Page 43 of A Second Chance Summer in Dublin
It takes me a minute to hear him properly, because all I’m expecting to hear is some kind of apology for cancelling, him telling me he really likes that woman he went on the date with in Bewley’s, and they’ve decided to go away for the weekend to Paris.
I clench my fists. Snap myself out of it. ‘G-grub? No. Well, actually, knowing Mia she will provide some nibbles – ya know, spicy stuff on wooden sticks with coriander – but just drinks mainly, I’d say.’ I hit speaker on my phone as I flop onto the velvet couch, utterly relieved. ‘And I know you’re not a tapas man.’
‘Ah, that’s what I thought, just didn’t know if it was a sit-down meal or somethin’? I haven’t been to any kinda party in a long while. So would you be free a little earlier to grab a bite beforehand?’ A deafening pneumatic drill sounds in the background and I retract.
‘Shut it down, Anto!’ Donal hollers away from the mouthpiece. It stops after a second. ‘Sorry about that, finishing touches to an adjoining brick wall here in a basement.’
I glance at the kitchen clock. ‘Rightio,’ I say. ‘And yes to the food, I’d love that, actually, but M. O’Brien’s doesn’t do food.’ I expend a quiet breath, suddenly even more hungry.
‘Aha. Well we could go somewhere else? Any particular restaurants or food joints you’d like me to take you to?’ Donal asks, politely.
I break into the biggest smile. ‘Wagamama,’ I say, outright. Just the thought of a lovely meal with him suddenly makes me very happy.
‘Ohhhh, yeah, love me a Yaki Udon,’ Donal gushes down the line.
‘Me, too – or a Chilli Chicken Ramen .?.?.’ I add, and my tummy actually rumbles.
‘Chilli Steak Ramen .?.?.’ he adds with a quiver in his voice.
‘Chicken and prawn Yaki Soba .?.?.’ I take up the baton.
‘Bury me with it!’ He laughs out loud, in that gorgeous, real laugh.
‘Stop! All so delish!’ I sit up, both feet on the ground, and rub my bare foot along the worn carpet. I’m smiling so hard. He’s just got the nicest manner, even over the phone. He’s like a warm hug, and I feel my anxiety about my reunion with Logan ebb away, out the door and floating off down the pointed rooftops of Old Camden Street.
‘Is it okay if I save your number in my phone?’ he asks me.
‘Sure,’ I say. Then I blurt, ‘But will you text me now because you came up as a withheld number .?.?.’
‘Sure. How are the nerves holding up. Really?’
I take a minute. He’s so kind. ‘Better now that I’ve talked to you,’ I admit.
‘That’s good. I know where you live, so I can call for you around five and we can walk to Wagamama together? How does that sound?’
‘Stalky?’ I joke.
He laughs heartily.
‘But perfect.’
‘See you then,’ he says genially.
‘See you then,’ I repeat, and Donal hangs up. I pace the flat and then press speed dial on Mia’s number to wish her luck tonight. She picks up on the first ring.
‘I’ve had two glasses of Pinot already with Charlies’ she laughs down the line.
‘I’m glad. I’ll see you in a few hours to celebrate your legal freedom,’ I say.
‘You’re good.’ Not so much a question, more a motivational push.
‘I am.’
‘Laters hot stuff.’ She disconnects the call.
Now time for me to start getting myself party ready.
Logan Hunter, here I come.
