Her sister just sighed and rolled her eyes each time.
But Moira did love her family.
Mum, Ill be home. She wasnt that far away, and it wasnt that she didnt get home frequently. This time, this Saint Patricks Day, she hadnt thought much about itjust because she did get home so often. She had just been home for the Christmas holidays. Going home now hadnt seemed crucial, in part because of the filming schedule.
But it was crucial now.
Did you hear me, Mum? I will be home for Saint Patricks Day.
Bless you, baby. I do need you.
Ill call you back as soon as I get things straightened out. You make Dad behave, okay?
I will.
She started to set the receiver down, but then she heard her mothers voice. Oh, sweetheart, I forgot to tell you
Yes? She brought the receiver back to her ear.
Youll never guess whos coming.
The great leprechaun? She couldnt quite help herself.
No!
Auntie Lizbeth? She wasnt really an aunt, just an old neighbor from back home. She came to the States every few years. Moira liked her, though she seldom understood hershe simply smiled at the old woman a lot. She was even older than Granny Jon, had the thickest brogue known to manand her wolfhound had chewed up her false teeth, since she hated them and was always leaving them on the table. To Moira, she had been almost totally incomprehensible even when shed had her teeth, and now, well, it was almost impossible for Moira to make sense of her words. Still, Granny Jon and her folks seemed to do just fine understanding the old woman.
No, silly. Not Auntie Lizbeth.
I give up, Mum. Who?
Dan. Daniel OHara. Isnt that wonderful? You two were always such good friends. I know you wouldnt have wanted to miss him.
Uhno, she said, and her voice cracked only slightly.
Goodbye, darling.
Bye, Mum.
Danny was coming.
She didnt realize that she was still holding the receiver with a death grip until her hand began to hurt and the low buzzing sound from the phone began to sink in. Then a recorded operators voice. If youd like to make a call
She hung up, stared at the phone, then shook her head in disgust. How long since she had seen Danny? Two years, maybe three? Hed been the love of her lifethe love of her young life, she corrected herself. But hed come and gone like the wind. Shed refused to see him the last time he had called to say he was in the States. He was about as dependable as good weather in a Boston winter. And still
Her heart quivered with a little pang. It would be good to see Danny.
Now that she was really over him.
And she was seeing someone, so she really would be immune to his, Ah, Moira, just a quick beer. Or, Moira Kelly, youd not take a stroll with me? Or even, Youd not like to make time stand still, hop in bed with me, girl, because you know, you do, that we were magic?
No more, Daniel.
She had a hectic life; she would be busy, especially since she was about to ask everyone to reschedule everything for her.
She loved her business. She was still in awe of the fact that she and Josh had made a go of it, that they were a production company and that their show was a modest success. Ireland, the old country, remained a passion for her parents. America was hers. Shed been born here and shed grown up here, and the diversity of her country was what she loved best. Since shed first gone to college, shed kept very busy. Forgetting what could never be. Or trying to.
Maybe, though, in the corner of her mind, she had always dreamed that Danny would come back. To stay.
With annoyance, she realized that the very thought made her wistful.
Okay, she cared for Danny, she always would. In a far, far corner of her mind! As far as a distant galaxy. She was a realist. Shed seen people through the yearsnot too seriously, because of her work. And she was seeing someone now, someone bright, compelling and with shared interests, someone whod entered her life at the right time, in the right way.
So Danny was coming to Boston. Good for him. He would like
For a moment, her mind went blank.
Michael! She was dating a man named Michael McLean. Of Irish descent, as well, but of normal Irish descent. They had a really great relationship. Michael loved a good movie and didnt whine about a bad one. He was an avid sports fan but liked a day at a museum just as well and was up for a Broadway showor Off Broadway, for that matter.
He was nearly perfect. He worked hard for her company, too. He was always on the go, seeing people, checking on logistics and permits. In fact, he was off somewhere right now. She wasnt even sure where. Well, of course, she knewshe just couldnt think of it right now. Talking to her mother had that effect on her.
