“How long is the drive?”
“Ermmm,” Niall says, looking over his shoulder to change lanes. “Probably thirty minutes, give or take. Traffic can sometimes be a bit rough this early in the morning.”
I pull out my phone and check my messages, but nothing received from Aidan.
Daniel:Hey Aidan. About to get into Dublin
Daniel:Are you around to meet up and exchange keys?
“Everything all right?” Niall asks. His fingers drum on the steering wheel, not at all to the beat of the music. Nervous habit?
“Ahh maybe. I was just texting the guy I’m swapping apartments with to see about getting the keys.”
Aidan:Oh shit you’re a bit early?
Aidan:I thought you were getting in later in the day
Aidan:I just boarded my plane out to the States. I was going to text later and say my sister will meet you at the apartment once she’s off work to get you the keys.
Fucking hell. I just wanted to take a nap and then spend the day unpacking and settling in. Cocoon a bit before having to go back to work.
Daniel:No problem. What time do you think she’ll get off work?
Aidan:5…maybe 6? I know she specifically got annoyed because her schedule was busy today
Daniel:OK. Have her text me when she’s on the way
Daniel:Safe travels
I lean my head back and slump in my seat, closing my eyes. I need about a gallon of coffee and something to eat.
“Take it not what you wanted to hear?”
I open one eye and look at Niall. “Not particularly. He’s already on the plane heading to Connecticut and his sister doesn’t get off work until like six. And she has the keys.”
Niall nods, taking a quick glance behind me before switching lanes again. “Well, lucky for you I’ve got the book pub covered today so I am at your service.”
I sit up. “Really? You didn’t have to do that.”
“I can play your knight in shining armor. We actually talked about this awhile back, if you remember. I was going to spend the day showing you around, walk around Trinity College, get some pub food and beer in you. Unless that sounds awful to you.”
“That sounds great. Can we start with some coffee?”
“I know just the place.”
***
After we’ve parked the car, Niall and I walk along the River Liffey, my attention being pulled in multiple directions. He was purposely keeping me off the main part of Temple Bar, that he wanted me to not be half asleep and experience it with my full attention and appreciation.
We pass multiple coffee places, some I don’t recognize and some being a Starbucks, but Niall keeps us walking along the road. I know we are slightly off the center of Temple Bar, but even here the pubs are plentiful.
“I see you eyeing that Carrolls store. I can tell you that day one you don’t need souvenirs. You’re also practically a resident really and not a tourist. Save that for when you’re leaving.”
I was staring at the displays in the window, and thinking about how much I liked one of the sweatshirts. “But—”
“And if you are going to buy anything, let’s start with something from the Trinity College shop. At least you will look the part and maybe someone will mistake you for a student.”
I laugh. “No one is mistaking me for a student at this point.”
