Hear my warning Mr. Shaw, I’m coming for ye.
Over the many years together he’s taken hold of being the protective brother figure in my life. He’s one of the few who are aware of the grave details and markings my monster left on me. Trust me when I say, Patrick’s rage came out full force when he found out. His upbringing, being told never to harm a lass then seeing a man take advantage of someone so young, it sent him over the edge.
He still will not tell anyone, not even me where he was the four days he went missing. We had many dark days before the news came to light and I came damn near close to losing his friendship. If it weren’t for his determination to show up at my door every day asking Gran to see me, I don’t think I’d be here today.
Twenty minutes or so goes by, Gran telling me more about her trip. I’ll never have enough of living in this woman’s positive light.
“Here we go, two pints and two shepherd’s pies.” Patrick comes back ‘round, placing the items in front of us.
It was this, or bangers and tatties; both being my weakness. Then again, all cuisine is my weakness. This savoryGuinnessbrazened steak, mashed tatties, and veggies all put together in a savory puff pastry and paired with extra crispy chips on the side is what my hangover calls for.
My mind has me thinking he deserves payback for snapping me earlier. I know how to get a rise out of him.
“Ye know, this is all yer good fer.” I jest and point to my plate.
“Heathen!” He declares, turning to Gran for support, “Gran, any help for yer favorite student?”
“Away with ye!” Gran shakes her head, “ye’re on yer own.”
Patrick tosses the bar rag at my face in protest, and I catch it before it smacks me. I toss it back with a giggle and don’t miss his wide grin.
I will never have enough of our banter.
He leaves us to enjoy our meal and I notice him ready to give Shark a good talking to. Best of luck to Shark. Patrick can be ruthless.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen ye drink before now, Gran.”
She lifts the pint to her lips and takes a sip, “ye aren’t the only one having fun.” She lowers her voice as she gestures to the bar, “besides, Patrick is quite bold in those tight jeans,oh, and look at-
“Gran!” I practically shout, my jaw hitting the floor, “bloody hell! Ye did not just say that!”
Who is this woman? Surely, I’ve been left in the dark; she has never been so emboldened like this in my lifetime.
“I barely know ye anymore!”
She laughs lightly around her glass before setting it back, “Patrick is too young fer me,” she says on a laugh then waves her hand playfully, “there’s nay harm in lookin’.” She wiggles her fingers and grins.
I’m speechless. How do I respond to this?
“Gran, are ye thinking about getting in the dating scene?”
Her brows raise, “thinking? Lass, I’m already there.” She gains a wistful look in her eyes, “I have ye to thank. Ye sent me off on the mostmagnificenttrip of dreams.” The way she touched on that particular word has me guessing there is more than one meaning behind it. “I wasn’t alone fer long.”
Just as I thought, my Gran found someone.
For Gran’s sixty-ninth birthday I surprised her with this trip. This wonderful woman raised me when my own mum felt she was‘too busy’getting her career in order. My marvelous Gran taught music to school-aged children for thirty-two years, encouraged me to be who I am today, taught me how to play many instruments, guided me through many life lessons, and most importantly, instilled in me to be kind and loving.
I adore her. She didn’t have to take me under her wing and raise me; for her doing so, I shall give her the world.
For being sixty-nine, she has taken on the cheekiest side yet. Maybe it’s the number? Who knows, it could be.
Gran reminds me of a fair-haired Jane Seymour; full of grace and humility and can easily pass for ten years younger, catching many a lad’s eye.
“Wow. So, ye have found love? When do I get to meet this mystery man?” I egg her on, “is he tall, dark, and handsome? Maybe a bad boy? Ooh, he’s an Aussie. Their lingo is super sexy.”
We laugh together and it’s what I needed, whatweneeded.
It’s been a long winding road this past decade.