I know it's been a while since I've updated anything but school has a tendency to occupy my time a lot lately. Anyway, a big thanks to everyone who'd reviewed, favorited, and followed this so far. It's very much appreciated!
Chapter Four – Something's Fishy
I still felt somewhat dazed from my first kiss with Connor as we all sat down for dinner and almost missed the server asking what we'd like for drinks.
"Green tea, please," I requested.
"Same 'ere," Connor said from my right.
"Will do, folks. I'll be right back," and she moved to go fill our order but I thought I saw her throw a flirty wink towards my date. I quickly brushed it off as my overactive imagination since I was still having a hard time believing who I was here with, not to mention the fact he'd kissed me!
"Jewel? Ya a'right?"
"I don't think I've ever been more alright in my life." It slipped out before I could stop myself, causing me to blush, which made Connor smile, and Ange and Murphy laugh.
"I don't seem to have a filter anymore," I said sheepishly, putting my hair behind my ear.
"No worries, girl," Murphy said across from me. "Connor's heard far worse on book tours. I would know. Had ta play bodyguard fer 'em more den once."
"Never thought book fans could be that crazy," Ange commented as the server came back with our drinks.
"Are we ready to order?" she asked, notepad at the ready.
I marked off two of my favorite sushi rolls and was about ready to hand it over when Connor said, "Dat all yer havin', love?"
I felt myself blush again. "It's all I have cash for."
"May I?" he asked.
"Sure," and I handed him the sushi menu.
"Ya tried all dese yet?"
"Not everything," I answered, wondering what he was getting at.
"Wat else would ya like?" he asked with a sly grin.
"No way I'm gonna let you-," I started but he cut me off.
"No buts, girl. Now, pick somet'ing."
"Alright." I pointed to the Spider and Dragon Rolls, which he marked off then handed to the incredibly patient server, who was probably getting a kick out of our bantering then went off to give our orders to the chefs. I know Ange sure was amused by us because of the mirth on her face.
"I'll say this, Connor," she began, taking a sip of her water. "In all the time I've known Julia, I've never seen her more smitten with anyone."
"I should say the same about you, Miss Gossip," I shot back, causing her to blush, and Murphy to grin. So, he did like her. I figured as much.
"Alright folks," the server returned with a tray. "I have one Spider, Dragon, Spicy Tuna, and California roll for you," she set it down in front of me, "Two Cucumber Salads, one Hot Red Dragon, one Oyako Danburi," Ange and Murphy, respectively, "And for you." She turned to Connor and I swear, her eyes lit up, a little too brightly for my taste. "One Nigiri Sushi & California Roll combo."
"Appreciated," my date spoke in a tone that said it wasn't too keen about the way this girl was looking at him.
"If there's anything else I can get for you, my name is Carrie," and she turned to walk away but not before eyeing the blond writer one more time. This was getting weird. However, I suppose this is what it'll be like dating a famous writer. I shook it off and sampled my Spider Roll.
"How's dat fish, Jewel?"
"It's great, and thank you by the way," I washed it down with some green tea, and grabbed another piece.
"No need ta tank me. Tis wat I do on dates. Ain't right ta let da lady pay. Right, Murph?"
"Aye," the brown-haired brother agreed, glancing at Ange. "A man should take care of his lady," and he winked at my friend, which made me smile for them.
"So are you saying that I'm your woman now, Murphy?" My friend said while taking a bite of her salad.
"Only if ya wanna be, girl," he countered, slipping a forkful of ramen in his mouth.
"Well, I'll consider your proposal then, Mr. MacManus," she said, trying to keep a straight face but I could tell she'd already made up her mind about it.
"Don consider too long. May make me frisky," he joked.
"A'right, a'right ya two," Connor broke in. "Night's still young wit plenty of time fer ye ta get ta know each ot'er." He picked up a piece of tuna Nigiri and offered it to me, which I took between my teeth just as Carrie was coming back to check on us.
"Everything taste good? Need any refills?" I turned to see she had a pitcher of water and a pot of what smelled like freshly brewed green tea.
"More water fer us, please," Murphy requested, and the server obliged.
"I'll take some more tea." I said, and she refilled my mug while looking at my date again. Now I knew she was eyeballing him, which I sure as hell didn't like and was about to say something when,
"Carrie!" a voice yelled from the kitchen. "Order up!"
"Be right there! Excuse me, please," and she was gone in a flash.
"Lucky girl," I mumbled, grabbing another bite.
"Wat's a matter, Julia?" I heard Connor ask.
"I don't like the way she keeps looking at you every time she comes over here."
"Are you jealous already, Jewel?" Angelina voiced, finishing off her Hot Red Dragon roll. There was no sarcasm; she was worried that I was getting possessive of my date already.
"Maybe a little. I don't like the fact that it's blatantly obvious that he's here with me and she keeps trying to flirt with him."
"We can leave if ya want," the writer suggested. He didn't sound upset with how I was acting; more like worried about what I'd do to the server if things got out of control.
