lovely. Thank you.”
“That’s grand. No worries. Shall I bring some water or tea for your friends?”
“Friends?”
“You’ve ordered nearly the whole menu twice over.” He looked me up and down. “Not meanin’ anything by it, but you’re a skinny thing. You sure you want all this food?”
His response meant that I was far enough away that pack didn’t come here. This was definitely going to be my new favorite spot. I gave him a smile. “I promise I can eat it all.”
“You one of those Americans who does those eatin’ contests?”
I laughed. “No.” Although it could be fun to enter one. I bet I could kill it.
“Oh. Well, then. If you’re sure…” Although he didn’t look convinced in the slightest. “I’ll just have them bring the food out as it’s ready. That way it’s not sitting there getting cold.”
I handed him my card to hold for the tab. “That’s very appreciated.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to have a bet with the kitchen staff. You seem to know what you’re about, but they’re not going to buy it. Not once they get a load of you.”
“Of course.” I took the water he handed me and went back outside.
It was always funny eating around humans. I didn’t do it often—it caused too much of a scene—but every once in a while, it was kind of fun. But now that humans knew about us, maybe I could go out more often. That realization kind of made my day.
I sat down and pulled out my phone.
A man answered almost before it rang. “I told you, Mrs. O’Collins. I’ll be there, but it’s only been five minutes. I’m sure it’s just Robert and his friends again. I’ve a few things—”
I cleared my throat. “I’m not Mrs. O’Collins.” But now I was curious what was going on. Small town drama was awesome.
There was a moment of silence. “Well, that’s right embarrassing. This is McTavish. Who’s calling?”
“I’m Meredith Molloney. I’m Donovan Murry’s mate.”
“Aye. Yes. I know who you are.” His tone grew serious but was still friendly.
That simplified things. “I wanted to thank you. I heard you hit the beast with your car?”