It was only then that Karen noticed a guy standing behind her friend. Broad and attractive, he wore a dark pinstripe suit and was carrying a nylon laptop bag under his left arm. His hair was cut short and tightly cropped and his eyes were also dark, a deep chocolate brown – striking against his honey-coloured complexion.
There was a hint of dark stubble on his chin and he seemed to Karen like the kind of guy who always had stubble, no matter how often he shaved.
“She’s been mugged,” he stated. “Got off at the bus stop in front of the shopping centre just now, when a gang of gurriers grabbed her bag. I saw it happen and we both gave chase, but it was too late. She’s still a bit shaken.” He regarded Jenny with a concerned look.
“Ah no,” Karen grimaced, jumping up. “Did they take much? Have you cancelled your cards?”
Jenny nodded. “There wasn’t that much cash in my purse, luckily enough.”
“Hey, sit down,” Karen urged, leading her to the couch. “Will you both have tea? I’ve just made a fresh pot.” She duly poured mugs of strong tea for Jenny andher companion. “Maybe you should ring the guards too – they might be able to get your bag back at least.”
“Probably a waste of time,” Jenny said despondently. “I’m sure it’s a regular occurrence, and since there wasn’t much taken they won’t bother.” She took a sip from her tea, then suddenly remembered her manners. “Oh, sorry – I forgot to introduce you,” she spluttered. “Karen, meet Sir Galahad in disguise.”
“Roan for short,” He duly flashed a brilliant white smile but as they shook hands, Karen noticed that his front teeth were slightly crooked.
“Ireallyappreciate you helping me out,” Jenny gushed. “You didn’t have to get involved at all.”
“Of course I did,” he insisted gently. “I think it’s terrible that no one seems to bat an eyelid when these things happen any more.”
Karen watched the exchange between the two with interest. It was obvious that her friend was smitten by her so-called white knight.
Roan gulped tea and looked around the room. “Nice place, much nicer than mine.”
“And where might that be?” Karen enquired for Jenny’s benefit.
“Along the canal. I share a house with three guys that tell me they’re from Monaghan, but with the way they carry on you’d think they were raised in a zoo. Last week I found a plate of something resembling spaghetti bolognese under one of the armchairs - must have been there for weeks.”
“I’m trying to place your accent. You’re not native to Dublin?”
“No, but not far either. Kildare, but I’ve been here for a while with college and work.” He pointed to the laptop at his feet, before returning his beaming gaze to Jenny’s equally smitten face.
“Will you have another cuppa?” Karen asked, feeling like a third wheel.
“I won’t thanks. I was actually on my way home when I was waylaid by a damsel in distress.” He winked at Jenny who blushed furiously in return. “Feeling any better now?”
“I’m fine. It was the shock that got to me more than anything. Thanks again, I appreciate you coming to the rescue.”
“No problem,” He gave them both a repeat of his earlier dazzling – albeit crooked – smile on his way out. “Hopefully, we’ll run into one another again sometime.”
Jenny remained shell-shocked in more ways than one. “Isn’t he justgorgeous?” she gushed when the door closed and her knight in shining armour had safely retreated.
Drop-dead gorgeous he might be, Karen thought knowingly, but everyone knew you could never trust a guy who looked that good.
6
The following evening, Jenny returned home to the biggest bunch of red roses she’d ever seen.
“Somebody likes you.” Karen grinned up at her from the couch.
“You mean those are forme?” she gasped. “I thought Shane might have sent them to you.”
“Are you nuts? Shane Quinn doesn’t know what a rose looks like. Your Sir Galahad, I bet.”
Dinner on Friday? Pick you up at eight,said the card.
It seemed that Jenny’s luck had suddenly taken a turn for the better.
Roan took her to a restaurant in the city and from the minute they were seated, they chatted together like old friends.
