“Seriously,” I mutter. “I will kill you if this is something even remotely romantic.”
When the song finally ends, silence fills the room. All eyes are on me, waiting for a response. “Thank you all…that was lovely.” Turning to Liam, I lower my voice a little. “What is it called?”
“Yes, Liam,” Nettie says. “You never did tell us the name of it.”
Liam is wearing an expression that is far too amused to be apologetic, although I have a distinct feeling the second emotion is the proper one. “Now, I hope you won’t be offended. I thought you could use a theme song. You know, something to help get the word out that you like your privacy.”
My nostrils flare and I purse my lips together. “Just spit it out already.”
“Okay, but remember, I meant it in the kindest of ways,” he says. “Also, for a bit of a laugh.”
I fold my arms across my chest and glare.
“It’s a Welsh tune called The Hermit of the Sea Rock.”
Gasps and titters come from around the room. Then it grows deadly quiet as they wait for my reaction. I shake my head and start to laugh, slapping him on the chest with the back of my hand. Looking up at Peter, I say, “You were right about him. He is an asshole.”
Peter holds up one finger. “I believe I said a bit of an arsehole.”
“In America, it’s the same thing.”
Liam does his best to seem hurt even though he can’t seem to stop laughing. When he finally manages to get himself under control, he says, “Now, why would you say that? I was just trying to help you set boundaries with the rest of the village.”
“I’m starting to dislike you very much.”
“That’s odd. Most people love me,” he answers before taking a swig of his drink. “Especially women.”
* * *
The party ends just after eleven, and I'm still here for reasons I don't wish to explore. The mood is jovial but more subdued now as latches on instrument cases click shut, and chair legs scrape against the floor. A few of us carry empty glasses to the bar while the others put the room back in order for tomorrow’s breakfast service. When everything seems to be done, I smile as I tell the remaining few people that it’s time for the hermit to crawl back under her sea rock. Then, I walk out into the late evening air.
I’m slightly too warm from all the Guinness and laughter, so the cool breeze feels delightful on my cheeks. When I’m almost to the road, I hear the front door shut and Liam call my name. I turn and wait while he hurries down the steps toward me. "I'll walk you home."
"You think that's a good idea? We’ll get everybody in town talking."
"That's odd. I seem to recall you saying that you're not the type to let idle gossip inform your decisions."
We fall into step with each other. "Yeah, well, that's fine for me, but I don't know if you can handle that kind of heat. A nice Canadian boy like yourself."
"I think I can take it. I’ve faced worse and I will again,” he answers, and something about his tone bothers me, although I can’t think why.
He looks down at me under the dim light of the streetlamp and grins. "Besides, Peter figured you might need someone to look around for intruders."
I wince, then let my embarrassment give way to irritation. "Good Lord, is there anyone in this town who doesn’t have a gigantic mouth?”
He taps his chin a couple of times as though pondering, then says, “Umm, no.”
I chuckle a little, then remember I’m mad. “No wonder houses are so cheap around here.”
“Aww, it’s not all bad, is it? After all, if he hadn’t said anything, you’d be walking home on this dark, lonely road without an escort who’d gladly battle Norman Bates for you.”
“Are you making fun of my overactive imagination?"
“Just teasing you a little. That’s how we show new people we like them.”
“I see. So everyone in town takes the eight-year-old boy approach—pull on the new girl’s pigtails to show her you think she’s cute, or in this case, mocking the new town hermit.”
He stops in his tracks, gently placing his hand on my arm. I turn to see a very earnest expression on his face. “Hey, I hope I didn't upset you with that. It was sort of my way of bringing you into the group—kidding around with you so everyone would know you’ve got a good sense of humor—which you do."