It didnt matter where he was. Michael always had his cell phone on him, and he always returned messages, whether they were personal or business related. It was part of his being so wonderful.
And still, just thinking about Danny
Impatiently, she picked up a pencil and tapped it on her desk. She had other things to think about. Like business. She reached for the phone again and buzzed her partner, Josh.
It would be good to see Danny again.
She was startled by the wave of heat that seemed to wash through her with the thought. Like a longing to hop into bed this very second. She could close her eyes and see him. See him naked.
Stop it! she chastised herself.
Whats up?
What?
You called me, Josh said. Whats up?
Can we go somewhere for lunch?
Mentally, she put clothes on Danny.
Then she sternly forced him to the far corner of her mind.
She realized that Josh had hesitated, and as if she were in front of him, she could see his shaggy brows tightening into a frown. Danny retreated to memory. Her partner was very real, always a part of her life, steady, and just a downright, decent good guy. Josh Whalen was tall and lean, almost skinny. Good-looking. They had met in film school at NYU, almost had an affair, realized instead that they could remain friends for a lifetime but never lovers, and became partners instead.
Danny had been in her life then, coming and going. Josh would have been only an attempt to convince herself that she wouldnt have to wait forever for a man to love, but shed realized that before shed done anything they would both regret.
Once again, she firmly pushed Danny back where he belonged.
Josh was better than any man she had ever dated. They shared a visionand a work ethic. Theyd both slaved in numerous restaurants to raise the capital they had needed to get their small production company going; he had also worked in construction and dug ditches. They had both been willing to give a hundred percent.
You dont want me just to come to your office? Josh asked.
No. I want to take you to a nice restaurant, buy you a few glasses of good wine.
His groan interrupted her. You want to change the schedule.
I
Make it a sports bar, and buy me a beer.
Where?
He named his favorite little hole-in-the-wall, just a few blocks from their offices in the Village. He had an interview with a potential new cameraman, she was supposed to have coffee with a potential guest, but they decided to meet right after their appointments.
As it happened, their potential guest missed her connection and called in to find out if Moira would be available in the afternoon. Relieved, Moira cheerfully agreed.
She went out walking. And walked and walked until it was nearly time to meet Josh.
Moira reached Sams Sports Spectaculara true hole-in-the-wall but a great neighborhood placebefore her partner. She seldom drank anything at all during the day and was cautious even at night, but this afternoon, she ordered a draft. She was nursing it at the farthest table from the bar when Josh came in. He was a handsome, appealing guy in a tall, lanky, artistic way. He looked like a director or, she mused with a flash of humor, a refugee from some grunge band. His eyes were dark and beautiful, his hair reddish brown and very curly, and despite his wifes objection, he wore a full beard and mustache.
Wheres my beer? he asked, sliding into a chair by the table.
I wasnt sure what you wanted.
He stared at her as if she had lost her mind. How many years have you known me?
Almost ten. Since we were eighteen. But
What do I always drink?
Miller Lite. But
There you have it.
Im a bit off today.
You are a bit off. He raised his hand, and their waiter saw him. He gave his order, and the young man nodded in acknowledgment and started for the bar.
Why are you off today? Josh asked, leaning forward.
My mother called.
He grimaced. My mother calls almost every day. Thats no excuse.
You dont know my mother.
I do. He grinned and feigned a slight accent. Shes a lovely lady, she is.
Um. My dads ill.
Oh. Josh was quickly serious. Im sorry.
I She hesitated. That wasnt really it. I think hes going to be okay, although it appears he may need another surgery.
So you want to go home for Saint Patricks day.
I know we were supposed to be shooting at the theme parks in central Florida, and I know how hard you worked to straighten out all the paperwork and rights and
Things have been postponed before.
I truly appreciate your attitude, she told him softly, swallowing her draft, her eyes lowered.
I never believed wed be going to Florida in March.
She looked at him and flushed. You think I have no spine?
I think your mother could take on the Terminator.