I shook my head. "No, we don't have to leave. I just have to get myself under control," I took another sip of fresh tea. "Besides, it's not like you're flirting back, so I'm not concerned about you."
He gave me a small kiss on the cheek. "Ya ain't gotta worry 'bout me, girl. I only got eyes fer ye." That statement alone made me feel better about this situation and made me think twice about how I was reacting. Here I was with not only a famous author but an incredibly hot one, so it was only natural that other women would try to jump on him. As long as he was loyal to what he said, I had nothing to worry about.
"So, wat made ye girls wanna work at da coffee shop?" Murphy asked, trying to change the subject.
"I've always been interested in coffee since I was teenager: where it came from, what all the different flavors were, why some were better than others, and so on," Ange started, taking the final bite of her Cucumber Salad. "When I was still in high school, I made regular trips to the Café Bean after class to study and do some homework, and one day I was in there and Tom, our boss, was having an altercation with a barista. I think the guy had stolen something and Tom had caught him doing so. Anyway, the thief said he didn't do anything wrong, threw up his hands, and left the store in a huff. Tom came around the counter to go after him but he was long gone," she took a drink of water. "I asked him what that was all about and if there was anything I could do, and he said, 'Yes there is. You want a job?' And the rest is history."
"Gotta love how them situations work out," Connor grinned, popping a California Roll into his mouth.
"Well, my hiring wasn't quite so Johnny on the spot," I began. "I submitted an application and my resume while I was in the autumn semester at university then waited almost two months for an interview. I had to go through four of them before I was hired: two with Tom, one with his wife, Margot, and one with the top supervisor, Jamie, who happens to be their nephew," I paused to finish off my Spicy Tuna Roll. "I felt like I'd met the whole family tree when I finally landed the job. Been with 'em for the last five years."
"Dat's a hell of a story from both of ya," Murphy concluded. "Wish me life 'twas dat interestin'. Oh wait. I got a famous author fer a brudda dat I 'ave to keep crazy fans off of."
"C'mon, Murph. Ya know I take care of ya when ya do dat fer me."
"Aye, dat ya do, bro. Dat ya do." At that moment, the server came back with our checks.
"Everything turn out alright, folks? Can I get you anything else?" I swear she looked at Connor when she asked that but I kept my fury in check.
"No thank you. We're ready to cash out." Ange stated, taking one last sip of water. The Irish brothers handed over the money and said they didn't need any change. I didn't think they'd tip so much but I suppose they wanted to leave lest I do anything stupid.
"Thank you so much!" Carrie's eyes got animated. "Come back anytime and have a good night!"
"Dat we will," Connor said, standing then helping me up, which wiped the smile right off the server's face.
"Thank you again," and the disenchanted girl walked back to the kitchen.
"Well, that certainly discouraged her now, didn't it?" I joked as we walked out to the street.
"Smooth move, Connor," Ange said. "You have to deal with that on all your dates?"
"Rather not get in ta dat right now, lass," he said, his mood darkening a bit. I suspected he'd had some strange experiences in the past but wasn't about to ask him to spill his guts right here. He'd probably tell me about it sooner or later anyway.
"Where to now, gentlemen?" I asked, trying to get the night back on track.
"Hmm…" Murphy became thoughtful just then. "Ain't there a film theatre 'round 'ere?"
"Maybe five blocks from here." Ange pointed out.
"Let's go der den." He suggested.
"And see wat?" his brother asked as we started walking.
He shrugged. "We'll decide when we get dere," and smiled slyly.
"Wouldn't expect anyt'ing less from ye, bro." Connor's demeanor seemed to brighten back up but my friend's comment still appeared to be bothering him. We walked to the theatre in comfortable silence and when we got there, the lot was full and there was a line out the door.
"This might not be the best idea," I said, hanging back, causing the others to stop. I wasn't concerned for myself but for Connor as I knew he wouldn't want to deal with a crowd on what was supposed to be a date.
"Yeah, yer right 'bout tat, Jewel," Murphy agreed, looking at how many people were at the establishment.
"Well, now what?" Angelina asked, checking her watch. "It's ten o' clock now, so we still have time to enjoy the night."
"Could go back ta McGinty's and 'ave a drink wit Roc, if he's still dere." My date suggested. I could tell he didn't want to go anywhere else as it might be crowded with people, and with his notoriety, he wouldn't be left alone.
"I'm okay with that. Ange? Murph?"
"Actually, I think we might go off by ourselves, if you don't mind." Ange said, surprising me. We were supposed to be in this together in case anything went wrong.
"Are you sure about that?" I asked, eyeing Murphy warily. "Where would you be going?" Now I sounded like her mum.
"Just to the shopping district near Change Alley," she said nonchalantly. "I can phone you to check in if you want."
"That'd be nice if you did," I shifted my gaze back to Murphy. "If anything happens to her, you better quit the coffee shop cuz I'll coming looking for ya."
