There’s a hint of desperation in his eyes that makes me smile at Mrs. O’Malley and blurt, “I’ll make myself available whenever works for you. I’d like to see you again before you leave.”
She gives me a genuine smile, one that reaches her eyes, unlike the other timid smiles she’s doled out today. “Wonderful. Kieran, I’ll call you and we’ll set something up.” To me, she says, “It was lovely meeting you, and I’ll look forward to seeing you again.”
“Indeed, indeed,” Mr. O’Malley says. As he faces Kieran, I utter a silent prayer for him to say something nice, something fatherly, something that will leave Kieran feeling good. “Maybe then we can finally talk about you quitting this architecture lark and moving back home to take your place in the family business.”
I can almost feel the bubble of hope burst inside me. Kieran’s shoulders start to slump and then he jerks himself upright, angling away from his father. “Mum, it’s been grand. I’ll see you both in a few days. Teag, Sean, have a safe flight home. Sunshine?” He turns to me and holds out his hand. I grab hold of it and call goodbye over my shoulder as he practically drags me away.
We stride through the restaurant in tense silence. I give Don a quick wave and mouth ‘thank you’ as we fly past him to the door. Kieran veers to the left when we reach the sidewalk, pulling me along beside him. He stops abruptly when we reach the parking lot, dropping my hand and running both of his hands through his hair until it’s sticking up in a dozen different directions.
“What am I doing? I don’t have a car.” Semi-hysterical laughter bubbles out of him.
I place a gentle hand on his shoulder and he automatically covers it with his long fingers. “I do. Do you want me to give you a lift home?”
“Would you?” he asks, as if he thinks I might be kidding. I suppose I can’t blame him after that sneak attack parting shot from his dad.
“Come on.” With my hand still on his shoulder, I guide him toward my car. He remains silent as I open the door for him and he plops into the passenger seat so hard the whole car rocks. I close the door and take my time walking around to the driver’s side, inhaling several deep breaths of cool spring air. When I finally get behind the wheel and start the car, I say, “I don’t know where you live.”
“Can we just drive around for a bit? Is that okay?”
“Whatever you want.” And in this moment, I mean it. I’ll do whatever he wants, whatever will take that haunted look out of his eyes and make the light return. Whatever will make him grace me with that sweet, boyish smile again.
So I put the car in gear and I drive.