She flashed him a grateful smile. I do have another idea. We can do a real ethnic Irish show and arrange with the Leisure Channel to do a live feed. It really might be a great idea. I think the viewers would love it.
Josh mused over the idea. He lifted his hands. You could be right. Fun, food, and fantasylive from the home of the hostess herself.
How do you feel about Boston in March?
Wretched, but then, its not much worse than New York. He smiled at her suddenly. Actually, I thought something like this might come up. Ive had Michael checking into the permit situation in Boston as well as Orlando.
Youre kidding! He didnt say a word.
He knows how to keep a confidence. I didnt want you to suspect I was second-guessing you.
Great.
Hey, kid, its a show we should have done before this.
She grinned, suddenly feeling a tremendous sense of relief. But you and Gina were looking forward to doing the whole Disney thing.
Well still do it. Well just reschedule. And the kids wont mindthey didnt really understand what was going on anyway.
She smiled. He had a point. At eight months, the twins undoubtedly didnt care one way or the other whether they got to see Mickey Mouse or not.
Do you want something to eat? he asked her. Or are you just going to drink your lunch? He indicated her beer glass. It was empty, and she didnt even remember drinking the whole thing.
I am Irish, she muttered.
He laughed, leaning forward again. Hey! No ill will intended. I just wondered if you wanted food or not.
Yes, yes, I guess I should eat.
They make a nice salad here.
Great. I think Ill have a hamburger.
Ah, were being a wild renegade today, eh? He teased, motioning to their waiter.
What? Are you trying to be just a wee bit condescending, so I dont have to be eternally grateful for making you change the entire schedule for the season?
He laughed. Maybe. Maybe its just amusing to see you so afraid of going home.
I am not afraid of going home! I go home all the time. Here comes the waiter. Just order me a hamburgerand another beer.
Josh did so diligently, but there was still a sparkle in his eyes.
So what are you so afraid of? he asked softly, once the waiter had taken their order and departed.
Im not afraid. I go home all the time.
But this time you seem uneasy. Is it the fact that you think we should film at your home as an excuse to go there? The whole thing does fit nicely. There are a lot of Irish in the United States. And on Saint Patricks Day
Everyone is Irish. Yes, I know, she murmured. Her second beer arrived. She flashed the waiter a smile. He grinned and left. She took a sip of the brew immediately, then sat back, running her fingertip along the edge of the glass.
So? Its perfect. Josh said.
Perfectand what a cast of characters we have.
Your mother is charming. So is your father.
Mmm. They are. Just
Just what?
Well, they areeccentric.
Your parents? No.
Stop teasing. You know Granny Jon. She had me convinced for years that I had to be really good or the banshees would get me on the way to the outhouse. I think that Colleen, Patrick and I were all out of high school before we suddenly realized the great flaw in her terror tacticswe didnt have an outhouse.
Your grandmother is adorable.
Like a hedgehog, Moira agreed. Then theres my father, who has yet to accept the fact that in the U.S., the Fighting Irish are a football team.
Not true! Ive watched college football games with him. Though he does root for Notre Dame, Ill give you that.
My mother will give speeches on how the traditional dish is bacon and cabbage, not corned beef, and somewhere along the line, if youre not careful, Dad will get going on English imperialism against the rights of the Gaelic-speaking people of the world, and then hell get going on the wonders of America. Hell forget that as a country we massacred hundreds of thousands of Indians and hell start to list famous Americans of Irish descent, from the founding fathers to the Civil Warboth sides, of course.
Maybe hell avoid talking about Irishmen who rode with Custer.
Josh, Im serious. You know my dad. Please, God, make sure no one brings up the question of Irish nationalism or the IRA.
Okay, well keep him off politics.
She barely heard him as she rested an elbow on the table, leaning over, preoccupied. Patrick will bring my little nieces and nephew, so Mum, Dad and Granny Jon will all be running around pretending there are stray leprechauns in the house. Theyll have beer kegs everywhere, and everything will be green.