He held up his hands in mock surrender. "No worries, girl. Wouldn't do anyt'ing ta make ya come after me."
"Ya bet'er not, Murph, or I'll get ya too," his brother warned. "Bet'er yet, might call Ma ta come give ya a lashin'."
"A'right, a'right. I'll be good," and he meant it. At least, I hope he did for Ange's sake. For all I knew, he was a serial killer who was really good at covering his tracks. Wow. I seriously watch too many crime dramas in my spare time.
"See ya later then, kids," and we went our separate ways, me giving one last glance over my shoulder at my friend, who only winked at me.
"Ya a'right, Jewel?" Connor asked when we were well away from the theatre.
"I'm just worried about her. I mean, I don't know your brother that well and from what you've told me, he has a spotty record when it comes to women."
He tightened his arm around my waist. "Mine ain't exactly clean either. Told ya dat I dated quite a few ladies in my day, and not all of 'em were happy endings."
"I can only imagine. I wonder what's in store for me with this relationship." We got closer to the pub when he suddenly stopped and looked me in the eyes.
"I tell ya dis, Julia, and I want ya ta really listen ta me: Dere's somet'ing 'bout ya dat I can't put me finger on but I know yer diff'ent from anyone else I've been wit. Now, I know dat we hardly know each o'ter but if ya let me, I can show ya wat I'm sayin' is true."
I certainly wasn't expecting this on a first date but looking into those emerald eyes, I couldn't fathom that he would have any reason to lie to me. I looked down for a moment then back up again when I'd gathered my thoughts. "Connor, I know what you're saying is true, but I have to tell you that I've had a history of screwing up my relationships. It's some kind of defense mechanism of mine, so if I seem distant or slow to accept this, don't take it personally," I sighed as I couldn't believe I was pouring my heart out like this. "If you really mean what you say then I know you'll bear with me when that happens and not walk out on me when it gets tough."
He didn't say anything but kissed me so fiercely that I thought I would collapse if I didn't grab onto him for support. After a few moments, he slowly released the kiss and waited for my reaction while staying close.
"Wow," I said after coming back to Earth. "If I had any doubts about your sincerity, I think you just got rid of them for good."
He smiled. "Wanted ta show ya how dat I meant wat I said. I'll stick by ya through anyt'ing dat comes yer way. Cross me heart," and he made the sign of the cross over his chest.
"That's the second time you've done that today. Are you a devout Irish Catholic or something?" It was meant to be a joke but apparently, it was true.
"Went ta church e'ery Sunday wit Ma and Murph, and 'ave kept up da practice ever since, even if I 'ave ta go by meself."
"Well, no offense to what you guys believe but don't expect me to start joining you," We arrived back at McGinty's just then. "Sunday's my day to sleep in."
He held the door open for me. "Won't expect ya ta do somet'ing ya don wanna do. Now dat I'm back 'ere, Murph can always go wit me."
"I thought you guys didn't talk much anymore," I stated as we looked for Rocco.
"We may not be as close as b'fore but don mean me brudda's changed religions."
"Connor! I was hoping you'd come back!" Rocco practically jumped on the Irishman when he spotted him.
"'Ey Roc!" Connor gave him a bear-hug back. "Hope ya 'aven't gotten too wasted wit'out me."
"C'mon, man! Ya know beer doesn't get me drunk. I gotta have some shots too. Hey Doc! Three shots of Goldschlager!"
"Comin' right up, me boy!"
"Thanks Roc," I said as the three of us sat down at the bar.
"No problem, Julia, was it?" I nodded. "I'm glad you guys came back but where's Murph and Angelina?"
"They went off to the shopping district. Guess they wanted to spend some time together."
"Well, good for him. He really seemed to like her."
"Not exactly a ringing endorsement but I'll take it."
"Like I told ya b'fore, lass: ya ain't gotta worry 'bout yer friend.
"True. I should stop actin' like her mum anyway." Doc set our shots in front of us and we threw them back all at once. "Whew! I forgot how strong that stuff is." I flinched as the liquor burned down my throat. Rocco and Connor didn't seem fazed in the least and were already asking for another round.
"Gonna have to build up yer tolerance, sweetheart," Rocco joked, downing his second shot. "Especially if you're gonna be datin' this guy."
"Easy, Roc," Connor said, drinking his second shot and signaling for another. "I don want da lady gettin' sauced t'night. Kinda like 'er sober."
I coloured for probably the umpteenth time tonight. This guy was almost too much with the flattery and compliments.
"Oh man. I think you got a keeper here, bro," and the brushy-haired Italian laughed.
This was going to be a long night but I think I could get used to it. As I slowly drank my second shot of the night, I heard my date say,
"So Roc, how've ya been since I been gone?"
The smile quickly disappeared from his face as he sighed. "Could be better, man. More down than up, that's for sure. Gimme another shot and I'll tell ya all about it."
